BCBSNC is investing $15 million into the NC PATH program, with Allscripts sharing in the cost. This will allow BCBSNC to cover 85 percent of the software and setup costs for 600 physicians in eligible independent practices. Also, as part of the overall 750-plus physicians the technology will be made available to, more than 150 of them come from 39 free clinics made privy to the opportunity.
Implementation of EHR has moved at a snail’s pace despite the urgings of President Bush during his term, and a multi-billion dollar incentive package as part of President Obama’s stimulus package. But the joint initiative, called the North Carolina Program to Advance Technology for Health (NC PATH), strives to satisfy Obama’s call for “meaningful use” by providing training and ongoing support for the use of EHR technology and assisting in efforts to become Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognized.
"North Carolina is taking real action and leading the charge toward more effective, more efficient health care," said Glen Tullman, CEO of Allscripts. "Electronic health records are a critical part of a future that provides Americans with more affordable, higher quality care. Collaborations like this one that expand the reach of technology are a step in the right direction."
Implementing the technology will enable physicians to connect to the statewide health information exchange (HIE). This will create the first population able to connect to North Carolina’s HIE, the companies said.
