Minnesota e-Health Update for the Week of April 1, 2013

Minnesota
Updated: Minnesota e-Health Hospital Fact Sheet and Report
The updated fact sheet and report show an increase in use of EHRs, however, only 62% of hospitals’ EHRs are able to electronically prescribe (e-prescribe) discharge medication orders. Findings also show that hospitals’ exchange of health information technology has improved over time but is still limited compared to the use of clinical support functionality. Two-thirds of hospitals indicated their greatest EHR-related need is for staff to manage and process the data, information, and knowledge.

Minnesota Accountable Health Model
MDH and the Department of Human Services (DHS) officially launched the Minnesota Accountable Health Model on April 1.The goal of this initiative, which will be supported in its testing phase by a major federal grant, will be to ensure that every Minnesotan has the option to receive team-based, coordinated, patient-centered care that facilitates access to medical care, behavioral health care, long-term care and other services while reducing costs.

As a first step, MDH and DHS are seeking applicants for two new groups that will help guide the initiative. Learn more and consider applying to the Community Advisory Task Force or the Multi-Payer Alignment Task Force. Applications are due by April 23.

Meaningful Use Boot Camp: Understanding the Changes in the EHR Incentive Program
The Regional Extension Assistance Center for HIT for Minnesota and North Dakota (REACH) will offer a half-day boot camp to help staff from clinics and hospitals understand Stage 2 Meaningful Use and its implications. Objectives include:

  • Understand the new EHR Incentive program requirements
  • Know what to do to prepare your facility to meet the new requirements
  • Understand what impact this will have on your EHR technology, your staff and your workflow 

When: April 22, 2013
Where: The College of St. Scholastica-Rochester Campus, Main Classroom, MN BioBusiness Center, 221 1st Avenue SW, Suite 100, Rochester, MN  55902
Cost: $20 for hospitals and clinics with signed agreements with REACH, $185 for non-REACH facilities
Register  

Privacy and Security Bootcamp: HITECH, Meaningful Use and Beyond 
The Regional Extension Assistance Center for HIT for Minnesota and North Dakota (REACH) and the Center for Healthcare Innovation at the College of St. Scholastica are hosting a Privacy and Security Bootcamp. Learn the most important steps in assuring a safe and secure electronic environment for maintaining patient information. For a minimal fee, gain access to valuable privacy and security tools and resources for conducting risk assessments and handling breach investigations and notifications available through the HealthSmart eBox.

Where: Otter Tail County Government Services Center Fergus Falls, MN
When: April 30, 9:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
Cost: REACH participants: $25; non-REACH participants: $199
Register: Online registration 

2013 Regional Telehealth Forum: Telehealth Strategies
The Regional Telehealth Forum, hosted by the Great Plains Telehealth Resource & Assistance Center (gpTRAC), will be held April 15-16. The forum will focus on will focus on: how telehealth services are used to address an organization’s strategic goals, and how telehealth is used as a strategy to address individual or population health needs.
Where: 6300 Earle Brown Drive - Brooklyn Center, MN
Register: http://www.gptrac.org/gptrac-2013-regional-forum/

A post-forum workshop, "Developing Winning Proposals that Support Telehealth and Telemedicine Projects," will take place from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Registration for the workshop is required: call 888-239-7092.

Did you know…
Both the e-Health and the Health Information Exchange briefs have been updated. Find both on the Minnesota e-Health Assessment webpage.

National
Provide Your Input to Inform ONC's Consumer eHealth Strategy
The Office of the National Coordinator for HIT (ONC), in collaboration with Cornell University, launched a new web platform for obtaining public input to inform health IT strategic planning. Check out the new PlanningRoom site, and provide your thoughts. You can visit PlanningRoom now through May 9, 2013, to participate in discussions and provide comments on specific topics. The site includes discussion topics and questions to help guide the conversation.

Updated Friday, 12-Apr-2013 15:35:57 CDT