September 2010 Issue Kansas City Bi-State Health Information Exchange becomes eHealthAlign eHealthAlign August 2010 update: In August, the eHealthAlign Formational Board of Directors approved two contracts: one with EFL Associates to begin a CEO search, and another with Support KC to provide accounting services. For more details about the August board meeting, see the monthly update. To receive future eHealthAlign monthly updates by e-mail, contact Jody Denson. eHealthAlign selects ICA to build technology infrastructure
"By signing this contract today, we are taking a huge step forward but there is still much work to be done," said Jason M. Mitchell, MD, chair of the board of eHealthAlign. "I'm inspired by our accomplishments to date and look forward to our next steps." ICA's CareAlign™ solution will be implemented in a phased approach. The first phase will focus on addressing electronic medical records, clinical messaging, personal health records, e-prescribing and physician referrals. Subsequent phases will address patient registries, medical reconciliation and reporting. Local foundations award $1 million to eHealthAlign The grants include $800,000 from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, $100,000 each from the REACH Healthcare Foundation and the Victor E. Speas Foundation, Bank of America Trustee; and $50,000 from Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners. Initial deployment of the system will focus on improving health care for those most medically vulnerable, including those who are uninsured, underinsured or on Medicaid — which includes more than 400,000 people in the Greater Kansas City area. The first year will focus on the safety-net population and future years will focus on bringing the rest of the 25 counties into the system. Everyone will benefit as the exchange becomes fully operational across the region. The system will ultimately include 36 hospitals, approximately 3,000 primary care providers, 38 safety net clinics, and numerous behavioral health facilities. Kansas Regional Extension Center seeks Primary Care Providers
For more information about the REC and the services it can provide to primary care providers, download the flier or contact Michael Aldridge, MBA, HITREC Director. Safety Net Capacity Expansion Project will expand hours in second year A principal goal of the initiative was to improve access to care for the uninsured by increasing the number of non-traditional hours when care was available. The participating clinics were able to offer better access during the first program’s year, particularly on weekday evenings. During Year One, the clinics were open on evenings and weekends for an additional 63 hours per week. During Year Two, this will increase to 75 evening and weekend hours per week. For more information on clinic hours and clinic services visit www. kchealthresource.org. You may also request a hard copy of the Health Resource Guide by contacting Traci Rowland. Fellowship program to prepare next generation of nonprofit leaders Over the next three months, RWJF, CCL, and the national advisory committee of the Ladder to Leadership program will select 30 fellows who work in the Kansas City area to take part in the 16-month leadership curriculum. Fellows will participate in face-to-face training sessions, individualized executive coaching, and team project work. “This program will offer excellent training to the emerging nonprofit leaders in greater Kansas City, not only enhancing their professional growth but helping our community grow a cadre of skilled health professionals to provide needed leadership,” said Steve Roling, HCF President/CEO. To become a fellow, applicants must demonstrate a record of accomplishment within the nonprofit sector, potential for leadership in the nonprofit health or health care field, and a proven commitment to serving at-risk groups. An information session will be held on October 18 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. or October 19 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Kauffman Conference Center. Kansas City was one of eight sites selected across the country to participate in the program. It was chosen because of the unique health care needs, census and demographic information, community-based needs for public health leadership development, and commitment of local community partners. Upcoming Events:Webinar on health information exchange technologyFour Kansas health care organizations — the Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas Medical Society, the Wichita Health Information Exchange and eHealthAlign (formerly the Kansas City Bi-State Health Information Exchange) — invite interested participants to attend a webinar that will provide a demonstration of the Informatics Corporation of America (ICA) health information exchange. The webinar is scheduled for Sept. 29, from 2–3:00 p.m. Space is limited, so please register early. Forum on the Regional Impact of Health ReformThe Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and the REACH Healthcare Foundation are sponsoring a forum for nonprofit organizations in Missouri and Kansas to learn more about the impact of the national Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
The event will feature a keynote address by Judy Baker, Regional VII HHS Director, and a panel conversation with health leaders in Missouri and Kansas, including Andy Allison, E.D., Kansas Health Policy Authority; Sandy Praeger, Kansas Insurance Commissioner; and John Huff, Missouri Insurance Commissioner. Space is limited. Register by Sept. 22. New Date: Worry Free Lobbying for NonprofitsThe Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and the REACH Healthcare Foundation will bring the Alliance for Justice to Kansas City on November 9, 2010. The Alliance will discuss how nonprofit organizations and foundations can take advantage of the clear and generous provisions in federal law that encourage lobbying activity.
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The Regional Health Care Initiative is funded by the following organizations: |
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