The HITECH Act and electronic health records' limitation in coordinating care for children with complex chronic conditions.

While the HITECH Act was implemented to promote the use of electronic health records to improve the quality and coordination of healthcare, the limitations established to the setting of the hospital or physician's office affect the care coordination for those who utilize many health-related services outside these settings, including children with complex and chronic conditions. Incentive-based support or nationally supported electronic health record systems for allied and other healthcare professionals are necessary to see the full impact that electronic health records can have on care coordination for individuals who utilize many skilled healthcare services that are not associated with a hospital or physician's office.