Health Information Technology (HIT) is a broad term that describes the technology and infrastructure used to record, analyze, and share patient health data. HIT improves the quality of healthcare delivery, increases patient safety, decreases medical errors, and strengthens the interaction between patients and healthcare providers. The purpose of HIT is to provide better care for patients and help achieve health equity.
CPCA HIT Peer Network
Please contact Charlotte Reische at creische@cpca.org if you would like to be added to the HIT Peer Network.
Telehealth
California’s CHCs have long utilized a variety of telehealth tools to deliver care to their patients. Telehealth provides an efficient means to connect patients and providers, patients to health equipment monitored by health care providers, providers to learning opportunities, and general connectivity.
Resources
- California Telehealth Network (CTN) - CTN works with the California Telehealth Resource Center (CTRC), previously known as the California Telemedicine and eHealth Center (CTEC), to expand telehealth training and support for rural and medically underserved clinics and hospitals in California.
- Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) - CCHP offers tools, materials, and technical assistance on telehealth policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
CPCA created a FAQ on telemedicine billing that was reviewed by the Department of Health Care Services. To view the FAQ, contact Ginger Smith, gsmith@cpca.org.
Meaningful Use
Meaningful Use ends September 2021. Please contact DeeAnne McCallin for more information at dmccallin@cpca.org.
Resources
Health Information Exchange (HIE)
HIE 2021
Federal mandates are helping to advance interoperability. Health Information Exchanges (HIE) and Health Information Networks (HIN) together are one of the three defined Actors in the 21st Century Cures Act Information Blocking rule overseen by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).
What is HIE
Health information exchange, or HIE, connects the electronic health record (EHR) systems of providers and clinicians allowing them to securely share patient information and better coordinate care. The reach of HIEs encompasses first responders, hospitals, labs, community behavioral health and physical health providers to post-acute care and hospice providers.
Benefits of HIE
Healthcare clinicians have always been able to provide better care when they have more complete information on their patients. More complete patient information and better coordinated care is more important than ever today when the healthcare industry faces a future of value-based care where payment is based on value and outcomes rather than the amount or type of services delivered. The movement of patient information to EHR systems allowed these systems to be connected through health information exchange (HIE), facilitating automated, machine-to-machine information exchange that provides information to clinicians when they need it. HIEs support more complete longitudinal patient records and more comprehensive and coordinated care.
Resources
Current Advocacy
Telehealth Clinical Task Force
Drawing on the expertise from CHC clinical and quality leaders, this group will run throughout 2021’s legislative cycle to support telehealth legislative efforts. This year, state legislative conversations are expected to take a clinical focus. This group will be prepare CPCA staff and advocates to have the data, example, and information they need to best advance this top priority.
Staff Contacts:
Beth Malinowski, Director of Government Affairs - bmalinowski@cpca.org
Trong Le, Assistant Director of Policy - tle@cpca.org
Questions
If you have any questions, or need more information, please contact DeeAnne McCallin at dmccallin@cpca.org