IT landscape changing for sharing Oklahoma patient medical records
By Paula Burkes, The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Meanwhile,
The new
Fees range from
Coordinated Care Oklahoma Chief Administrative Officer
"Think of the exchange like a public utility," said Kendrick, who believes one network would lower operating costs. "You don't need two exchanges any more than you need two water supply companies."
What Yeaman and Kendrick, who are both physicians, passionately agree upon is the benefit and need to electronically share records. Since 2008, both have helped build
All providers are required to connect to an exchange by fiscal year 2016, or face reduced
Yeaman, a
"She was acting confused, and I asked her if she was sure she didn't have a stroke," Yeaman said. "She said she didn't think so, but that she was put on three new meds."
Yeaman logged onto SMRTNet to check his patient's medications, and instantly realized a common side effect of one of the drugs she was prescribed is confusion. He was close to sending her back to the hospital, but instead simply changed her medication, he said.
Similarly, Kendrick, an internist and pediatrician at the
"I can check their records and see that their cholesterol is normal, or their EKG (electrocardiogram) hasn't changed," he said.
Some not connected
"Patients choose their doctors, not their hospitals, and shouldn't have to worry that their medical records won't follow them across the street to different providers," Kendrick said.
Studies show sharing electronic health records reduces duplicated orders, harmful drug interactions and missed diagnostic opportunities, while boosting better health care, lower health care costs and better health outcomes. But despite the far-reaching benefits, some
Variety Care Chief Executive
"Now that the
Meanwhile,
Both Kendrick and Yeaman said they discussed a statewide merger, but couldn't agree on technology or governance, including board representation.
Still, Yeaman promises seamless, transparent service.
"We'll have agreements in place, much like
Creating rural connections
As private competition is heating up, the
The trust used the grant money, matched with some
Roswell said the trust also developed an affiliation agreement that ensures information can be shared across state exchanges, and established a certification process for exchanges to ensure secure sharing of patient health information. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, patients at any time may opt out of electronic sharing, he said.
Trustees of the
Some skeptical
Moore said the trust used federal funds to support a better alignment with the Affordable Care Act, which he strongly opposes.
The lawmaker said he also worries about the privacy of sharing electronic medical records.
"Truly, is there really any secure information any more?" Moore said.
"As the French philosopher
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