Underserved populations, and the healthcare providers serving them, very often have inadequate resources to take full advantage of health information technology that offers so much promise to improve the quality of and access to care for the general population. 

To ensure the quality improvements and costs savings to the nation as a whole, access to health information technology is necessary for all Americans including,

• minorities,
• inner city residents,
• rural, and
• other historically underserved populations. 

Current efforts for access to health information technology, such as the necessary resources, cultural and linguistic sensitivity, and health literacy, may not be meeting the mark.      

With this issue in mind, I am looking forward to attending a “panel-based, brown bag” lunch meeting, during the HIMSS12 conference. Here are the details.

Tuesday February 21                                                                                                                 Noon -2 p.m.                                                                                                                                Toscana 3609                                                                                                                             Venetian Sands Expo Center 

At this session, you will hear industry experts, from “diverse” business environments and populations, who are  committed to the integration and implementation of information technology to help reduce health disparities and support workforce development on a national level.

This discussion will attempt to focus on the approaches and resources necessary to ensure this population receives the full advantage of healthcare transformation in America.

You don’t need to register in advance for this session…so please join me on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from  noon- 2 -p.m.