FIRST-EVER HEALTH IT SUMMIT TO FOCUS ON LONG-TERM CARE

CHICAGO, August 2—Health information technology (HIT) and the use of electronic health records (EHR) can significantly enhance patient safety and reduce healthcare costs; however, despite these opportunities, a roadmap for the development and use of HIT/EHRs has not emerged in one of the fastest growing and most critical segments of healthcare. On August 22 – 23 stakeholders, thought-leaders and others in the long-term care (LTC) and senior services industry will gather in Chicago for the first-ever Long-Term Care Health IT Summit to begin to create a roadmap to ensure that LTC is part of the national agenda for a interoperable healthcare system.

Hospitals and physician offices are in the forefront of planning for HIT development at the national level. However, LTC is often mentioned as the third area of priority. Payors and providers that coordinate care across settings have special opportunities to leverage HIT to enhance the flow of information, reduce the cost of treatment, and improve care—which will ultimately enhance the quality of life of the elderly and disabled.

At the summit, representatives from up to 30 organizations will present white papers summarizing key actions and priorities for moving forward EHR/HIT adoption in support of the elderly and disabled. White papers have been prepared as responses to a published request for comment covering areas of business cases, standards, and quality/innovation. Attendees will also discuss how LTC fits into the national HIT agenda and build a consensus around steps to take in the next 12 to 24 months.

For more information about the Long-Term Care Health IT Summit, including registration and hotel accommodations, visit the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) Web site at http://www.ahima.org/meetings/ltc.

The Long-Term Care Health IT Summit is sponsored by the American Association for Homes and Services of the Aging (AAHSA), the National Adult Day Services Association and the Center for Aging Services Technology; the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL); AHIMA; the American Medical Director Association (AMDA); the National Association for the Support of Long-Term Care (NASL); and the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC).