Health care providers are not alone in their efforts to increase their health information technology (IT) capabilities. Thru the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched several programs to establish, develop and implement provisions to improve health IT.
The HITECH Act demonstrates HHS's commitment to supporting the health care industry through Regional Extension Centers (RECs).
RECs objective is to offer support to providers in the adoption and meaningful use of EHRs. Located in communities nationwide, RECs cover every region in the US.
The REC consultants will prioritize in assisting:
- Individual and small primary care providers with limited resources to implement and maintain an EHR system
- Physicians and physician practices who serve underprivileged or special needs communities
- Critical access, rural hospitals, and community health centers that serve predominately uninsured populations
The RECs main objective is to assist providers with:
- On-site Technical Assistance
- Selecting EHR products that meets the needs of the organization
- Effective EHR implementation
- Developing the EHR system for optimal use.
- Protecting the privacy and security of PHI
- Improving patient care and satisfaction
