Question

Why have all these systems? Ex: EHR

a) To improve communication between departments
b) To centralize data and enhance accessibility
c) To increase overall operational costs
d) To complicate decision-making processes

Answer 1

Systems like EHRs are used in healthcare to improve inter-departmental communication, centralize patient data, and control costs by reducing administrative expenses, as guided by ACA regulations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking why systems like Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are used within healthcare. The correct reasons for implementing such systems are:

• Improving communication between departments within healthcare settings.
• Centralizing data which enhances accessibility and coordination of care.
• Helping to control healthcare costs by reducing administrative expenses as per regulations introduced by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The answer is certainly not to increase overall operational costs or to complicate decision-making processes. In fact, the ACA specifically caps the amount healthcare providers can spend on administrative costs, indicating a clear intent to reduce overall operational expenses and streamline processes.

These systems fulfill the need for efficiency and standardization in healthcare, especially in an era of increasing demand and an aging population. They also align with the ACA's goal, which is to lower healthcare costs while ensuring everyone in the United States has access to health insurance.