Health IT Regional Extension Center Expands Services to Specialists
Contact: Liz Menzer, VP Marketing/Communications, Phone: 608.274.194, Email: lmenzer@metastar.com
Madison, Wis. – Since 2010, the Wisconsin Health Information Technology Extension Center (WHITEC) has been helping primary care providers successfully implement and use electronic health records (EHRs). WHITEC is now expanding its services to specialty providers as part of WHITEC Services Group.
Through WHITEC Services Group, specialists and specialty practices will have access to expert, independent technical assistance to help them adopt and optimize EHRs to improve care.
“Our team has worked with thousands of providers on the state and federal EHR Incentive Program requirements, and has developed processes to help physicians maximize their incentives in a cost-effective manner,” according to WHITEC Services Group Project Director Jesi Wang. “We’ve had numerous requests from specialty providers seeking assistance, but were limited by our federal contract requirements,” noted Wang. “The formation of WHITEC Services Group enables us to now meet this critical need.”
America’s health care system is making progress in embracing health information technology, according to a recent study by the National Center for Health Statistics, which found 55 percent of U.S. providers have transitioned from charting on paper to effectively capturing medical information electronically.
Health care providers face many challenges when approaching EHR implementation and meaningful use. WHITEC Services Group helps providers navigate the complex requirements and mitigate security risks. In addition, the organization can provide training, work flow redesign, readiness assessments and other customized assistance.
WHITEC, a division of MetaStar, was selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, as the designated organization in Wisconsin to support health care providers and hospitals with EHR adoption and meaningful use. Currently, WHITEC serves more than 2,000 primary care providers.
To learn more about WHITEC Services Group, visit www.whitec.org/servicesgroup.
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