 President Bush recently called for the implementation of personal electronic   medical records (EMRs) that could be accessed and added to by health-care providers   with the patient's authorization, reported 

 (5/17/04).   The goal is to have a secure electronic system to store patients' medical information   within 10 years. 

 During a speech before the American Association of Community Colleges, the   president outlined his vision: EMRswhich store a patient's history, prescription   information, and other data, such as laboratory test results or x-rayswould   be available online for use by a patient's numerous health-care providers. 

 While physicians and health groups are applauding the President's idea, questions   about funding for the project have been expressed. "One thing we don't want   to see is an unfunded mandate that forces physicians into somehow having to   purchase hardware or software to accomplish this, especially in the current   environment where the pressures on physicians are so great," American Medical   Association Trustee and gynecologist Joseph M. Heyman told 

 An initial investment of up to $50,000 per physician is needed to implement   an EMR system, according to a study by the California Healthcare Foundation.   The initial cost can be recouped within a few years, with physicians saving   $20,000 per year. In addition, EMRs can help reduce redundant testing, eliminate   medical errors, and prevent adverse effects caused by conflicting courses of   treatment. 