EHR Usage Survey Results Now Available
Physicians and clinic managers from 29 communities completed the survey. Although half the respondents in the survey use an EHR, when ascribing a number to the total population, it is likely that number is around the national average of a about 20%. The variety of EHRs in use in Alaska is daunting- about 55 reported different EHRs! This gives weight to the need for technology to exchange the data, known as an HIE system (Health Information Exchange). To that end, the Alaska Legislature passed a bill this session, SB133 to create a statewide electronic health information exchange system. Click here for a summary of results from the 2009 EHR Usage Survey. For the entire report, click here.
EHRs in the News
Save the Date: September 27-29
The Alaska Health Information Technology Workshop
If you are planning to adopt an EHR in the future, this is the workshop for you. Selected vendor presentations will be held as part of the Alaska EHR Alliance vendor selection project along with a full two-day agenda packed with valuable information from national experts. For an overview of the workshop click here.
Alaska eHealth Newsletter Spring
Read about the latest Alaska EHR and HIE news for providers! For more information about the Alaska eHealth Network's efforts to provide interoperability to Alaska's EHRs click here or visit www.ak-eHealth.com.
Stimulus Monies Available for EHRs
The Economic Recovery Act 2009 offers a great opportunity for many physicians to receive funding to help defray the cost of adopting an EHR. For some, the incentive payments may be enough to cover the cost of a good quality, certified EHR. Payments will be made through additional Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements over five years, beginning in 2011, to providers who demonstrate "meaningful use of an EHR." More information is in the Alaska eHealth Newsletter.
Alaska EHR Alliance: Vision
The improved quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare delivery, through a statewide (eventually nationwide) network of interoperable electronic health records, accessible by patients, clinicians, and other integral medical entities in a timely, secure, and private manner.
Mission Statement
To promote and support development of a statewide, interoperable, Electronic Health Record network, by assisting Alaska's non-public sector healthcare providers in the adoption of Electronic health Records by providing information, guidance, and resources.
EHR Selection Project Launched
The State of Alaska approved funding to the Alaska eHealth Network for fiscal year 2008/2009 that included monies for the initial phase of the Alaska EHR Alliance pilot program, an EHR selection project. The plan includes an intensive analysis and comparison of EHR vendors, involves interested providers to test a select group of EHRs at a vendor fair, and together, selects two to three EHRs to recommend for adoption by Alaska providers. A task force is being convened of key stakeholders to guide the project and ACS-Healthcare Solutions, experts in healthcare IT, have been hired as lead consultants. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October, 2009.
AEHRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.