The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will spend $36 million to spur the uptake of health information technology at 50 Health Center Controlled Networks.
The awards will impact more than a thousand participating health center organizations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a statement announcing the program.
The networks are charged with improving access to care, boosting quality of care and showing cost efficiencies through by integrating services, optimizing patient outcomes and negotiating managed care contracts.
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"Health Center Controlled Networks are a key tool in providing quality primary care to medically underserved communities," said Burwell. "By using these networks, individual health centers can work together to share resources, leverage buying power, and improve access to health information technology, leading to a better care experience for vulnerable populations."
The networks promote information sharing and support health centers in achieving the requirements of the EHR Incentive Programs and adopting technology-enabled quality improvement strategies, and engaging in health information exchange.
Nearly 1,400 health centers operate about 9,800 service delivery sites in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the Pacific Basin. These centers employ more than 170,000 staffers who provide care for nearly 23 million patients.
See who received the awards and how much here.
Twitter: @Bernie_HITN
Email the writer: bernie.monegain@himssmedia.com
