This new report analyzes the cost savings that could result from a nationally integrated system of EMRs. A RAND Corporation study found that widespread, effective use of EMRs could save the United States at least $162 billion and potentially as much as $346 billion annually. These savings result from increased safety through reduced prescription errors, reduced duplication of procedures, better management of chronic disease, and more effective benchmarking of treatment outcomes.

"Healthcare as a political issue will only grow more intense in the coming years," said William T. Archey, President and CEO, AeA. "The high-tech industry has much to contribute to this debate. Our companies face soaring U.S. healthcare costs in a competitive global economy. At the same time, the tech industry offers health information technologies that can improve care and lower costs. This begins with electronic medical records. Other industries have reaped enormous benefits by embracing information technology. Our healthcare system needs to catch up."

AeA supports legislative reforms that would:

• Stimulate industry-led health information standards that facilitate interoperability between all healthcare providers while safeguarding consumers’ sensitive personal identifying information;
• Fully fund the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and makes it a permanent office within HHS;
• Implement financial incentives to help small- and medium-sized healthcare providers implement EMRs, including grants and loans for the initial investment in the necessary equipment, software, and support;
• Enact differential reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare for those providers that use EMRs;
• Leverage federal and state purchasing power to push for widespread adoption and utilization of EMRs and the use of standards as noted above; and
• Provide consumers with access to digital copies of their healthcare records.