Electronic health record, utopia or reality? Current state of affairs of electronic health record endeavors in United States

It is general belief that medical electronic records can reduce medical errors, increase physician efficiency and reduce health care costs, as well as promote standardization of care. However, confusion caused by non-standardized terminology, lack of regulation and overwhelming financial support explains current state of affairs in Health Information Technology that is present non only in United States but world-wide. This confusion is caused by lack of clear leadership and vision that would bring all involved parties in health care industry together to the common ground. Required technology consistent of fast computer workstations, networks supported by world-wide-web do exist, as well as software programs that can breach lack of communication between different health care electronic networks. Basic rules and regulations though limited to small health care networks also exist, as well as security "fire-walls" that should prevent alienation of sensitive health care information. However, ethical and regulatory principles are scarce and confusing with lack of clarity that will prevent abuse of widely accessible health care information. Upcoming future has to improve and implement regulatory principles, adapt current and introduce new laws and guidelines rather than to improve technology aspect of EHR. Only in this manner, broad base utilization of EHR will become reality and not a utopia.