Hilltown Community Health Centers is implementing a number of improvements over the next three years to better serve its patients. The goals of these changes and the dates by which we hope to have them fully implemented include the following:
• Electronic Health Records and Prescribing – 2010
• Electronic records will allow your providers to easily monitor your medical history, lab and test results, prescriptions, treatment plans, and outcomes.
• Your prescriptions can be sent in to the pharmacy at the time of your visit and filled quickly and accurately. You can renew prescriptions directly through your pharmacy.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Quality Improvement – 2010-2011
• Quality assurance reviews, surveys and other tools will be used on a regular basis to assess and improve the quality of health care services and service delivery. Feedback about your patient experience will be actively and regularly solicited.
The first change to be implemented is electronic health records and prescribing. Below are some frequently asked questions about electronic medical records and prescribing:
Frequently Asked Questions
about Electronic Medical Records and Prescribing
1. Who has access to my electronic medical records?
Your records are generally available only to you, your medical team, and others to whom you give specific permission. There are a few legal and administrative situations in which your records may be available. Medical record privacy is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
2. How will electronic medical records be secured and made private?
Your medical records are accessed through special password protected software over secure network connections. An electronic tracking system is in place to record who has looked at your medical record.
3. What is included in my electronic medical records?
Your medical record will ultimately include the information that is normally included in your paper medical record.
4. What will happen to my previous paper medical chart?
Your paper records will be kept for 20 years in an accessible location.
5. How will electronic medical records affect my visit to the health center?
You will see computers in exam rooms being used by health center staff and you will be able to view your records with your provider. Your prescriptions will be sent electronically and instantly received by your pharmacy.
6. Will I have access to my electronic medical record?
You will have the same access to your electronic record that you had to your paper record.
• Easier Access to Care – 2011
• You will be able to quickly schedule appointments with your chosen care provider at a date and time convenient for you.
• Once you arrive for an appointment, you will be seen promptly.
• In the future, you will be able to consult with your care team through email or telephone conversations.
• Patient Engagement in Care – ongoing
• You will be encouraged to participate in your health care as an informed and engaged partner.
• Your care team will provide information about treatment options and plans, follow-up care, preventive care, counseling options and other services. Your feedback regarding your care will be actively solicited and respected.
• You will be able to easily access your medical records or obtain other needed information.
• Care Coordination – ongoing
• Improved communication between your physicians, nurses, care managers and other health professionals will assure an integrated and coordinated whole-person approach to your care.
• All aspects of your care will be synchronized between your providers, including hospitals and specialists outside the health center.
HUNTINGTON HEALTH CENTER
73 Russell Rd.
Huntington MA 01050
P: 413-667-3009
F: 413-667-8746
E-fax: 413-923-9355
WORTHINGTON HEALTH CENTER
58 Old North Rd.
Worthington, MA 01098
P: 413-238-5511
F: 413-238-5358
E-fax: 413-923-9355
GATEWAY FAMILY CENTER /
SOCIAL SERVICES
9 Russell Road, Route 20 Huntington MA 01050
P: 413-667-2203
F: 413-667-2225
GATEWAY SCHOOL-BASED
HEALTH CENTER
Gateway Regional Middle/High School
12 Littleville Road
Huntington, MA 01050
P: 413-667-0142
F: 413-667-0145
For more information about patient-centered medical home, click the link below:
