State e-Health Activities in 2007: Findings from a State Survey

Abstract

Virtually all states now are actively engaged in e-health strategies to facilitate the use of information technology to make the health care system more effective while providing greater value and higher quality. States see e-health initiatives as high-priority; however, they and their private sector partners face significant challenges that accompany such initiatives, including the issues of cost and time required for implementation and for realizing a return on investment. Nevertheless, as reflected in the wide range of e-health activities across the states, a consensus has emerged that these policies and initiatives are significant and well worth the effort. This report is based on a 2007 survey of states and the District of Columbia conducted by the National Governors Association (NGA) in partnership with Health Management Associates (HMA) and with support from The Commonwealth Fund. The purpose of the survey was to identify current ehealth initiatives, priorities, and challenges within state governments. Support for this research was provided by The Commonwealth Fund. The views presented here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Commonwealth Fund or its directors, officers, or staff. This and other Fund publications are available online at www.commonwealthfund.org. To learn more about new publications when they become available, visit the Fund’s Web site and register to receive e-mail alerts. Commonwealth Fund pub. no. 1104.