FROM THE GOVERNOR'S DESK:
Technology Will Help Control Costs and Improve Health Care
By Joe ManchinGovernor of West Virginia
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- I am very excited about the promise that information technology holds for improving the health of West Virginians. In just as much as modern information technology has made it easier for us to bank online, conduct research, find a phone number or get the biography of our local council members, or to purchase items from around the globe, it can revolutionize the way we provide quality health care to our residents.
By more effectively using technology, such as electronic medical records, the health care community can directly improve the quality of care it provides its patients and can save millions of dollars and countless hours that free up valuable time and resources that could be better used to improve patient care.
Soon after I took office, I challenged state government and the health care community to work together to make West Virginia a national model for implementing health information technology and adopting electronic medical records. I’m pleased to say that since then, we’ve put in place a leadership team that is making real headway not just in West Virginia, but that’s also drawing attention on a national level.
In 2006, I introduced and signed Senate Bill 170, which created the West Virginia Health Information Network (WVHIN). The network is a public-private partnership of consumers, physicians, medical facilities and business leaders, led by WVU School of Medicine neurosurgeon Dr. Julian Bailes. The WVHIN board is making plans for appropriate statewide sharing of medical information and resources for doctors and consumers. Of course, maintaining privacy will be paramount.
The WVHIN is looking at how our state’s various electronic medical records systems are set up, and how we can plan and build a robust, interoperable and affordable system. This work will take strong partnerships so that together we can understand our needs, maintain high quality and control costs. The result: better and more efficient health care for our citizens.
I’m really proud of the progress the network is making, including applying for federal funding and grants that, among other accomplishments, will make us part of the national health information network. The network is competing in two national projects and going after others. Their efforts are garnering national attention and West Virginia is being called a leader in this field.
We want to become a nationwide model for health information exchange and I applaud everyone involved for their efforts toward that goal. It’s important for us to realize the impact information technology has had on productivity and efficiency in other businesses. If we make the right investments in information technology for health care in West Virginia, we can make great advancements in medical quality, safety, health promotion and savings right here in the Mountain State.