Physicians are now grappling with the concrete changes that health care reform brings to medical practice. "Tried and true" methods of care delivery, reimbursement structures, and long-established relationships between patients, providers, hospitals, and payors are now being challenged in a manner that has never occurred previously in our industry.

But, data is the one constant that remains and is perhaps the key to success during this period of transformation. Of particular importance is the ability of physicians to harness the specific data captured within their information systems, for improved trending and reporting, as well as for patient care. More than anything else, the ability to mine and use data effectively may make the difference between health care organizations keeping up with demands for increased efficiency and safety, and falling short of government as well as patient expectations.

This year's Physician/CIO Forum provided the opportunity for MEDITECH providers to share their concerns about change in our industry, as well as collaborate on ways they can use their own data to rein in costs and create a culture of chronic wellness. "With 32 million more people in the U.S. becoming insured, the demand on health care is necessitating different types of partnerships," said MEDITECH Vice President of Marketing Hoda Sayed-Friel.

"Hospitals are going to be held responsible for patient wellness in order to keep costs down. To succeed going forward, they will need full patient engagement, updated reimbursement structures, new collaboration models, and a strong I.T. foundation. It's a brave, new world!"

According to Sayed-Friel, the shift to more preventative care will likely include an increased emphasis on outcomes reporting, as well as telehealth monitoring for chronically ill patients, interprovider messaging, and cell phone reminders for annual physicals. "Use of data, both for trending and for communication, will be tied to reimbursements in the future," she says. "Providers will need I.T. to help them see what's currently happening at their facilities, as well as to allow them to reach out to their communities."

Guest speakers at the forum agreed that data and technology would be critical tools in helping physicians to adapt to the new reality. Keynote Speaker Dr. Isaac Kohane of Harvard Medical School stressed that using patient data for both research and individual care plans helps to ensure that patients always receive the safest, most appropriate treatment for their conditions. Several physicians from MEDITECH hospitals agreed that the availability of real-time data enables them to help patients maintain their health more effectively outside of the hospital walls. Providers also discussed how the flexibility of I.T. is benefiting them in their private practices, to accommodate both the financial requirements and the day-to-day needs of their communities.

MEDITECH leaders emphasized that they would continue to assist customers with patient safety goals, reimbursement concerns, and ARRA compliance. "Certification of our systems is underway, and we are ready to support our customers as they prepare for the long haul," said Sayed-Friel. "There's a lot that needs to be done, but technology and I.T. especially will help physicians to get the information they need to make it all happen."