Health Technology Part 1

As you can see, this is a multi-part post.  There’s so much information out there about technology, I thought I’d run a series (my first!).  I’m taking the broad approach to technology.  When many people hear or discuss technology in relation to health care, they think IT—broadband, electronic medical records, etc.  I have some information on IT, but I want to remind people about the potential of “lower level” technology.  I also have some information on technology funding opportunities.

Rural Health Innovations is hosting a webinar, Rural HIT Challenges and Strategies, February 24 at 2:00 Central.  Among the topics:  “recently released CMS proposed requirements for the meaningful use of electronic health records, with a focus on what applications will likely need to be implemented for providers to meet the requirements.”  There’s a$99 fee.

Before you look into broadband project funding for your community, I recommend reading this post from the Daily Yonder.  It describes the next round of federal funding opportunities, the changes that have occurred and how they will affect rural projects.  If you’re community is considering applying for any funding from this program, it’s important to be familiar with eligibility and what kind of assistance is available.  And why should you consider a broadband project?  Without this kind of infrastructure, it will be next to impossible for providers to tap into technology innovations.  Another source of ongoing information on federal HIT/broadband funding is Louis Wenzlow’s blog, Rural Health IT.

The Center for Technology and Aging will fund one or two projects through the Remote Patient Monitoring Diffusion Grants Program.  They’re looking for proposals that use remote technology to improve the health and safety of older adults.  Preliminary proposals are due March 12.  The goal is to reduce emergency room visits, allow older adults to live independently and reduce the burden on caregivers.

GE Healthcare is offering 0% financing to physicians offices and hospitals through their Stimulus Simplicity Program to purchase electronic medical record (EMR) systems.  I’m not endorsing any particular system, but this seems like a pretty good deal.  The website has recorded webinars on the program and contact information.

If you and your community haven’t looked into the Universal Service Administration Company programs, you should do so immediately.  This program, funded by telecommunication taxes, provides subsidies to rural health care providers, schools and libraries for telecommunication and internet services.  No strings!  At an event last year I talked with Teressa Ellis of USAC, who told me “We can’t give enough money a-way.”

In Part 2 I’ll talk about some resources and toolkits you can use to plan IT implementation and provide examples of how rural communities are using IT and telemedicine to improve patient care.

February 22, 2010 · KJacobson · No Comments
Tags: , ,  Â· Posted in: Conferences and Webinars, Grant Advice

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