The economic stimulus package is upon us – what does it really mean to healthcare?

Billions of dollars are headed to healthcare in the form of awards for electronic investments in physician offices and hospitals.  Some $45 – 65k is targeted for physician offices that make investments in electronic records and some $2M per hospital is also to be funded.  While laudible for patient safety, quality of care, and clinical documentation for payment reasons, will it really make a difference in the overall economy is the question of the hour.  “Shovel ready” projects are all the rage.  Folks that have delayed Strategic Planning or postponed Search and Selection processes are certainly behind the times.  While the money pressures have certainly focused facilities to maximize legacy investments, without a concerted System Optimization effort, those may not be enough.  Further, with the staff reductions, particularly in overhead expense areas like IT departments, Staff Augmentation needs for any sizable project or investment may need to be considered.  In short, this money is not free and will not come on a silver platter. Now is the time to re-focus your IT strategy.