Planning Implementation of an EMR in a Rural Area
Project Details -
Completed
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Grant NumberP20 HS015163
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AHRQ Funded Amount$96,100
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Principal Investigator(s)
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Organization
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LocationSaranac LakeNew York
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Project Dates09/30/2004 - 09/29/2006
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Care Setting
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Population
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Health Care Theme
The purpose of this grant was to examine the economic feasibility of implementing an electronic medical record (EMR) system for small and single physician practices in a rural area. The overarching outcomes for the partners included higher quality of care, reduction of medical errors, and the ability to quickly and efficiently exchange health information for patients. Three medical organizations committed to the planning process for a community-wide health information exchange. The target area for the project was Adirondack Medical Center's primary and secondary service area, which includes over 1,200 square miles with an approximate population of approximately 36,700 residents for an average of about 30 people per square mile. Although the unemployment rate is not much higher than the state and national average, income is far below the average. There are documented high rates of chronic illnesses, obesity, and cancer. After a rigorous education and vendor examination period the recommendation was made for a single vendor solution for the independent physician practices and the hospital-based health clinics. At this time, 85 percent of the practices in our region have committed to purchasing the same software and sharing limited amount of health information.