Scope of this report

• This brief discusses the healthcare IT related initiatives launched by the Bush administration.
• IT outlines the constituents of the National Health Information Infrastructure 10-year plan, launched by NHIT co-ordinator David Brailer.
• It highlights the differences in healthcare IT approach between the presidential candidates and how Bush's continued presidency will affect this area.
• It uncovers the greatest opportunities in terms of IT investment areas triggered by federal legislation and policy.

Research and analysis highlights

EHR and telemedicine will continue to be two main focus areas for the Bush administration, thus the goals and strategies connected to the NHIT office's 10 year plan remain applicable and some progress has already been achieved on many of its action points

The key question; however, stands whether these actions will be enough to really lead the US to deliver on the promise of an interoperable EHR infrastructure without the government stepping in as an enforcer and picking up the tab, rather than acting as a mere advisor.

While a positive force, the US national healthcare IT agenda will not be enough to spur increased investment in isolation. In conjunction with positive trends in the vendor, health plan and patient arena it will be one of several key forces to boost healthcare IT, with provider organizations having to finance most of the investment.

Key reasons to read this report

• Understand the progress that has been made on the 10-year health IT plan so far and what can be expected in the near future.
• Assess the implications of a continued Bush presidency on healthcare IT going forward
• Identify key opportunities for your products and services within healthcare.