Rhode Island just got a big boost toward achieving quality health care for all in our state: The Rhode Island Quality Institute (RIQI) has received a $15.9-million federal grant to use in its effort to create a statewide health-care technology system.
A statewide health technology system would mean, if you choose to participate, that your medical information would be available electronically across health-care settings—from doctors’ offices to hospital emergency rooms to pharmacies. This is especially important in emergencies, when time spent looking for medical records could instead be used on life-saving treatment.
I’m on the RIQI board of directors because I think their work is a crucial step in improving the health care system in Rhode Island—and the streamlined medical records ultimately will save us an enormous amount of money.
With this particular grant, RIQI will use information technology to coordinate and improve the health of those with chronic diseases—another measure that will ultimately yield cost savings.
RIQI is at the forefront of the burgeoning health information technology field—we’re one of only 15 states working to create a statewide health-care technology system. This new grant will mean a major expansion of RIQI—including some new jobs at the Institute as well as in businesses that support this massive health IT effort.
It’s a chance for Rhode Island to lead the way—and for all of us to get better health care as a result.