Prestigious awards celebrate leadership & innovation in health information technology
Health Current, Arizona’s health information exchange (HIE), is proud to recognize Heather Carter, Arizona State Senate, District 15, as the recipient of the 2019 Health IT Leader Award; and Pendleton Pediatrics of Chandler, as the recipient of the 2019 Health IT Innovation Award.
These prestigious awards recognize an individual who demonstrates leadership and an organization that demonstrates innovation in the use of health information technology to achieve the Triple Aim of better care, better outcomes and lower costs. The awards were recently presented at the 2019 Health Current Summit & Trade Show in Glendale, Arizona.
Senator Heather Carter
Senator Carter was nominated for the award because of her record as a staunch advocate of the Arizona healthcare community in service to the needs of the patients and communities of Arizona. “Senator Carter is a fierce advocate on the side of doing what is right for patients,” said Melissa Kotrys, CEO, Health Current.
During this past legislative session, she was instrumental in passing Arizona’s Advance Directive Registry, SB 1352. The bill, which is now law, provides continuity of care ensuring that patient wishes in advanced directives are readily available to providers. Carter introduced the bill to improve the effectiveness of the Arizona Health Care Directives Registry by transferring it from the Secretary of State to a Qualifying Health Information Exchange that is approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
She also championed additional health-related legislative efforts, such as:
- SB 1089 which requires commercial health insurers to cover any health service provided through telemedicine if the healthcare service would be covered when provided in-person.
- SB 1169 which protects patient access to their health information in the event of hospital closures.
Thanks to Carter’s efforts, these bills will positively impact millions of Arizonans’ health coverage, access to health information and will ensure advanced directives are honored at a time when they are needed most.
“Senator Carter has been the champion for advancing healthcare technology for the betterment of the Arizona healthcare system – electronic medical records, the health information exchange, electronic prescribing of controlled substances, prescription drug monitoring program and telemedicine coverage, among many other efforts,” added Kotrys.
Photo: 2019 Health IT Leader award winner, Heather Carter, Arizona State Senate, District 15.
“I am so honored to be your 2019 Health IT Leader of the year. Information technology in the healthcare system is critically important to delivering quality care for our patients,” said Senator Carter upon receiving the award. “I want to thank each one of you for the important work that you do to ensure that the system works for the patients and for the healthcare providers. Together we really can make Arizona the best place to receive healthcare,” added Carter.
Pendleton Pediatrics
Pendleton Pediatrics was nominated for the award for their use of HIE data to improve workflow efficiency and healthcare quality. “Pendleton Pediatrics is an exemplary practice when it comes to integrating HIE data and services into their organizational culture and workflow,” said Melissa Kotrys, CEO, Health Current.
Dr. Judy Pendleton started her practice in Chandler in 2007. With 25 staff members, and over 12 thousand patients, Pendleton Pediatrics offers families in the East Valley a full spectrum of pediatric services, including newborn screenings, lactation consultation for new moms, well-child visits, immunizations, and transition to adult care. They also specialize in behavioral health and substance abuse in adolescents through a partnership with Arizona Children’s Association.
Pendleton Pediatrics joined the HIE in early 2018 and immediately integrated Health Current data such as alerts and portal access into their practice workflow. They also utilize HIE data to secure hard-to-locate clinical patient information on foster children receiving care in the Comprehensive Medical and Dental Program (CMDP).
As a participant of the Practice Innovation Institute (Pii), Arizona’s Practice Transformation Network, they:
- Increased week-15 well-child visits by 109% (from 43% to 90%) over 3-year period; and
- Reduced unnecessary inpatient admissions, resulting in an estimated savings of $750K.
“The information we can gain from the HIE is very beneficial,” said Jodi Brigola, practice manager at Pendleton Pediatrics. “It’s truly amazing what a difference the HIE has made to both our practice and our patients.”
Photo: Pendleton Pediatrics proudly accepts the 2019 Health IT Innovation Award. Jodi Brigola, practice manager, and Melissa Kotrys, CEO, Health Current.