Re: Would patients like to be able to email their doctors?

From: Howard McCollister (nospam_at_nospam.net)
Date: 12/29/04 

Date: 29 Dec 2004 07:39:12 -0600

"Carey Gregory" <tiredofspam123@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1584t0tu3cgss6mnoq0qpa3ru9pt2rsual@4ax.com...
>
> More likely it will simply get bogged down in a swamp of competing
> interests
> and differing standards with no compelling financial incentive to make the
> differing interests negotiate and compromise. Compromise will be
> necessary
> to make this happen. Now ask yourself why any of the players should
> compromise. If you can't think of a compelling answer with demonstrable
> *financial* benefits to the players, then the project is little more than
> a
> good idea that's destined for the graveyard of good ideas (which is
> currently in danger of overflowing).
>

This is a very well-stated summary of the reasons why it will be likely
decades. The logistical and especially financial reason are hugely daunting.
It's fine to address the big players, but about 70% of the players at the
tip of the spear - providers and smaller provider/systems/networks - are
outside of those systems. We are just seeing the emergence of a generation
of doctors who are comfortable with the EMR concept, but the majority are
still uncomfortable with electronic technology as it applies to the
point-of-care. Add to that the huge financial burdens that are imposed by
such a switchover in an arena where reimbursement is decreasing and costs
are already increasing and the majority of providers simply can't afford
such a large investment.

These things will eventually happen, but it will be decades before it
penetrates to the point anywhere close to that envisioned by Cisero.

HMc

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