November 2011 (Burlington, VT) -- Patient Engagement Systems, a provider of IT solutions that improve primary care for people with chronic diseases, has committed to support a new consumer initiative from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ONC's new initiative promotes active participation by consumers in their own health care. Patient Engagement Systems pledges to support ONC by empowering individuals to be partners in their health through information technology.

"Patient Engagement Systems fully supports ONC's efforts to help people to become partners in managing and improving their health. Our mission helps patients and providers make better connections regarding their health," said Stanley Goldstein, President & CEO of Patient Engagement Systems. "We are particularly pleased that Secretary Sebelius at HHS has proposed new rules that would expand the rights of patients to access their health information. Specifically, the new rules would empower patients and allow them to gain access to test results reports directly from labs, further empowering them to use this information to better manage their health care needs. Our mission fully supports these efforts."

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HSS) announced the launch of the ONC Consumer Program to engage consumers in their health via Health IT on September 12, 2011 at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' inaugural Consumer Health IT Summit. The Washington, D.C. Summit featured federal health and technology leaders, including HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The Summit highlighted vital benefits of electronic health records and health IT, including:
  

* Health IT empowers patients. For example, people at risk for heart attacks may use mobile health applications to manage their weight, diet, and medication adherence.
 

* Health IT can facilitate lasting quality improvements, which can lead to greater efficiency and cost savings in the long-term.
 

* Health IT is driving innovation in all parts of consumers' lives - from new interactive applications to devices like digital pedometers and other devices that capture important health information from everyday experiences.
 

* Health IT helps coordinate better care, and can be a powerful tool if you or a loved one is managing a serious medical condition.
 

* Health IT has robust security and all users, from patients to caregivers to doctors, can easily and safely access and share health information electronically.
 

* Health IT may help diagnose health problems sooner, avoid medical errors and provide safer care which can result in lower costs.
 

For more information about the HealthIT campaign and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, visit www.HealthIT.gov

For more information about Patient Engagement Systems, visit www.patientengagementsystems.com