healthcare reimbursement and quality improvement: integration using the electronic medical record; comment on “fee-for-service payment - an evil practice that must be stamped out?”

reimbursement for healthcare has utilized a variety of payment mechanisms with varying degrees of effectiveness. whether these mechanisms are used singly or in combination, it is imperative that the resulting systems remunerate on the basis of the quantity, complexity, and quality of care provided. expanding the role of the electronic medical record (emr) to monitor provider practice, patient responsiveness, and functioning of the healthcare organization has the potential to not only enhance the accuracy and efficiency of reimbursement mechanisms but also to improve the quality of medical care.