The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has entered into two agreements with organizations that will plan and promote the widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) in the Gulf Coast regions affected by recent hurricanes.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed a large number of paper medical records at healthcare facilities along the Gulf Coast, while those facilities that used electronic medical records were able to preserve their systems and maintain patient information despite the catastrophe, the agency said.
The agreements, which are with the Southern Governors Association and the State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, will establish a task force of local and national experts to help area providers turn to EHRs as they rebuild.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
November 18, 2005
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