"Mo HealthNet participants deserve the safest and best care that we can provide, and an important component of quality care is improved and effective technology," Blunt said. "Mo HealthNet will allow us to use technology to provide world-class health care for Missourians, while reducing costs and improving access."
Jiffy Lube service facilities' technology based records and information database demonstrates the need to improve the current medical record systems. The facilities' database recognizes each customer, vehicle, service history, preference and can be accessed by professionals at every location. In comparison, patients and medical professionals have no way to access even the smallest details about an individual's medical background.
The new CyberAccess program coupled with the potential for electronic health records, part of Mo HealthNet, will provide a secure system for medical information and take steps toward offering the same advantages to medical professionals and their patients that vehicle owners and Jiffy Lube staff currently enjoy.
The Electronic Health Record puts in place the concept of one patient -- one record across an entire health care system. St. Johns and the Sisters of Mercy are implementing an electronic health record in all of its facilities to be completed in Springfield over the next 22 months. As described by Kim Day, St. John's CEO, "This is the most exciting project we have ever taken on that will significantly enhance patient satisfaction, improve clinical quality and create a safer environment for the patients we serve. We are pleased that the state recognizes the importance of electronic medical records by including funds to help Missouri's medical providers make this important improvement."
"CoxHealth's implementation of the electronic medical record in our physician clinics more than a decade ago is one of the smartest investments we've made in information technology," according to Robert H. Bezanson, President and CEO of CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri. "It has helped us improve patient care through enhanced efficiency of operations and ensures patient safety. I am pleased to see that Governor Blunt's legislation will support this kind of technology for the citizens of Missouri."
Mo HealthNet stands apart from what any other state has done or is doing. Missouri's program puts people first, increases choice, improves quality and promotes preventative care. It transforms Missouri's health care safety net, empowers Missourians to be participants and focuses on health and wellness.
The governor signed Senate Bill 577, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Shields, to authorize the improved health care access plan for Missouri. Mo HealthNet:
- Replaces the failing Medicaid system to improve health care for low income Missourians
- Delivers on the promise to create an innovative health care system to deliver 21st Century health care to Missourians
- Promotes prevention, health and wellness
- Recognizes the importance of personal attention and a personalized health plan
- Gives participants the option to choose their health care home (A health care home provides a central point of contact for participants and ensures each is treated as an individual, not a number)
- Expands health care to working Missourians with disabilities
- Expands care to foster children until they are 21 years of age
- Allows more children to be eligible for health coverage under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
- Increases health care coverage for the lower-income working uninsured
- Embraces technology to improve health care safety and quality
- Provides additional tools for furthering the fight against fraud and abuse of taxpayer resources
