What does the HITECH Act primarily incentivize?

The HITECH Act, or the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, primarily incentivizes the use of electronic health records (EHRs). One of its main purposes is to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology by healthcare providers. By providing financial incentives to those who adopt EHR systems, the HITECH Act aims to enhance the efficiency, quality, and safety of patient care through better data management.

This focus on electronic health records is critical because EHRs facilitate streamlined communication, data sharing, and improved coordination among healthcare providers. Additionally, the use of EHRs helps to ensure that patient information is accurate and readily accessible, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

While the other options—educational software development, improvements in telecommunication, and training for healthcare providers—may be relevant in the broader context of healthcare technology and infrastructure, they do not encapsulate the primary aim of the HITECH Act, which is centered specifically on the incentivization of electronic health record adoption and use.