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for the elderly and those on . fixed incomes." EHRs may lead to a quicker and more accurate diagnosis, and the technology can also save patients time and money. With patient records available in digital format, costly and lengthy trips to specialists may be unnecessary. There are costs associated with adopting an EHR system, but the increased efficiency of the system should eventually offset the price. Furthermore, the Federal Government is offering assistance to health care providers through an EHR Incentive Program. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are increasing in popularity in the U.S., as almost 70 percent of primary care doctors now use an EHR system. The number is up from less than 50 percent in 2009, yet six other countries boast higher use rates than the U.S. according to a Commonwealth Fund survey. In nations such as Norway, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, over 90 percent of primary care physicians use EHRs. The use of EHRs provides an abundance of benefits to both patients and doctors. With quicker access to patient records, physicians can diagnose patients sooner and more accurately. Also, EHRs allow patients access to their own health records online through a personal health record (PHR). Surpassing traditional health records, EHRs can store personal data that would not exist if it were not for telemedicine technology. A specialist can now record a patient's heartbeat using a digital stethoscope, then save the audio file to the patient's EHR. EHRs allow health care providers to store and access patient information using a computer system rather than paper. An EHR system benefits the environment, saves space in an office and makes accessing information much "Not only is the information transmitted in real time, we easier for medical staff. can also store it for referring Yet despite these advantages, to later," Noble said. Photos, over 30 percent of health care graphics and high-definition providers in the U.S. still use video may also be stored in an EHR. paper records. The high cost of adopting the technology may account for the lower use rate, said James Noble, director of lab, marketing, technology and telemedicine at I-70 Community Hospital in Sweet Springs, MO. "The first hurdle is the cost," he said. "The second hurdle is finding the right specialists who are comfortable using the technology." I-70 Community Hospital is a 15-bed critical access hospital in an area where very little health care technology is available. Noble said that for health care providers in rural areas, it is all the more important to embrace as much technology as possible. "EHRs and telemedicine are a fantastic service for rural areas," Noble said, "especially Qualifying hospitals and professionals may receive payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for demonstrating meaningful use of certified EHR technology. Qualifying health care providers may choose to participate in either the Medicare or Medicaid incentive program, each with different requirements and payment plans. The Medicare program offers up to $44,000 over five years, while participants in the Medicaid program may receive up to $63,750 over a six-year period. I-70 Community Hospital took advantage of a similar grant, through the United States Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine program. The initiative was designed to help rural areas improve health care and education through the use of technology. I-70 Community Hospital received approximately $187,000 through the USDA grant. Noble encourages health care providers to work together in applying for technology grants. "We're probably one of the smallest hospitals in Missouri," Noble said, "but we have one of the best telemedicine programs for our size. When you work together with others, it is much easier to get grants." The HCC of Rural Missouri has an immediate opening for a full-time accounting assistant. Candidates must be proficient in QuickBooks and Excel. HCC is a progressive nonprofit organization, with a positive culture and family-oriented working environment. Email resume to: Laurie@hccnetwork.org We'll help you reach your target audience loud and clear. Ask us about: Strategic Brand Planning & Consulting Website Development Graphic Design Copywriting Public Relations Social Media Mobile Applications Text Messaging Direct Mail Email Marketing Market Research Focus Groups Video Production grace advertising & consulting, inc. Specializing in rural marketing 660.259.3700 GraceAdvertising.us

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