New York State Congressman Brian Higgins recently addressed the benefits of using EHRs. He discussed their effectiveness during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy, and also in general, to improve the quality of patient care, integrate health systems, and reduce unnecessary costs.
In December, he addressed the floor of the House of Representatives to highlight the need for increased adoption:
Video Transcript
Mr. Speaker, there are many lessons to be learned in the wake of the hurricanes that devastated parts of New York and New Jersey, one of which is the importance of electronic medical records and health information technology. While many hospitals and medical centers were damaged by the storm, hospitals that employed electronic medical records were able to ensure that vital health information was maintained and not lost. Not only that, but electronic medical records enabled continuity of care as patients were transferred between hospitals.
Mr. Speaker, this is just one example of how electronic health records can improve the quality of patient care, integrate health systems, and ultimately reduce unnecessary costs. My Western New York community was an early adopter of electronic medical records and has since been recognized nationally as a leader in health information technology. I urge the House to continue the widespread adoption of health information technology and to assist in its expansion across the country.
I yield back the balance of my time.