BCBSA Applauds Congress For Promoting Health Information Technology
Cautions against provisions that would cripple reform efforts to improve quality and rein in cost
July 24, 2008
WASHINGTON – In response to today's hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee on the promotion and use of health information technology, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) President and CEO Scott P. Serota issued the following statement:
"BCBSA would like to commend the committee for exploring ways to advance health information technology (health IT) in our country. Health IT has the potential to transform the way healthcare is delivered and significantly increase safety, efficiency and quality of care. We remain committed partners in promoting technologies that have revolutionized other industries. However, we have serious concerns that some proposals under consideration by Congress could paralyze implementation of health IT initiatives widely recognized as steps we need to take to assure quality of healthcare in the U.S.
"As Congress works on health IT legislation, it is critical they strike the right balance between protecting patient privacy and ensuring necessary information is available for the initiatives needed to improve quality, manage chronic illness, promote health and wellness and change financial incentives to reward best outcomes, not more services. Our shared vision for the future of healthcare in America hinges upon the careful development and execution of an IT infrastructure that supports the goals of addressing healthcare quality, reining in costs, and expanding access to everyone.
"BCBSA and the nation's 39 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have been at the forefront of efforts to encourage broad adoption of health IT by developing national standards for personal health records, encouraging providers to use electronic prescribing and electronic medical records, and promoting the adoption of interoperable health IT. We look forward to working with Congress and the administration to develop health IT initiatives that enhance, not hinder, efforts to improve the healthcare system."
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 102 million individuals - one-in-three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com.
