Dear Roger,

The ink is still drying on our new health reform law, and opponents are attacking one of its most important building blocks — health information technology (IT).

The federal government is about to make taxpayer dollars available to hospitals and doctors to adopt electronic health records to improve patient care. They recently proposed requirements providers would have to meet if they want this free financial help — like giving patients and caregivers access to their own information, and reporting on the quality of care.

But opponents are running ads in Washington to pressure politicians into taking the "health" out of electronic health records.

They want the money (to buy new technology) but don’t want to be held accountable for using it to provide you with better care.

They must not prevail! Help us encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to stand strong in the face of these attacks.

The Campaign for Better Care is leading the charge to ensure that health IT is implemented effectively and with adequate privacy protections — so that taxpayer dollars are put to good use by building a solid foundation for our health care system, powered by 21st century technology.

Why is this so important? Done right, health IT will mean more and better information available to patients, better communication among doctors, reduced costs, and ultimately better health outcomes.

But just digitizing patient records won’t mean better care unless providers use the technology in ways that are meaningful to patients and families.

Relaxing the requirements for the "meaningful use" of health IT for those who seek federal funding would strike a blow to the opportunity for all Americans to fully realize the promise of health care reform.

We need your help today. Join us in urging Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to stand strong.

We need her strong leadership now more than ever. Send her an email and encourage her not to bow to the demands of those hoping to receive public money just to maintain the status quo.

Your tax dollars — and your health — are at stake, so contact Secretary Sebelius today.

Sincerely,

Debra L. Ness, President

OH, NO YOU DON’T

Opponents are trying to undermine the success of health reform by weakening the requirements for "meaningful use" of health information technology. But patients and families shouldn’t have to wait any longer for better care.

In a recent survey, 92% of patients age 40 and older said they think it’s important for doctors to use electronic health records to improve care.

Don’t let opponents get away with it. Urge Sebelius to stand strong in the face of this attack.



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