The Value of EHRs is Derived from Their Ability to be Interconnected
To the Editor, Re: “Doctors Hit a Snag in the Rush to Connect” (NYT Business Day, Oct. 1): The value of electronic health records comes from being interconnected, giving doctors secure and confidential access to consenting patients’ medical information anytime, anywhere, and potentially saving lives. Interconnectivity enables transmission of patient clinical records through a network connection. Common standards will broaden use of electronic records and facilitate connectivity with health information exchanges. Standards will reduce costs, paving the way for smaller physician practices to gain access. Creating “plug and play” connectivity will give all parties a stake and a benefit in lowering costs while growing new markets and innovative new products.