The plan, prepared by HHS’s national coordinator for health information technology, David J. Brailer, M.D., Ph.D., supports initiatives like electronic health records and a network to link health records nationwide. According to the report, the government will explore technologies that encourage widespread use of clinical decision support tools like electronic records, connect clinicians around the country, give people easier and more complete access to their personal health records and provide ways to monitor public health and quality care.

HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson said health information technology has the potential to reduce the nation’s annual health care bill by 10 percent.

"Electronic health information will provide a quantum leap in patient power, doctor power, and effective health care. We can't wait any longer," he said.

The plan offers general steps for the next stages in government-sponsored health IT, without committing to many specific initiatives. Many of the issues involved in health IT, from its overall costs and benefits to the details of a national health information network, will be considered by special panels and commissions yet to be appointed by Thompson. The report also suggests broad incentives for health IT adoption, such as regional grants, low-interest loans and Medicare reimbursement for the use of electronic health records, but does not offer any specific initiatives in those areas.

To read the full HHS report, go to here.