About Health IT/HIE

How HIT is used in LTPAC

Health IT can play a vital role in helping LTPAC providers improve the quality of care, collaborate with other providers, and become more efficient.  In addition to electronic health records, other technologies exist to serve providers, including telehealth, remote monitoring and assistive devices.

LTPAC Information Technology

LTPAC information technology consists of more than electronic charts.  An LTPAC system can also manage:

  • Sales & marketing (customer relationship management)
  • Census management (patient demographics, admissions, discharges, transfers, leaves)
  • Financial management
    • Billing & Accounts Receivable
    • General Ledger
    • Payroll
    • Accounts Payable
  • Electronic Health Record (EHR)
  • Workflow and alerts
  • Analytical analysis capabilities

The above capabilities may exist in a single integrated system or via multiple best-of-breed applications.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

An EHR is the heart of any LTPAC information system.  A few functional areas to expect in an EHR include:

  • Assessments, including the OASIS and MDS
  • Physician orders, administrations and results
  • Care plans
  • Vital signs
  • Clinical notes
  • Clinical alerts and decision support
  • Telehealth, remote monitoring, assistive devices
  • Document management
  • Point of care documentation, including visit notes, ADLs, etc.

Most importantly, a true EHR has the ability to share information with other providers, utilizing industry standards.  Interoperable EHRs will be necessary to participate in new models, including Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and payment bundling.

Sources for HIT functionality 

Several organizations have developed detailed LTPAC HIT capabilities lists.