The mere fact that a system is investing in EMR/EHR with subsidizies to physicians to the tune of $400 million is breathtaking enough. But how does that change the landscape for everyone else? The greatest reform/transformation of practice will come from coordinated networks of care with information to effect evidence based change in practice. (I know I have been around awhile but doesn't that sound like a closed model HMO in development.) In any event, its coming to your town and if you aren't the financially strongest system then you are going to be chasing the wind trying to close an increasely difficult gap.
That system is North Shore Long Island Jewish but other large and well funded systems are following suit. They will tie physicians to them in a way that you won't be able to break. They will effectively create networks of medical homes.
If your capital is not going into IT and physician IT you are spending dollars on technology that may not get used!
The relaxed Stark laws are a gift that is good for the patient and for the system that moves with deliberate speed.
