WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced $804,000 in new federal funds to help Ohio's critical access and rural health care facilities utilize health information technology. The funds, provided by the Recovery Act, are aimed at improving medical care and reducing health costs by helping critical access and rural hospital facilities convert from paper-based medical records to certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. Health Bridge, Inc. and Ohio Health Information Partnership will receive $288,000 and $516,000 respectively.
"This is good news for Ohio's rural medical facilities and the Ohio patients they serve," Brown said. "Health information technology helps reduce medical errors, improves patient care, and lowers health costs. By ensuring that health care facilities - as well as the doctors and nurses who work there - have the technology necessary to more quickly and safely consult with one another, we will continue to improve the delivery of medical care offered across our state. And by ensuring that this technology is available in rural areas, we are making a commitment to Ohioans that no matter where you live, you will have access to the best technologies there are to offer."
The Ohio Health Information Partnership (OHIP) is a non-profit entity, funded through a combination of state and federal grants, aimed at assisting physicians and other providers with implementation and adoption of health information technology (HIT) throughout Ohio. Health Bridge, Inc., based in Cincinnati, provides connectivity for more than 28 hospitals, 5500 physician users, 17 local health departments, 700 physician offices and clinics, as well as nursing homes, independent labs, radiology centers and others in the southwest Ohio healthcare region.
Brown previously sent a letter of support for the applications of both Ohio Health Information Partnership and Greater Cincinnati HealthBridge. Copies of the letters can be found HERE and HERE.
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