Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What is a primary goal of the HITECH Act?

1. Increasing patient wait times

2. Providing incentives for meaningful use of electronic health records

3. Reducing healthcare data storage

4. Eliminating the need for technology in healthcare

The correct answer is: Providing incentives for meaningful use of electronic health records

The primary goal of the HITECH Act is to provide incentives for the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). This legislation was introduced to promote the adoption and effective utilization of health information technology, which is essential for improving healthcare quality, safety, and efficiency. By offering financial incentives, the HITECH Act encourages healthcare providers to implement EHR systems that enhance patient care through better data management, increased access to health information, and improved coordination among healthcare teams. The emphasis on "meaningful use" is particularly important, as it ensures that simply adopting EHR technology is not enough; providers must also demonstrate that they are using these systems in ways that positively affect patient outcomes. This includes utilizing health information to inform treatment decisions, improving healthcare processes, and advancing patient engagement. The aim is to create a more connected and efficient healthcare system, which is a significant aspect of modernizing healthcare infrastructure. Options like increasing patient wait times, reducing healthcare data storage, or eliminating the need for technology in healthcare do not align with the objectives of the HITECH Act, as these would not contribute to the promotion of healthcare quality or efficiency.