South Carolina Commences PHR Project for Medicare
A personal health record (PHR) system is being tested by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in South Carolina. The effort was described in a press release from QSSI, who will spearhead the effort with CMS.
The system is being tested in South Carolina, the effort commenced earlier this month. Over 100,000 state residents who participate in Medicare’s fee-for-service program will have access to the PHR system. Also incorporated in the effort will be a broad-based campaign to encourage use of the PHRs, by Medicare recipients and caregivers alike.
QSSI will coordinate and oversee the effort to import data into the commercial PHR system, including two years of Medicare claims data. The PHR system which CMS opted to utilized was developed by HealthTrio. A PHR will be created for each individual member.
The HealthTrio PHR system was changed to reflect the requirements identified by CMS. One modification that was required including the ability to export data to PHRs on a massive scale.
CMS notes that the project is a means to assess PHRs that are sponsored by plans versus outside PHRs. Additional assessments include the value of the systems, utilization, and perceptions. User needs and outreach efforts employed, likewise, will be evaluated. Critical considerations of user needs include usability, provider access to PHRs provided by patients, and patient utilization and review of their own PHR.
January 22, 2008 Related topics: People, Partnerships & Consortia