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AMA adopts guidance for HIT donations

For immediate release
Nov. 13, 2007

As adoption of health information technology in physician practices continues to grow, the American Medical Association (AMA) passed new policy aimed at helping physicians who accept or donate health information technology (HIT) from or to hospitals or health systems.

“The high cost of health information technology is still a major roadblock to universal adoption, and accepting or donating an electronic health record system can be an option for many physicians,” said AMA Board Member J. James Rohack, M.D.  “This guidance should help physicians determine their needs and develop a mutually beneficial contract agreement.”

As part of its new policy, the AMA will:

• develop contracting guidelines for physicians considering accepting or donating electronic medical record and electronic health records systems from or to hospitals and health systems;
• educate physicians on the potential consequences associated with these partnerships;
• and encourage ease of use and interoperability of information systems used by hospitals and health care facilities.

The policy was adopted today at the AMA’s semi-annual policy making meeting.

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For additional information, please contact:

Robert J. Mills
AMA Media Relations
(312) 464-5970

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