White House Proclaims National Health Information Technology Week, Sept. 11–16, 2011

Washington DC, Sept. 12, 2011—President Obama has declared the week of Sept. 11-16, 2011, National Health Information Technology Week, and the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for health IT has recently added new online resources for patients and providers. A new website, HealthIT.gov, offers background and advice for patients and families about how to access medical records, protect health information privacy, and in general become more involved in their care. For providers, the site offers advice about adopting electronic health records, including information about a federal incentive program.

The ONC is also offering new videos on its YouTube channel. Under the theme, “Putting the I in Health IT,” the videos feature consumers explaining how they use access to electronic health records and a proactive, engaged attitude to improve the quality of the medical care they receive.