> Then I guess I'm somewhat surprised that the US government isn't actively solving
>the health information technology problem that has been so eloquently described on
>numerous occasions ("one jumbo jet crashing every day") with the lowest cost, best
>piece of software for the job. After all, if the government pays for healthcare, it
>can also actively exert control over its quality.
>
But there is that fine line that must be walked as well when it
comes to promoting an anti-competitive environment. How many people
actually use(d) the free practice management/billing software
available from HCFA? I would bet that if that software had been used
and updated then HCFA would today be providing free software that
had been upgraded and updated over the years. But physicians made
their choices. We should learn from this history and find the
missed opportunitites.
> Right now, the VA is really at the forefront of information technology-based patient
>safety initiatives, yet there does not appear to be the tiniest inclination on the
>part of anyone at all in the US government to extrapolate these life-saving
>initiatives outside the VA.
>
Letters to politicians do help. Especially when the subject is a
passionate one for the politician and you are a constituent. So,
John have you written to Senator Clinton about this? Those of you
in New York have a prime opportunity.
> In addition, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe VistA has been attacked again
>and again in Congress by representatives swayed by lobbying from VistA's opponents.
>
Lobbying "for" open source is hopefully where OSHCA can serve once
it is more organized and mature.
Cheers,
--
Tim Cook http://www.OpenParadigms.com +1 731.884.4126
Home of Trusted Open source Records for Care & Health
http://www.openparadigms.com/torch_demo
