Community EHR Models

    For years the healthcare industry and the information technology industry have urged adoption of electronic health records (EHR's) for all providers. A review of the literature suggests that many have tried; some succeeded, others failed. Often the industry's have  provided information in support of  EHR's in terms of subjective quality improvement initiatives or measures of obscure financial gain. In 2009, as World and the United States economies struggled, public policy strategies began to emerge aimed at curbing the increasing unemployment rate as well as encouraging fiscal restraint in the cost of healthcare. Within the economically stressed environment, several 2009 enacted public policies have energized the drive for adoption of EHR's; the question is how? Of the many approaches, one approach may be developing or joining a Community based EHR system.

    Each organization begins conceptualization often unaware that they need not go at it alone. In addition to recently established Regional Extension Centers whom provide a wide array of guidance, their are community organizations (many years to decades old) that may be available, or serve as a model for developing one in your own community. The focus of this article is to provide examples of organized Community EHR models.