HealthNet Selected as 2015 HIMSS Ambulatory Davies Award Recipient
12/7/2015
HealthNet, Indiana’s largest federally qualified health center (FQHC), has been named a 2015 HIMSS Ambulatory Davies Award recipient. Since 1994, the HIMSS Nicholas E. Davies Award of Excellence has recognized outstanding achievement of organizations that have utilized health information technology to substantially improve patient outcomes while achieving return on investment. The Davies Awards program promotes Electronic health record-enabled improvement in patient outcomes through sharing of case studies and lessons learned across a wide range of efforts, including implementation strategies, workflow design, best practice development and adherence, and patient engagement that have improved ambulatory care outcomes for patients.
Since 1968, HealthNet has improved the health status of Indianapolis’ inner-city neighborhoods by making quality health services accessible to everyone. Through 150 licensed providers, HealthNet annually provides affordable health care to more than 59,286 individuals, 65% of whom are Medicaid recipients. In addition, 77% of patients served are under the age of 35 (54% ages 0-17 years, 23% ages 18-34 years). HealthNet has a network of 8 primary care health centers, 1 OB/GYN care center, 1 pediatric and adolescent care center, 1 maternal fetal medicine center, 5 dental clinics, 7 school-based clinics, a homeless program with 8 shelter clinics, and additional support services. HealthNet’s mission is to improve lives with compassionate health care and support services, regardless of ability to pay. The organization has also been accredited by the Joint Commission as an Ambulatory Practice since 1980, and is the only FQHC in Indiana with this distinction. HealthNet achieved Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) designation from the Joint Commission in October 2012 and has successfully attested 98% of its eligible providers for Medicaid Meaningful Use.
HealthNet’s successful use of health IT to move metrics is highlighted in case studies focused on the value of leveraging IT to standardize care and improve patient outcomes. With the assistance of electronic health records and a variety of IT interventions, HealthNet has reduced low birth weights, improved care outcomes for pediatric patients, and significantly increased patient satisfaction. The use of the electronic health record to improve patient management and billing has produced a 230 percent return on investment since 2009.
“As a federally qualified community health center, HealthNet has a large pediatric population with significant social determinants that contribute to the development of chronic disease,” said Jonathan French, director of quality and patient safety at HIMSS. “HealthNet has leveraged health IT to standardize and improve care for children and newborns within its delivery system. The Davies Committee and HIMSS congratulate the team members of HealthNet on improving the health outcomes of their patient population through the effective use of health IT.”
“HealthNet is honored and pleased to receive the 2015 HIMSS Ambulatory Davies Award,” said HealthNet president/CEO J. Cornelius Brown, CHE. “A few short years ago, HealthNet was among only a handful of community health centers across the country focused on becoming wired for better patient care. That dream became a reality in 2009, thanks to a grant from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation that enabled HealthNet to implement an electronic health record system across all our locations. Besides improving efficiency, the system continues to help our health care providers to better monitor and manage patients’ health risks and to significantly improve outcomes. This award is a testament to the dedication of our providers and staff to keep families healthy and provide a true medical home for patients we serve.”
HealthNet of Indianapolis will be recognized at the 2016 HIMSS Conference & Exhibition, February 29-March 4, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nev.. For more information on applying for the HIMSS Davies Awards of Excellence, visit the HIMSS Davies Award website. The 2016 Davies Awards submission cycle will be open from Jan. 1 – July 1, 2016.
About HIMSS North America
HIMSS North America, a business unit within HIMSS, positively transforms health and healthcare through the best use of information technology in the United States and Canada. As a cause-based non-profit, HIMSS North America provides thought leadership, community building, professional development, public policy, and events. HIMSS North America represents 61,000 individual members, 640 corporate members, and over 450 non-profit organizations. Thousands of volunteers work with HIMSS to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness, access, and value of healthcare through IT. Major initiatives within HIMSS North America include the HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition, National Health IT Week, HIMSS Innovation Center, HIMSS Interoperability Showcases™, HIMSS Health IT Value Suite, and ConCert by HIMSS™.