Quality Health Network

Filing Period

Jan 1, 2012 to Dec 31, 2012

Signed

Jul 12, 2013

Return Version

2012v2.1

Gross Receipts

$6,783,885

Mission

Major Activities

Activity 2

Clinical ImprovementPopulation Management and Chronic Disease Registry: The objective of this QHN quality improvement program is to help providers manage populations of chronically ill patients. While the chronically ill comprise a relatively small percentage of the total population, they can account for a relatively large percentage of the healthcare delivery system's treatment efforts (and the associated expenses of that treatment). Since Medicare and Medicaid eligible populations suffer disproportionately from chronic illness, this quality improvement helps reduce the burden on government. The early identification and treatment of patients (utilizing nationally recognized evidenced based guidelines) who have chronic diseases helps improve patient outcomes and costs. The ongoing initiative utilizes the electronic clinical messaging system infrastructure established by QHN with Chronic Disease Registry capabilities adding significant incremental value to QHN participants and patients. A Registry helps physicians automate the analysis and collection of the clinical data on patients within their practices who are chronically ill in order to help physicians diagnose and manage the course of treatment of chronic disease states within their patient population. The Disease Registry system provides physicians with internet-based automated data collection, analysis and decision support tools - based upon evidence-based guidelines - to help track, treat and educate patients on the status of their disease(s) treatment. The automation of registry processes helps physicians proactively manage patient populations to improve the performance of treatment efforts. The Registry tool set provides current clinical "snapshots" as well as "long term trending" of patient health. Although the existing home grown QHN Registry provided significant value to QHN Participants and their patients, it was decided that a more robust application was needed to recognize the goals of the QHN and Colorado Beacon Consortium. Therefore, during 2011 QHN conducted a competitive procurement process to procure a web-based toolset focused on a patient centric view of medical data throughout the QHN service area. This was concluded in December 2011 and QHN was contracted with a vendor to enable this more robust Chronic Disease Registry for QHN Participants and those patients who reside in western Colorado. Roll out of this application to Physicians began in 2012 and will continue to utilize QHN's clinical messaging infrastructure.Intelligent Diagnostic Test Ordering System: QHN continued to leverage its deployed clinical messaging system via the ongoing use of the intelligent online diagnostic test ordering system initially deployed in 2007. This system improves patient care by providing physicians with a fast and simple way to electronically order diagnostic tests from area laboratory and radiology centers. The system also assists providers in reconciling tests ordered versus results received in order to be sure all patient tests are completed as ordered. Patient care is improved and errors reduced via the utilization of bar-coded labels to link the correct test specimen to the correct patient. Physicians are provided with decision support tools which help them remind patients of special testing requirements or preparations (e.g. fasting, abstinence of coffee, etc) which may be needed to improve test efficacy. The diagnostic centers receive electronically signed requisitions within moments of ordered test completion which reduces errors, assists lab workflow, and improves patient preparation and readiness for testing. QHN continues its efforts to increase adoption of electronic ordering througout western Colorado. Improving Care Coordination and Care Transitions: One of the key areas where efficiency is reduced, tests are duplicated, and where medical errors often occur is when a patient transitions from one care environment or provider to another. It is not uncommon

Activity 3

Indigent Care Support It is estimated that the underserved (no or too little insurance) population of the area accounts for nearly 25% of the area population. There is a transitory nature to this group with the underserved patients in the area "floating" in and out of eligibility for insurance/financial assistance/subsidy - and presenting for care to multiple and different care providers. To effectively treat the underserved populations, QHN has built and maintains an electronic infrastructure to allow treatment for all patients equitably - wherever they may present. The cohorts of underserved patients positively impacted by this QHN program are often Medicaid and Medicare eligible. The effect of improving indigent care support helps reduce the burden on government. Funded by a grant from The Colorado Health Foundation (TCHF), QHN embarked upon a program to increase the number of QHN "connected" participants treating the underserved. Special efforts were focused on safety net providers such as Marillac Clinic, St. Mary's Family Practice Residency, Mesa County Public Health Dept, B4Babies, Colorado West Regional Mental Health, Primary Care Partners, and Hilltop Resources. A QHN subcommittee was established to focus on indigent care with the overall concept being to execute a "no wrong door" plan which provides data to a treating clinician wherever a patient may present for care. Initial efforts resulted in increased usage of QHN infrastructure by organizations treating the underserved. The ongoing quality improvement programs for the chronically ill, intelligent test ordering, and referral network have a continuing positive impact on outcomes for all patients - but especially for the underserved in western Colorado. Because of this program's success, The Colorado Health Foundation is providing additional funds to expand the QHN network throughout western Colorado.

Filer

EIN

20-1632384