RT Journal
A1 Wang C, Huang AT
T1 ELectronic health record technology—reply
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD June 6
VO 307
IS 21
SP 2255
OP 2255
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.3530
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.3530
AB 
In Reply: In response to Mr Nahass and Dr Nahass, we agree that interoperability is critical for allowing different EHR systems to connect. We see interoperability and security standards as ramps and traffic signs to entering and exiting the information highway, and key in establishing a universal database. The government or a credible agency will need to set standards with input from industry; the standards will need to be rigorously evaluated, as was done in the development of e-prescribing.1 Both proprietary and nonproprietary systems can compete for market share based on their user interface design or overall systems capability. Patents and copyright protections have been central to technological innovations; however, studies suggest that patents can also impede innovation if they are overdone.2- 3