New York City to help doctors track patients’ records electronically

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has announced that the city is ready to equip doctors with computer software that can track patients' medical records in order to provide better preventive care. The new system would let doctors do much more than is possible with paper charts by integrating a patient's medical history, lab results and current medications into one electronic interface. The system will also provide up-to-date information to doctors through a series of alerts, as well as share data with other doctors and provide information about the current best practices for treating illnesses.