Free AMA Webinar to Help Physicians Access Stimulus Funds for HIT

As part of its continuing efforts to help physicians learn about and adopt new technology, American Medical Association (AMA) has announced a new, free Webinar series that will help physicians understand the health information technology (HIT) provisions laid out in the recently passed economic stimulus bill.

The three-part series will lay out what these provisions mean for physicians and how they can take advantage of the $19 billion in funds allocated for the purchase and use of HIT. The first Webinar is Thursday, May 21.
 
“The stimulus bill marks the first significant federal investment in HIT and offers both financial benefits for physicians and the promise of national standards that will increase the interoperability of systems,” said AMA Board Chair-elect Dr. Rebecca J. Patchin. “As new information becomes available, AMA will tap experts and healthcare leaders to review key components of the stimulus bill and offer insights on what they mean for physicians.”
 
The schedule for the Webinar series is below:

• Stimulus 101: Basics of the Health Information Technology Provisions
  Thursday, May 21, at Noon CT
• Stimulus 102: Update on the Health Information Technology Provisions
  Tuesday, June 9, at Noon CT
• Stimulus 103: Real World Perspectives
  Tuesday, July 14, at Noon CT

“AMA is optimistic about the promise HIT holds for increasing patient safety, improving care coordination between multiple physicians and reducing unnecessary paper work,” said Dr. Patchin. “AMA is eager to help physicians determine when the time is right to invest in HIT and how to make implementation as easy as possible.”
 
Recently, AMA launched an online electronic prescribing learning center for physicians looking to implement this aspect of HIT into their practice and take advantage of the Medicare incentive program. In the coming year, AMA will continue unveiling new resources and solutions for physicians that will simplify the HIT decision-making and implementation process. These products and services will be aimed at meeting individual needs and helping simplify physicians’ day-to-day routines so they can focus on what they do best – caring for patients.

To register for the Webinars and view the HIT tools and resources AMA currently has available, visit the AMA Web site.