BARRINGTON, Ill. (AP) --General Electric Co., a major maker of medical equipment, says the government's new rules on "meaningful use" of computerized health records will make compliance "a more realistic prospect" for doctors and hospitals.
The Obama administration proposed a five-year plan to push doctors and hospitals to use computerized medical records, which it argues will improve patient safety and cut costs.
The government will help pay for computerized systems, but providers could face cuts in Medicare payments if they don't use electronic records by 2015.
Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of GE's health care information technology unit, said the government made changes from its initial proposals that will make it easier for providers to comply with the rules. Wanchoo also said it was now more clear what GE must do to make sure its products are certified to meet meaningful-use standards.
