Final answer:
The subsidies provided to hospitals and physicians to adopt electronic medical records have resulted in improved care for a greater number of patients due to efficiency gains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option O improved care for a greater number of patients because of the efficiency gains.
Subsidies provided to hospitals and physicians to adopt electronic medical records (EMRs) have resulted in improved care for a greater number of patients. EMRs make it easier for healthcare providers to access and share patient information, leading to more efficient and coordinated care. With electronic records, healthcare providers can quickly access a patient's medical history, medication records, and test results, allowing them to make informed decisions and provide better care.
By streamlining record-keeping processes and reducing administrative costs, EMRs can also contribute to cost savings in healthcare. However, it is important to note that the impact on healthcare costs may vary depending on various factors such as the initial investment in implementing EMRs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
The correct answer is option reduced health care costs because of the efficiency gains in record-keeping. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) included regulations to control increases in healthcare costs, and one significant measure was the requirement for healthcare providers to switch to electronic medical records (EMRs).
This shift has led to greater efficiencies in record-keeping and has contributed to lowering administrative expenses. Moreover, the sharing of digital records among providers can potentially improve the quality of health care by facilitating better coordination and continuity of care.
While concerns about the privacy of electronic health records are legitimate, policies have also been developed to address these and balance the costs of treatments and diagnoses, patient quality of life, and risks to individual privacy.