Health Information Technology Strategic Framework Report

Dear Mr. President:

On April 27, 2004, you issued Executive Order 13335, Incentives for the Use of Health Information Technology and Establishing the Position of the National Health Information Technology Coordinator. This order establishes the importance you place on the development and implementation of a nationwide interoperable health information technology (HIT) infrastructure to improve the quality and efficiency of health care.

The Executive Order embodies your vision to develop a nationwide interoperable health information technology infrastructure that:

• Ensures appropriate information to guide medical decisions is available at the time and place of care;

• Improves health care quality, reduces medical errors, and advances the delivery of appropriate, evidence-based medical care;

• Reduces health care costs resulting from inefficiency, medical errors, inappropriate care, and incomplete information;

• Promotes a more effective marketplace, greater competition, and increased choice through the wider availability of accurate information on health care costs, quality, and outcomes;

• Improves the coordination of care and information among hospitals, laboratories, physician offices, and other ambulatory care providers through an effective infrastructure for the secure and authorized exchange of health care information; and,

• Ensures that patients' individually identifiable health information is secure and protected.

In order to help fulfill your vision, you directed me to submit a report within 90 days of your order on options to provide incentives in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to promote the adoption of interoperable health information technology. I am pleased to submit this report to support this important undertaking.

Sincerely,



Kay Coles James

Director

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