Opinion
Gingrich's vision for electronic medical records spells trouble for physicians
LETTER — Posted Sept. 27, 2004
Regarding "Gingrich's grand vision" (Article, Aug. 9): Before Newt Gingrich's inane interview, I was a believer in the necessity of an EMR; after reading it, I am convinced that he needs to stay as far away from the process as possible.
His "facts" are fractured.
No physician could pay for the conversion to an EMR upfront, then "borrow against the float," as he so self-righteously enunciates.
And since when do pharmacists call back on "40% of all prescriptions?" I must write or call in 5,000 prescriptions annually and average 10 callbacks from pharmacists per year.
I could keep quoting, but it isn't worth the effort.
Frankly, I suspect that Gingrich and his organization are in this to get filthy rich at the expense of primary care physicians and the unsuspecting public.
Jerry L. Haag, MD, Elmer, N.J.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/09/27/edlt0927.htm.
