Matters relating to electronic health records top a list of concerns that will impact the health IT field in 2012, according to a new statement from the American Health Information Management Association.

Developments in the meaningful use incentive program are likely to be near the front of the minds of many health information management professionals. The report points out that the rules for Stage 2 meaningful use will be released this year. Also, regulators will begin discussion of Stage 3.

Furthermore, AHIMA officials predict that the use of EHRs will continue to grow at a rapid rate in 2012. This brings more opportunity to exchange data, fulfilling some of the promise of EHRs. However, it will also lead to the creation of vast amounts of data. Health IT professionals should be preparing to handle this.

Health information exchanges, ICD-10 preparations, and privacy and security concerns also made the list of issues to watch in 2012.

Last year was a relatively big year for the adoption of EHRs, but some commentators have predicted that 2012 will see even more physicians moving to the technology. While this may present a few challenges, it also may lead to great opportunity.