Why Health Informatics?
The healthcare industry is growing quickly as one of the most important segments of modern society. In the January 21, 2009 issue of the Wall Street Journal (p. B7): The Obama administrations plan to invest $50 billion over five years to encourage broader adoption of health-information technology is expected to include additional incentives for electronic prescribing. The industry accounts for a major portion of public spending. It is important to each of us as a person. It is driven by constant pressures to innovate and perform well. And, not very surprisingly, it is also an industry full of challenges and hopes. The healthcare industry is information intensive. Up-to-date and reliable information about patient conditions is essential for providing medical services. Information is also required to coordinate the many organizations and people involved in each medical service. Finally, information is needed to administrate the complex economical transactions involved in the industry. Un
