September 6, 2008

Medical records might be shared

Medical providers in Calhoun County in a few years might be able to seamlessly share electronic medical records and information through the creation of a regional infrastructure.

Officials predict it will save money by avoiding expensive, duplicated procedures and save lives by providing the most current medical information quickly in an emergency.

Mindy Richards, president and chief executive officer of the Birmingham health care strategy firm, ChangeScape, said the firm was awarded a $580,000 grant for Health Information Exchange planning for Southwest Michigan that went into effect Monday.

She said state officials will determine if the plan is feasible and then might begin funding the connection of physicians and health care service providers with five area hospitals: Battle Creek Health System, Oaklawn Hospital, Bronson Healthcare Group, Borgess Health and Lakeland HealthCare.

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