There is a lot going on in healthcare IT with all the ARRA stimulus incentives and big push to modernize our health care system. But, I do get the sense that rural hospitals have unique challenges. Will rural hospitals be able to qualify for ARRA monies by demonstrating meaningful use? Why or why not? How can we help these rural hospitals?
Do you work in a rural health care IT setting? If so, can you share some of your experience in attempting to modernize your IT infrastructure? Are there any emerging trends or technology offerings (example: free, web based online EMR's like Practice Fusion?) Or is the cloud a "no go" because of compliance issues? Is the problem budget, expertise, leadership, etc. or all of the above? Or do you have a success story to share?
Answers
A component of ARRA HITECH is the Extension Center/HIE support which will focus on small PCPs (10 physicians or less) and critical access facilities.
The primary issue is budget, followed by lack of expertise.
One very successful approach is actually a replacement facility to replace costly, ineffecient buildings. This new facility can actually provide the platform and financing for state-of-the-art HIT.
Reliable, fast and continuous internet access ( which opens up a lot of ways of communication)
and good medical personal who are well versed with using these facilities. a good nurse with sound knowledge of these can take and follow instructions from a super emr specialist in the city. And of course, specialists and super specialist doctors who are willing to demand examinations and give orders through these means.
Do you work in a rural health care IT setting? If so, can you share some of your experience in attempting to modernize your IT infrastructure? Are there any emerging trends or technology offerings (example: free, web based online EMR's like Practice Fusion?) Or is the cloud a "no go" because of compliance issues? Is the problem budget, expertise, leadership, etc. or all of the above? Or do you have a success story to share?
Answers
A component of ARRA HITECH is the Extension Center/HIE support which will focus on small PCPs (10 physicians or less) and critical access facilities.
The primary issue is budget, followed by lack of expertise.
One very successful approach is actually a replacement facility to replace costly, ineffecient buildings. This new facility can actually provide the platform and financing for state-of-the-art HIT.
Reliable, fast and continuous internet access ( which opens up a lot of ways of communication)
and good medical personal who are well versed with using these facilities. a good nurse with sound knowledge of these can take and follow instructions from a super emr specialist in the city. And of course, specialists and super specialist doctors who are willing to demand examinations and give orders through these means.
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