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Week in Review: I Want My Health IT!

I Want My Health IT!
Thursday, September 19th

Dear Members and Friends:

Like many of you, we believe that health information technology is a critical tool in achieving a highly effective medical home, and an integrated and interconnected medical neighborhood. It is well documented for improving care coordination, population health management, patient-clinician communications, and health information exchange. However, the adoption and 'meaningful use' of health IT tools can be incredibly challenging, and time and resource-intensive.

This week communities across the country are coming together for National Health IT Week to raise awareness for health IT and its benefits for patients and clinicians alike. As practices and providers increasingly invest in these technologies, consumers are increasingly understanding its potential for improving the quality of their care, the confidence in their treatment plans and ability to self-manage, and the opportunity to build strong and trusting relationships with their providers.

We hope you'll join us this morning as we partner with fellow health IT enthusiasts from the Office of the National Coordinator's Beacon Community Program for a webinar at 11:30 AM ET. We'll be joined by Janhavi Kirtane, Acting Director of the Beacon Community Program, as well as representatives from Minnesota and Cincinnati Beacon Communities to share lessons learned and goals for future community collaborations.

We look forward to having you join us!

Sincerely,

Marci Nielsen, PhD, MPH
Chief Executive Officer

New Study Reveals Consumer Demand for EHRs

A recent Accenture survey from found that 41% of U.S. consumers would consider switching providers if they were able to access electronic health records online, and about 84% believe they should have full access to their electronic medical record.

Currently, about 36% of U.S. consumers have full access to their EHRs, and are capable of requesting prescription refills, appointments, emailing with providers, and had access to electronic reminders.

Click here for survey results.

Shining on through Health IT: Lessons Learned and Looking Forward with the Beacon Communities
TODAY! Thurs, Sept. 19 | 11:30AM - 1:00PM ET
Janhavi Kirtane, Acting Director for the Beacon Community Program will join Lacey Hart from the Southeast Minnesota Beacon Community and Trudi Matthews from the Greater Cincinnati Beacon Community to share lessons learned from Beacon Community program, and their goals for future community collaborations.

September National Briefing

Thurs. Sept. 26 I 11:00AM - Noon ET
Dr. Jaan Sidorov, physician and author of the Disease Management Care Blog will discuss the influence of social and environmental determinants of health in the medical home.

The Week Ahead:
Upcoming PCPCC Events
September 19th - September 26th

Overview of Genetic Testing and Screening
October 8 | Genetics in Primary Care Institute

Medicaid Expansion is Looming: Are You Prepared?
October 8 | Care Team Connect

Institute on Psychiatric Services
October 10 | American Psychiatric Association

Facilitating PCMH Recognition
October 10 | National Committee for Quality Assurance

Enrollment Season: FAQs and Updates for Health Insurance Exchanges

On October 1st consumers will be able to find out more about the health insurance coverage plans being offered in their area through the health insurance marketplaces. The marketplaces offer consumers a one-stop-shop to compare available plans, including benefits, provider networks, and premium costs.

The Kaiser Family Foundation released several helpful resources, including a map with up-to-date information for each state, and a new report that provides an early look at insurance premiums in 17 states and D.C. Earlier this week, Kaiser Health News released an FAQ with answers to common consumer questions about marketplaces.

Register Now!

Hurry and register for the PCPCC Annual Fall Conference on October 13-15th in Bethesda, MD. We've got a great agenda lined up, and lots of fun activities in store while you spend some time in our Medical Neighborhood!

The main plenary starts on Monday, October 14th with an Opening Keynote from Chris Koller of the Milbank Memorial Fund, plus seven panel discussions, over a dozen workshops, and an opportunity to meet your neighbors at our "Block Party" networking reception!

Visit our conference website to learn more.
** Hotel discount rate ends on September 21st