A $527,200 low-interest loan and a $131,800 grant were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Distance Learning Telemedicine Grant and Loan Program, Mark Reisinger, USDA Rural Development state director in Iowa, announced Friday.
The funds will be used to help pay for the equipment and software cost of implementing a comprehensive electronic medical records filing system using high-speed telecommunications lines.
Mitchell County Regional Health Center will collaborate with Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa and Trinity Health to implement a standard integrated system that will improve the accessibility, quality, safety and efficiency of its medical service.
The integrated system will provide authorized healthcare providers with immediate access to complete medical records for patients treated at any hospital within the Mercy Health Network-North Iowa, along with computerized knowledge resouces, order sets and clinical rules to improve patient care, Reisinger said.
Kay Gabriel, interim CEO at Mitchell County Regional Health, said hospital officials were excited to learn their project was accepted for funding.
“This project will put our whole network on the cutting edge of technology for health care,” she said. “The electronic health record will allow healthcare providers to get critical medical information and test results more quickly, allowing faster treatment options and decisions. In the paper environment, some results are not received until the next day, which could cause a delay in treatment.”
Reisinger said the USDA Rural Development office was pleased to assist in the project, which he said will bridge the gap between doctors and patients.
“Access to high-quality health care is an issue of growing concern to many rural communities,” he said. “As the baby boom generation continues to age, it is important that rural communities across Iowa continue offering quality healthcare services.”
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program was created to provide financial assistance to needy recipients to enhance learning and healthcare opportunities for rural residents through the use of telecommunications, computer networks and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals and rural residents.
Earlier this month, Mercy Health Services/Mercy-North Iowa was awarded a $224,124 USDA grant to deploy computed radiography, radiology information services and a picture arching and communications system at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona, Mercy Medical Center-New Hampton, Mitchell County Regional Health Center and Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco.
Mitchell County Regional Health Center is a critical access hospital located in Osage. It operates rural health clinics in Osage, Riceville, Saint Ansgar and Stacyville.
USDA Rural Development is an equal opportunity lender with a variety of direct and guaranteed rural credit programs involving single and multi-family housing, community facilities, water and sewer development and business and industry programs.
Quelle/Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, 13.10.2007
