Largest Collection of Patient Medical Records to Go Electronic Offering Improved Medical Care and New Research Tool 1/31/2003
From: Berna Diehl, 202-326-1726 News Advisory: What: George Halvorson, the new Chairman and CEO of the nation's largest non-profit HMO, Kaiser Permanente, and Francis J. Crosson, M.D., Executive Director, The Permanente Federation, will outline new plans to automate all 8.5 million of its members' patient records via a state-of-the-art electronic record system. This is the largest ever transition to a paperless medical record system. A demonstration of the new system will be provided. Why: Paper-based medical record keeping is antiquated, cumbersome and limits the sharing of vital information among health care providers and between providers and patients. In contrast, password-protected, automated medical record systems improve patient care and offer numerous benefits for patients and providers alike, including: -- Monitoring quality of care -- Facilitating medical research and the sharing of best practices -- Reducing the potential for medical errors -- Increasing efficiency Who: -- George Halvorson, Chairman and CEO of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Inc. -- Francis J. Crosson, M.D., Executive Director, The Permanente Federation -- Helen Darling, President, Washington Business Group on Health All speakers will be available for interviews after the press briefing. When: Tuesday, Feb. 4 10 a.m. EST / 7 a.m. PST Where: National Press Club (Peter Lisagor Room) 529 14th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20045 |