Hewlett Packard will provide the technology for a health information exchange and e-prescribing network for Texas' Medicaid providers under a $30 million, 52-month contract with the state. HP's Enterprise Service group, formerly known as Electronic Data Systems (EDS), has performed services for Texas' Medicaid program for 30 years.
The standalone, web-based HP platform, which will be rolled out this summer, will give providers access to claims, demographic, immunization and prescription data on their Medicaid patients. Unlike most other state HIEs, it will not be used to link together disparate EMRs. The state government's primary goal is to prepare providers for the big influx of new Medicaid patients expected under healthcare reform in 2014.
The offering includes a free electronic prescribing module that can be used to prescribe drugs for both Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients. When integrated with the claims-based patient summary, this system can alert physicians about drug-to-diagnosis issues, potential drug-to-drug interactions, and insurance reimbursement before a prescription is sent to the pharmacy.
A physician web portal will provide a patient care summary, including a medication history, recent problems and treatments, and allergies. There also will be a patient portal that will allow Medicaid recipients to access their personal health records securely. This portal will automatically alert patients about needed immunizations, screening recommendations, other preventive measures, and appointments.
To learn more:
- see this Health Data Management story
- read the Government Health IT article