MO Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics

 MO HIT Assistance Center Fifth Regional Extension Center in U.S. to Reach Goal

Columbia, MO-On July 6, the Missouri Health Information Technology (MO HIT) Assistance Center became the fifth regional extension center in the United States to reach its goal, enrolling nearly 1,200 priority primary health care providers to assist them in achieving meaningful use of an electronic health record.
The MO HIT Assistance Center provides special support and services to health care providers to make the transition to EHRs faster, easier, and more successful. These health care providers are physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who individually, or in a small practice, focus on primary care (Family Practice, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, or Pediatrics) in Missouri. The MO HIT Assistance Center, a public-private partnership, bringing together leading health care and information technology experts from health care organizations, academia, industry, and government, provides technical assistance, guidance, and information on the best practices to support and accelerate providers’ effort to become meaningful users of EHR technology.
“We applaud the rapid embrace of EHRs by Missouri providers,” said Lanis Hicks, principal investigator, Missouri Health Information Technology Assistance Center. “In the past, the transition to EHRs has often been difficult, with numerous risks and challenges. So, the decision to change a practice in this way is not easy to make, and we appreciate the conviction and commitment of these health care providers.” Hicks believes the fact that Missouri is in this upper position in the movement toward EHRs is a magnificent reflection on providers, and stakeholders involved with the MO HIT Assistance Center, the priorities, the progressive mindset, and the phenomenal dedication of Missouri’s health care providers and professionals to ensure the very best in health care services is delivered to every patient, regardless of who they are or where they live. “The contribution made by the priority primary care providers cannot be overemphasized,” said Hicks.
Hicks is very proud of the Center’s collaborative partners, the Kansas City Quality Improvement Consortium, Missouri Primary Care Association, Missouri Telehealth Network, Primaris, and the Missouri Hospital Association. She credits their enthusiasm and exceptional work for MO HIT Assistance Center’s outstanding performance as a regional extension center. “Spurred by the recent tornado in Joplin, our partners are even more devoted to securing the health records of as many Missourians as possible, especially our state’s neediest patients.”
For information on the Medicaid and Medicare EHR incentive programs, EHR adoption, or how the MO HIT Assistance Center helps health care providers adopt and achieve meaningful use of certified EHRs, please visit the Missouri Health Information Technology Assistance Center Web site http://www.EHRhelp.missouri.edu, E-mail us EHRhelp@missouri.edu, or call us toll-free 1-877-882-9933.
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