Forum Advocates for Improved Health Care Through Health Information Technology

WASHINGTON, DC-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce held its second Health Information Technology forum today which brought together leaders both from government and private industry to discuss how innovations by businesses, large and small, are revolutionizing the heath care industry and leading to better patient care.

"We are entering a new era in patient care," said Tom Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "The pace of medical advances has increased tremendously over the past ten years and we have an opportunity to make even greater progress through the coordinated development of new health information technology."

Ten years ago, having a specialist look at an x-ray meant sending the actual film to the doctor. Now, through the incorporation of new technologies such as digital x-rays, images can be transmitted around the globe to the best doctors for a second opinion instantaneously. Technological advances like this are saving lives and will lead to better patient care.

As the field of health information technology continues to rapidly evolve, one of the key future opportunities for the U.S. health care delivery system and the business community is to develop programs to maximize these new capabilities, and to ensure a nationwide interoperable electronic system, with the goal of using Health IT to dramatically enhance healthcare quality and value.

Today's Chamber forum served as a platform for public and private stakeholders to come together to discuss Health IT and its impact on the overall health care system, and how to allow for faster real world application.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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