Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/763521
Corbin says this type of agreement is a natural progression of the insurer's efforts to focus on quality outcomes and total cost of care as the healthcare system transitions away from the historic fee-for- service model. "In the past few years, we've entered into ACO agreements in Wichita and Topeka with large hospital systems and provider groups and have continued to see more and more providers interested in our patient-centered medical home program," Corbin says. "Creating an opportunity for the many small provider offices in Kansas to partici - pate in these efforts is a natural next step in moving toward a system that offers incentives that drive quality and improve the overall health of Kansans while better controlling healthcare costs in a way that has a positive impact on the premiums employers and consumers pay." KHIN AND HIETEXAS ESTABLISH CONNECTION, ENHANCE MEDICAL CARE ACROSS STATE LINES Kansas Health Information Network (KHIN) has expanded its horizons, as well as connections, to the South. KHIN, renowned as one of the largest, most successful Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) in the country, announced that it is now connected to Health Information Exchange Texas (HIETexas), a "network of networks" made available by the Texas Health Services Authority (THSA). THSA connects local HIEs within Texas to each other and with networks across the nation through the eHealth Exchange. "KHIN is pleased to connect to HIETexas through the eHealth Exchange, which is a secure, nationwide connectivity network," says Laura McCrary, EdD and Executive Director of KHIN. "Many Kansas patients receive care in Texas. This connection helps ensure that Texas physicians have all of the patients' health records from Kansas and vice versa." Several hospitals and clinics in Texas are now connected to KHIN. This not only benefits patients who have received or will receive care in both Texas and Kansas, it also helps Kansas and Texas providers meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements for Meaningful Use. "The connection between HIETexas and KHIN will enhance medical care by connecting hundreds of hospitals and thousands of doctors across state lines," says George Gooch, CEO of THSA. "Many Kansas residents travel to Texas for advanced medical treatments at one of the state's world-class medical facilities, and this connection will al - low those patients' healthcare providers to have immediate access to information they need to make better-informed decisions." "This critical health information improves patient safety and re - duces duplicative tests as Texas physicians know what health care a patient has already received in Kansas," McCrary says. "We are look - ing forward to completing our next eHealth Exchange connection with the Department of Veterans Affairs." FREEMAN JOINS FORCES WITH GIRARD MEDICAL CENTER; AFFILIATION SUPPORTS GROWING HEALTHCARE NEEDS SOUTHEAST KANSAS — Freeman Health System and Girard Medical Center are proud to announce a new affiliation to support health needs of the region to ensure greater access to quality health care. "Freeman and Girard Medical Center have worked together for many years, and we will now work even more closely with the outstanding physicians and clinical and nonclinical staff alike within both organiza - tions," says Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and CEO. "Freeman and Girard are responding to the growing demand for additional healthcare options in the communities we serve. By working closely with Girard, the spectrum of services available through the two organizations will significantly increase. Additionally, Freeman is fully committed to help - ing support the growing healthcare needs in Southeast Kansas. The re- sources provided through this affiliation will play a vital role in ensuring the overall health of these communities." For Girard and the surrounding areas, there will be more lifesaving and life-changing services available, enabling patients to receive the health care they need without having to drive to larger cities. Through these facilities, Freeman and Girard will provide patients with convenient access to a comprehensive range of services. "Our mission is to provide excellent health care with compassion as we support our communities and provide an environment where our employees and physicians can achieve personal and professional goals," says Michael Payne, Girard Medical Center CEO. "Through this exciting affiliation, Freeman and Girard will share resources, develop and use standardized patient measures and process bundles, augment joint edu - cational opportunities, and use common tools and techniques to address organizational culture and patient care. All of this helps our continuing efforts to provide excellent care for our patients in an excellent work environment for our staff." Because the two healthcare entities will be working collaboratively, each will further promote their missions and accomplish their goals. Each will further join forces to identify areas of additional outreach specialties required to support the healthcare needs in and around Joplin and Girard. Both will engage in joint planning to foster improved access to care, improved quality of clinical care and enhanced provider- staff relationships. CASON SPEAKS ON PITTSBURG'S PC AND HOSPITALIST PROGRAMS To submit a press release or have an event covered, please email jnorris@mdnews.com. ■ Randy Cason, CEO of Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, addresses visitors at Homer Cole Community Center in Pittsburg. Healthcare representatives from the four-state area came to hear Cason speak about updates to Pittsburg's primary care and hospitalist programs. PHOTO BY ALEX BATTITORI 2 2 2 2H O S P I TA L R O U N D S