Health Information Technology
The W.Va. Health Improvement Institute provides a comprehensive suite of health information technology services that help providers, clinics and small hospitals in the digital heatlh evolution. These HIT services are provided directly by the institute or through one of its two affiliated divisions: the W.Va. Regional HIT Extension Center (WVRHITEC) and W.Va. HIT Solutions LLC (WVHIT).
HIT INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYSIS/DEVELOPMENT PLAN:
The WVHII can help a practice or clinic define and determine its HIT needs by completing a comprehensive HIT infrastructure analysis and strategic plan. This plan identifies deficiencies, gaps and vulnerabilities and provides a recommended plan of action that is customized to the practice’s technology infrastructure goals, objectives and budget.
EHR READINESS ASSESSMENT/PROJECT PLANNING:
The WHII also can assess the current state of resources within a health practice to support electronic health record (EHR) implementation (or conversion) and provide the practice with a high-level assessment report on technical, workforce, and facility readiness. This report prepares the practice for key steps in the implementation of EHRs.
EHR VENDOR SELECTION:
The WVHII is experienced in working with providers in the selection of an EHR vendor (hosted service or in-house application) by documenting practice requirements for product evaluation and matching a provider’s needs to a certified EHR software and integrated practice management system (if needed). The insitute's team also can coordinate product demos, provide general support and guidelines to the practice, assist with contract review and advise on negotiations.
EHR VENDOR IMPLEMENTATION:
Following the selection of an EHR vendor, the WVHII can provide the full-range of necessary services to ensure a successful implementation:
• Project management planning and support
• Consulting on hardware, software, wiring/wireless and other equipment needs
• Consultation regarding data conversation and interface issues
• Guidance on data extraction, report generation and MU reporting
• Development of a common dashboard
• Customized templates or reports -- if the practice decides to develop additional customized templates or reports for its EHR, the WVHII can provide consultative input, configuration, and customization according to specifications
• Assist with ad hoc reporting
• Develop additional interfaces to connect to labs, hospitals
In addition, the WVHII can aid a practice in needs related to EHR data conversion projects. If a practice decides to convert data from one EHR system to another, then our team can provide high-level guidelines and act as an intermediary between the EHR vendors (or other entities) to capture and migrate health data.
WORKFLOW REDESIGN:
Having worked on a wide range of successful EHR implementations, the WVHII is well prepared to assist providers and organizations in analyzing pre‐ and post‐EHR workflow redesign, which is critical to ensure in identifying and transitioning paper‐based processes to technology‐enabled processes. Our team also provides training and guidance on internal communication and coordination issues and uses rapid cycle feedback to design continuous quality improvement activities.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE TECHNICAL SERVICES:
Among the hardware/software technical services that the WVHII’s team can provide are:
• Software selection, training and support
• Hardware services (selection, lease, purchase, support, etc.)
• Cabling, wiring
• Networking configuration security services, penetration/security testing
• HIPAA-compliance data backup and recovery solutions
• Wireless devices and infrastructure
• Disaster recovery planning activities and services
• Digital document solutions (scanning and archiving of paper records)
PRIVACY & SECURITY:
The WVHII team has extensive experience is in the area of privacy and security of digital data. Our team can provide information and guidance in understanding and adhering to guidelines and laws (federal, state) pertaining to privacy and security of electronic health records and data. The institute also can provide consultation on requirements and expectations pertaining to protected health information under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and related regulations.
Click to learn about the privacy & security services that can be provided.
HEALTH INFO EXCHANGE/INTERFACE PLANNING:
The WVHII’s team has first-hand working experience and an intimate knowledge in connecting to the W.Va. health information exchange (HIE) and its necessary interfaces. This is a key component for practices that want to meet meaningful use Stage 2 criteria. The institute can consult and advise the practice in the use of WVDirect and to support the necessary interfaces between EHR vendor, lab, pharmacies, hospitals, and other data exchange partners to ensure achievement of meaningful use requirements. The center also can offer consultation on the development of internal policies & procedures around HIE connectivity. Click to learn more.
DATA ANALYTICS
Health care providers face increasing situations where they will need to be able to extract and analyze patient data and information. The WVHII has individuals experienced in both data reporting and analysis and in data validation tactics.
ICD-10
Converting and adjusting to new ICD-10 coding requirements will be a daunting task to primary care providers, clinics and small hospitals. The WVHII has trained individuals who can help with education and training needs related to the ICD-10 conversion process and to effective use.