We're finding more and more that electronic health records, as defined by the standards for "meaningful use," are far less than comprehensive. Mental health providers, with the exception of psychiatrists, aren't eligible for federal subsidies. Dental records aren't required. And now, two organizations say federal officials should consider integrating two standards from the healthcare supply chain into EHRs and supply-chain management systems as an additional safeguard against medical errors.
Specifically, the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association and the American Hospital Association's Association for Healthcare Resource and Materials Management say that standards known as the Global Location Number to pinpoint the location of a product or service and the Global Trade Item Number, which identifies specific products and services, can help take harmful devices and supplies out of care settings in case of a recall.
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