Transforming Healthcare through Information TechnologyBy Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Community Health Information technology has revolutionized our lives. It impacts the way we communicate, how we learn, work and spend free time. We use the Internet to make educated decisions about banking and shopping or we use text messaging to inform a friend if we are running late for coffee. Information technology is used in every aspect of our lives. And now we have opportunities to use it to improve healthcare outcomes and efficiency, and increase the overall quality of our healthcare delivery system. To advance these opportunities, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has launched several health information technology initiatives and most recently has pulled together stimulus proposals for potential cyber-ready health information technology projects. Georgia’s Transparency Web Site for Healthcare Consumers DCH launched a healthcare consumer Web site in December. The Web site provides unbiased information on quality and cost of care and the availability of services across Georgia With a single keystroke, consumers and caregivers are empowered to make informed choices about their healthcare. The Web site can be used as a planning tool to gather information about elective procedures, diagnostic tests, healthcare facilities with specialty services and prescription costs. The site also incorporates MayoClinic.com disease management and wellness information for users. e-Prescribing and Health Information Exchange To bridge the gap between health providers, DCH launched a Health Information Exchange (HIE) grants program aimed at fostering the development of HIE, electronic prescribing, and/or adoption of EMRs across the state. In addition, through a collaborative effort called the Georgia Rx Exchange, DCH is also working to advance the use of health information technology to exchange medication information across state agencies. The Georgia Rx Exchange will offer innovative ways to improve medical care and enhance patient safety. The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Georgia Department of Human Resources and the Georgia Department of Corrections are participating in this program. EHR Adoption Recently, Georgia was selected to participate in CMS’s Medicare Electronic Health Record Demonstration Project, which provides Georgia physicians support for the adoption of EHRs into their clinical practice. Over a five-year period, the program will provide financial incentives to physician groups using certified EHRs to meet certain clinical quality measures. EHRs are an invaluable tool that can ensure that people receive the right care at the right time. It is also important to consider the privacy and security issues of EHRs. Georgia, along with 42 other states, is participating in a national collaborative effort to address privacy and security policy issues affecting electronic health information called the Health Information Security & Privacy Collaboration (HISPC). Georgia recognizes the need for consumer support and education to further the adoption of health information technology and HIE. Georgia is one of eight states scheduled to hold public meetings and distribute information to consumers regarding the benefits and risks of storing and accessing health information electronically. Georgia’s medical community can no longer used 19th century technology to cure 21st century healthcare ailments. Health information technology has the potential to improve the quality, efficiency and transparency of healthcare which ultimately improves the health of Georgia citizens. Georgia Department of Community Health Health IT ARRA 2009 Proposals:
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