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EILEEN CIPRIANI For The Times Leader

In 2004, the federal government set a goal to reshape the nation’s medical system by having most American’s health records converted to an electronic format by 2014. In early 2009, this project received a boost, when the federal government approved the $838 billion stimulus spending bill, containing funding to promote this project by offering incentives to physicians and hospitals to computerize medical records. Since the stimulus package was approved, the number of physicians converting to electronic records has increased by 20 percent says Mark Stephens, president and CEO of InterMountain Health Group. Stephens further noted his health group started the conversion several years ago, before the government incentives began.

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Dr. Gary Nothstein is among the 52 doctors using electronic records at InterMountain Medical Center in Shavertown. The technology reduces errors and improves patient care.

Aimee Dilger/the times leader

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Dr. Alan Boonin works from a small tablet computer at the InterMountain Medical Center in Shavertown as student Regis Phelan a student from King’s College works from another computer. To meet a federal government mandate, all patients’ medical records have been computerized at the facility.

Aimee Dilger/The Times Leader

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InterMountain’s 52 physicians and 15 midlevel practitioners began their commitment to electronic records four years ago and gradually over that time integrated billing, scheduling, imaging, lab results, prescriptions, reports and electronic chart notes. According to Dr. Patrick Kilduff, there was initially a large learning curve for the physicians and staff, but the electronic records can improve the quality of the patient’s care.

“Electronic access provides information, back and forth, between the specialist when we refer within this group,” said Dr. Mark Puffenberger, of electronic records.

This makes visits to specialists more efficient. Another important benefit of electronic medical records is a reduction in errors and the ability of physicians to track patients’ results. “This is one of the first medical practices in the area that was designed specifically for electronic patient record keeping, so test results are immediately available between doctors, the office and hospital,” said Sharon Gadomski, operations manager at the InterMountain facility.

As part of their electronic records initiative, InterMountain Health Group is taking part in the Medical Home Project pilot program. “This program creates a team approach to provide comprehensive care for the patient,” said Stephens, with the goal being reducing emergency room visits and hospital stays for patients. The program focuses on the availability of electronic data and the role of a Care Manager who acts as a “quarterback” to ensure the patient’s care is properly managed and follow-up care is completed.

InterMountain is not the only local health provider using electronic records. Dr. James Walker, Geisinger’s chief health information officer, said the Geisinger Health System began converting to electronic records in 1993. The doctors’ offices were the first to begin using the electronic records with the hospitals coming online by 2008. With the hospital system being large and fragmented, electronic records have been important in coordinating and making more efficient patient care. “Care coordination from a team,” is how Walker characterizes Geisinger’s care approach. The electronic records are particular useful for coordinating care between primary physicians and specialists. Patients’ tests results and chart notes are readily available when the patient seeks treatment.

“The right information to the right person for the right treatment,” said Walker.