Florida launches EHR project for Medicaid recipients
- By Nancy zz_Ferris
- Nov 26, 2007
With a test project in one community, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has begun implementation of an electronic health record for Medicaid recipients.
The test involves using medical-claims data to create an EHR for each Medicaid beneficiary from the Tallahassee-Leon County, Fla., area. Eventually, the records can hold lab and radiology results and other important medical information.
After review and analysis of the test, the agency aims to go statewide with EHRs for Medicaid recipients.
State officials said they and their contractor, EDS, are coordinating their efforts with the Big Bend Regional Health Information Organization to ensure compatibility with the local health information exchange initiative. EDS officials said they are using an EHR system from CentriHealth.
The project is part of an 87-month, $308 million contract AHCA awarded EDS last year for design, development and implementation of an upgraded Medicaid system. The Florida interChange system is scheduled to go live in 2008.
"The innovative deployment of health information technology has enormous potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs," said Dr. Andy Agwunobi, secretary of AHCA. "This pilot project addresses one of the agency’s highest priorities, and we look forward to working with EDS to bring this valuable tool to our Medicaid providers and beneficiaries.”
“The result of this demonstration project will be a proven EHR solution in an easily understood and accessible electronic format that can be implemented across the state,” said Barbara Anderson, vice president of EDS U.S. Government Health Care.
About the Author