News & Events
Broadlawns Medical Center Emerges as a Health IT Leader in Iowa
July 14, 2010
Over the past decade Broadlawns Medical Center (Des Moines, IA) has emerged as one of its state’s true health I.T. leaders. Earlier this spring, Broadlawns became the first healthcare organization in Iowa to achieve Stage 6 EMR Adoption recognition from HIMSS Analytics. As of the end of 2009, only 1.6% of the more than 5000 hospitals in HIMSS database had reached Stage 6 certification, putting Broadlawns in a truly elite group of hospitals nationwide. LSS Data Systems’ Fred Mayer spoke with Al White, Senior Vice President of Business Services at Broadlawns to discuss this important milestone in the context of the organization’s health I.T. leadership generally.
Fred Mayer: First, congratulations on reaching Stage 6 on the HIMSS Analytics EMR Adoption Model. This is a very impressive achievement. Can you describe the path you took to reach this goal?
Al White: In 2005 we selected MEDITECH as our HCIS vendor and LSS for our ambulatory practice management and EHR solution. Your organizations have certainly helped us establish ourselves as health I.T. leaders in our state and region. The integration of your products has helped us create an EHR that brings together data from across our spectrum of care, and that’s critical to achieving this level. We also have a very good team in place. Our information technology staff have worked closely with LSS and our clinical staff during the planning and implementation of the advanced clinical products. It’s been a team approach that’s made this a success.
FM: What role do you think the integration of your physician practices played in the recognition?
AW: The physician practices were key. The integration is critical because it means all providers now have access to the information they need to provide good case management. In addition to the Stage 6 recognition we’ve noticed that it’s really reduced wait times through better information. Actually, the wait times at all of our clinics have been improved. So it’s directly impacting patient satisfaction as well.
FM: We know that you’re beginning to do some work with state Health Information Exchanges in Iowa, and even playing a leading role with these organizations. Can you tell us a little about these projects?
AW: Yes, there are two programs. We’re working closely with the University of Iowa on the Iowa Care Program, and we’re starting to share information with Iowa Health Connect, which includes about 30 hospitals. Right now we’re sharing mainly research and protocol information but we’re expecting to begin sharing a broader range of data soon. It’s another sign that we’re on the right track when other organizations turn to us for our input.
FM: It’s also probably good that you’re playing a leadership role in both groups so you can help them avoid charging off in completely different directions.
AW: Yes. Like the requirements for demonstrating meaningful use, the expectations for data sharing are still pretty vague, so it’s good for us to be involved with these organizations.
FM: Even if the requirements are somewhat vague still, the validation you’ve received from outside organizations, like HIMSS Analytics and these HIEs, must provide some sense of confidence that you’re doing the right things.
AW: Yes, we feel like we’re in a good position regarding meaningful use.
FM: Beyond the positive outside feedback, what kind of feedback are you receiving from within your organization -- from physicians and other staff -- about the software they’re using?
AW: We’ve heard a lot of positive comments about the usefulness of reminders, alerts and other kinds of prompts. You certainly don’t want “cookbook medicine” and you don’t want to overwhelm providers, but they do seem to appreciate the alerts and reminders. In addition, MPM has been very beneficial in terms of productivity and quality measurement. The reporting tools have helped us ensure that we’re providing both safe and efficient care.
FM: So, when do you think you’ll apply for Stage 7 review?
AW: We’re already assessing what we need to do and think we’ll be ready in about six months. We want to keep moving forward.
Additional Information
- http://www.broadlawns.org/
- http://www.meditech.com/IndustryNews/pages/0410stage6Broadlawns.htm
- http://www.himssanalytics.org/hc_providers/stage6hospitals.asp
LSS Data Systems
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Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952.941.1000
www.lssdata.com
