Sebelius sees IT as key to health reform

Gov Kathleen Sebelius (D-Kansas), who is awaiting confirmation as the next secretary of Health and Human Services, has made it clear that she views the widespread use of health information technology as essential to reforming the health care system. In 137 pages of written answers to questions from members of the Senate Finance Committee after an April 2 confirmation hearing, Sebelius repeatedly cited health IT as a way to lower costs, raise the quality of care and achieve comprehensive health care reform. "A nationwide interoperable health IT infrastructure is a fundamental building block for broader health reform," she wrote, adding that the federal government must step in to ensure that "systems are interoperable and that patient privacy is assured." In 10 instances, Sebelius also referenced transparency as a tonic for the health care industry's ills.