Health Information Technologies
Health Information Technologies is managed by the Department of Health's Health Information Technology (HIT) office. This office is responsible for managing the Alaska Health Information Exchange (HIE)contract, the department's Information Technology Governance, department-wide information technology system implementations, and information technology planning for the department.
About Health Information Technologies
On February 1, 2009 President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This act provides stimulus funds for health care automation to enhance care coordination; reduce costs and improve quality. ARRA programs have improved HIT adoption by providing federal funds to expand broadband access, establish HIT Regional Extension centers to provide technical assistance, and support "meaningful Use" of EHRs, establish state-wide HIE capacity to enable connectivity between and among health care providers, and allow providers to use EHR within their practices.
The adoption of HIT and the HIE are tools that have improved and transformed our health care system. With the significant burden of health care costs on state budgets, it's essential that state leaders remain informed on key issues and strategies that may be used to effectively leverage additional investments in technologies for continued improvements to the health systems and patient quality of care.
The development of technologies such as the HIE and EHRs, have facilitated the ability to exchange health care data and patient records between relevant stakeholders in a safe, efficient, effective, equitable and patient-centered care environment.
Headline News
Important Program Documents
