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Providing for and maintaining the health, and healthcare, of its citizens is a challenge for nations worldwide. In the U.S., assigning the responsibility of providing for healthcare between patients, employers and government entities has led to sometimes heated debate. Ultimately, providing citizens with the health care and support they need is the goal.
One organization in the U.S. that seems to have found a system that works well for its members is the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs has worked to improve its health care quality even under the increasing numbers of veterans entering its system from wars in the Middle East. The Veterans Health Administration employs the largest integrated health care system comprised of 153 medical centers, numerous community based outpatient clinics and community living centers. Together, these health care facilities provide inclusive care to more than 5.5 million veterans every year.
Even in the face of turbulent economic times, The Department of Veterans Affairs has re-strengthened its efforts to provide quality care. The VA tracks performance measures, expands the use of health information technology, manages chronic diseases, coordinates care by different providers and uses evidence-based medical practice. Their VistA health information system includes electronic medical records, computerized physician order entry, medical imaging, lab test results, pharmaceutical management and medical staffing management.
Along with its current inclusive care, The Department of Veteran Affairs is looking for ways to improve the health care and practice of its branches. Researchers have used clinical data in the VistA system to study the effects of quality improvement strategies, like electronic medical record systems. In one study, VA medical centers used VistA's electronic medical record system components to track how physicians abide by clinical practice guidelines. The efforts to better care and health management by The Department of Veteran Affairs prove that quality care can be attained through better practices and system use.
The Veteran Affairs' experience and study findings show that when management concentrates on key quality indicators it can improve the performance of those measures, like reducing duplicate lab tests and making sure patients have the recommended vaccinations. If more health care facilities in the nation followed better guidelines, costs could be reduced, leaving a cheaper solution for health provision. Currently, health care in the U.S. is a privilege, not a right. But with the correct monitoring and management system like that of The Department of Veteran Affairs, more affordable and reliable health care could be provided.
Electronic health records, like that of The Veterans Affairs, can help save lives and ensure the improved quality of health care in the future. For more information about a reliable electronic medical record system, contact e-MDs, a leader in electronic medical record software provision. e-MDs offers a host of affordable solutions for physicians and facilities looking to modernize and enhance their services with the latest EMR technology. e-MDs is committed to providing operational solutions and delivering the clinical tools needed to succeed in today's medical field.
Brigette Botkin. Electronic Health Records - secure your electronic health records with e-MDs.
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