A recent AP story reports that five hearings across Wisconsin are scheduled to get input on how to implement a state-wide electronic medical records system. The system would allow Wisconsin and health care providers to compete for $36 billion in federal stimulus funds.

According to the story, many doctors in Wisconsin already use e-records:

The state Department of Health Services says a 2008 survey showed that about 79 percent of office-based doctors are currently using, or are in the process of implementing electronic health records.

A fully integrated system would allow any doctor in the state to share patient information with another doctor through the click of a button.

With the cost of health care rising year after year, expediting access to medical records and ensuring accuracy and reliability in health care delivery is crucial when lives are on the line. Medical innovation can save lives and money, but only if those technology advances are available to those who need it. Wired Wisconsin supports an open discussion on the implementation of an effective and secure state-wide electronic medical records system.