Maricopa County’s Correctional Health Services (CHS) is being awarded nearly $400,000 as part of a groundbreaking and proactive effort to provide care to underserved populations, using its electronic health records system.
CHS is the first jail system in the country to apply for a Medicaid Electronics Health Records Incentive Program, and also the first to receive funding.
“The collaboration between Maricopa County's Correctional Health Services and our partners in outside agencies to secure funds through the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program represents several years of hard work and the diligence of multiple members of our teams," said Dr. Grant Phillips, CHS Medical Director. “It is a reflection of the hard work and commitment that members of our organizations put forth on a daily basis. Our groups will continue to work toward the common goal of providing excellent medical and psychiatric care to the most vulnerable populations within our society. Not only is the incentive program a benchmark of the progress we've made over the years in EHR implementation, but will also help us to fulfill our goal of being innovators in our field.”
CHS conducts opioid treatment, dental cleanings and exams, general medical examinations and psychiatric services for the inmates housed at Maricopa County jails.
As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers an incentive opportunity to medical providers in all communities throughout the United States who demonstrate patient care. CHS provides services to more than 60,000 Medicaid insured individuals in one year.
In order to receive the funds, CHS had to demonstrate adoption, implementation, and meaningful use of certified electronic health records technology to manage inmates’ medical records. CHS partnered with NaphCare, Inc., its provider for the electronic health records system, to coordinate with the Arizona Medicaid Office, in-house software developers, and clinicians to make sure the software met the requirements initially designed for hospitals and private practices.
“Our team has worked diligently over the last couple of years to qualify for this incentive payment,” said Rebecca Quince, CHS Business Integration and Technology Manager. “Despite numerous challenges and roadblocks, the team’s persistence along with NaphCare’s continued commitment to Maricopa County, has allowed us to be successful in this endeavor.”
What’s unique about the $382,500 Maricopa County received through CMS is that until now, no jail or EHR system has collaborated to apply for or procure funds through the EHR Incentive Program.
“We are extremely proud of the County’s achievement and are ecstatic to be a part of this project’s success in providing a resilient and efficient EHR solution that supports the County’s well-defined processes and extremely high level of care,” said Byron Harrison, NaphCare’s Director of Information Systems. “Our strong partnership with Maricopa County Corrections allows firsts like this to happen.”
Learn more about CHS’ Electronic Health Records system.