Michael McLean, IT Specialist

On Monday, March 26^th, the Information Technology leadership of CHCACT and CHCACT’s member health centers gathered at CHCACT in Cheshire and by way of teleconference to discuss matters related to ongoing and future technological challenges and opportunities. Topics included health information exchange, our Health Center Controlled Network’s (HCCN) efforts to incorporate more data and better use that data, eConsult, Meaningful Use, as well as vendor relations and individual member issues.

There was broad agreement that health centers would benefit from a unified approach to participation in any Health Information Exchange (HIE.)  Michael Balgley and Michael Matthews from CedarBridge Group spoke to us about the creation of an “interoperability roadmap,” to help guide the secure use of patient information in the near future.

We had a spirited discussion regarding the future of the HCCN-led data warehouse project, and how it could best be improved to benefit the health centers. Topics included the need to expand participation, but also the varying needs of the health centers, and how to best focus efforts to use the combined data set to maximize its use for all participants.

Finally, one of the most valuable parts of any workgroup meeting is the opportunity to share Best Practices and problem-solve together as a group. The IT Directors keep the wheels turning at health centers, helping to enhance the focus on quality and improved health outcomes.

If you would like more information about the IT Directors’ Workgroup, contact me!