With the Democratic National Convention under way Aug. 25-28 as this column goes to press, it’s not hard to let thoughts wander to the future of healthcare IT and what could happen under a new presidency.
Almost overnight, healthcare itself seems to have awakened from somewhat of a sleeping position as a campaign topic, where it has been dozing behind the more vibrant discussions of the economy and the war in Iraq. The first night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver reminded Americans of the long hard trail some have blazed for healthcare reform. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), who is battling cancer, made an appearance to drive the point home that every American deserves healthcare. Hillary Clinton, a long-time soldier for universal healthcare, added to Kennedy’s championing of healthcare reform in her speech the following night.
When the Republican National Convention gets under way Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, no doubt healthcare will get a boost there as well. Both presumptive presidential candidates have fleshed out healthcare platforms that include healthcare IT advancement.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) says increasing the use of healthcare IT can reduce costs. “We should promote the rapid deployment of 21st century information systems and technology that allows doctors to practice across state lines,” he states in his plan. McCain also argues that healthcare IT can help promote higher quality care, contain costs and encourage better research for treating chronic diseases.
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is also behind healthcare IT advancement. According to his platform, he proposes to invest $10 billion a year over the next five years to build broad adoption of standards-based electronic health information systems, including electronic health records. His plan will phase in requirements for full implementation of healthcare IT. He also promotes advancement of healthcare IT for improved quality of care and to lower costs through transparency.
Though the Bush Administration has been hard at work to establish electronic health records for every American by 2014, it seems clear that come next January, there will be a fresh wind blowing in favor of healthcare IT. A change of administration could well breathe new life into the effort to assuage bipartisan battles that have brought healthcare IT legislation to a virtual standstill. Perhaps the persuasive power of a new leader will make a difference in bridging the differences. Both candidates seem adept enough at persuasion. We will have to wait and see.
