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Printer Friendly Version
EHR System Improves Care in Rural Communities
A report on how health information technology can improve health care for Americans living in rural communities has been released by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The report examines how the Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA) in Othello, Wash., uses health information technology to improve healthcare quality and patient safety, as well as promote care coordination and continuity.
The CBHA provides 25,000 patients with access to a variety of medical, dental, prescription, and other services. CBHA was also one of the first health centers in the United States to fully transition from paper-based charts to an electronic health record (EHR) system.
In response to the growing prevalence of diabetes in rural communities, CBHA used the EHR system to track 1,302 diabetic patients. CBHA monitored whether patients received recommended exams and provided the feedback to healthcare providers.
In January 2008, only 31% of CBHA patients received a foot exam, and only 37% received an eye exam. By June 2008, 86% of patients received a foot exam and 63% received an eye exam. Since CBHA's implementation of EHRs, the community health center has consistently ranked above the 95th percentile nationally in total medical and dental team productivity.
Approximately 65 million Americans live in communities with shortages of primary care providers and nearly 50 million of those Americans live in rural areas. Health information technology, and specifically EHRs, can improve care for patients and assist in clinical decision making and the use of evidence-based guidelines. EHRs can also decrease administrative hassle, increasing workplace satisfaction and productivity.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) encourages greater use of health information technology through significant and new investments. Through incentive payments to providers and hospitals, funding from the ARRA will accelerate the adoption of health information technology and the creation of an interoperable, nationwide network. Health insurance reform will build on this investment by simplifying and streamlining administrative procedures, investing in telehealth and improving the quality of health care.
ARMA International Washington Policy Brief, October 2009
