Health Care, Meet Technology
29 Apr 2013
WellSpan Health, a partner organization of Aligning Forces for Quality South Central Pennsylvania, is expanding an online portal to give patients more access to their medical information. As the movement towards greater patient engagement continues, technology is an essential piece of the puzzle. The online portal is being expanded on the heels of the transition to electronic medical records.
The portal makes it easier and less expensive for patients to check lab and biopsy results, medications, and immunization records. Patients can also use the portal to schedule appointments and get instant information with virtual office visits. A mobile phone application is also available.
At the same time, AF4Q SCPA has begun their work on reducing hospital readmissions for seniors through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s Community-Based Care Transitions Program. The program targets Medicare beneficiaries, and hopes to reduce readmissions by 20 percent. AF4Q SCPA is one of 20 sites across the county chosen in March. Care coaches meet with seniors during and after a hospitalization to help guide them through a transition out of the hospital.
Together, these developments in SCPA encourage patients of all ages to become more engaged in their health care. Improved access to health information paves the way for improved outcomes and fewer hospitalizations.
View the original article published in the York Dispatch here.