West Virginia’s Health Information Continues to Modernize
From The Governor’s Desk
A weekly column by Gov. Joe Manchin
This week, West Virginia received some good news regarding our efforts to modernize health records across the state. I was pleased to join state Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Patsy Hardy, several state and local health care officials, as well as representatives from the medical community to announce the establishment of the West Virginia Regional Health Information Technology Extension Center (WVRHITEC).
The West Virginia Health Information Technology center will be based in Charleston, and is being made possible by a $6 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This center, like others being established across this nation, will offer assistance to primary care professionals as they work to implement and use electronic health record systems.
Our primary care physicians deliver a large portion of our state’s health services, which is why it is essential that they have access to resources that will allow them to modernize health record systems. The regional Health Information Technology center will offer education, technical assistance, guidance, and information to help doctors install and operate their electronic health records system effectively.
I believe that it is important to give our health professionals the tools necessary, such as electronic health record systems to transform delivery of care, improve the quality of care, and facilitate a safe exchange of health information between the physician and patient.
Having the capability to “go electronic” in our health facilities can help minimize or eliminate the possibility for error. One example that comes to mind is reading a physicians handwriting. I have a brother who is a physician, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to read his writing.
WVRHITEC has been a true collaborative effort. Some of those participating are the West Virginia Health Improvement Institute, the West Virginia Medical Institute, and the Community Health Network of W.Va.
Other organizations and agencies affiliated with the WVRHITEC include: West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, West Virginia Association of Free Clinics, West Virginia Hospital Association, West Virginia Primary Care Association, West Virginia State Medical Association and the West Virginia Health Information Network, among several others.
This week’s announcement is another key component of our ongoing efforts to use technology effectively to improve the health services for our citizens. With the continued support and partnership from the medical community, I am confident that the months and years ahead will bring even more meaningful changes that will improve health technology in the state.
For more information, visit www.wvrhitec.org or call (304) 201-5708 or (877) 775-7535 (toll free).