(Madison County, NY – Oct. 2014) Today’s healthcare system is changing rapidly, including the ways providers access health records and coordinate patient care. Although the use of electronic health records has been proven to result in improved quality and coordination of health services, Madison County has been identified as one of the least-connected counties in New York state for the use of electronic medical records.
Electronic health records represent the ability for providers, such as laboratories and specialists, to securely share information with other providers involved in a patient’s care.
To examine this issue, The Madison County Health Department has been awarded funds to assess how increased access and use of electronic health records among small, rural healthcare providers may reduce administrative costs while improving the quality of patient care through meaningful use of health data.
The Madison County Health Department and Cazenovia Area Community Development Association prepared the grant in partnership with the Madison County Rural Health Council, which will implement the project.
“This $84,985 Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant, from the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Services Administration, will allow us to identify needs of local providers and then develop strategies to support transitioning to electronic health records, including electronic medical records,” said Executive Director Bonnie Slocum. “This project seeks to increase access to healthcare, improve healthcare delivery to patients and explore options for small rural providers to acquire systems though collaboration and partnerships.”
Project results will provide information about the benefits of electronic health records and potential opportunities for small or independent healthcare practices to work cooperatively to support overall cost-effectiveness of and sustainability of EHRs.
“Quality health care results from effective communications between the patient and healthcare providers involved in their care,” Slocum said. “Electronic health records facilitate more timely, efficient and accurate communication.”
To learn more about the initiatives of The Madison County Rural Health Council, visit www.mcruralhealthcouncil.org.