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Paul Barach, MD

JAMA. 1999;281:862.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Modern medicine would not have been possible without the 20th-century technological revolution. It is ironic, therefore, that this technology may pose significant problems to patients by the end of this year. The year 2000 problem (Y2K, as it is called) exists because mainframe computer programs were originally created to read only the last 2 digits of the year field in data, the first 2 digits being an implicit "19." So, when the year 2000 is entered on older software or systems, it will be read as 1900. This flaw may potentially wipe out data, prevent computers from starting up, and lead software programs to make faulty calculations.

Virtually every aspect of the medical profession depends on computer systems hardware, software, and microchip-embedded medical devices. Health care professionals rely on these systems to treat patients, handle data, monitor vital functions, select medications, document patient care, and handle administrative . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Resident Representative, AMA Council on
Long Range Planning and Development
Boston, Mass