Press Release
Opportunity
The Montana Medical Association sought to announce a statewide initiative to improve patient care through a Health Information Exchange, highlighting the collaboration of key health care decision makers.
Solution
I researched, wrote, and distributed this press release. My responsibilities included gathering input from subject matter experts, ensuring alignment with organizational messaging, and coordinating distribution to media outlets and stakeholders to maximize visibility of the initiative.
SAMPLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MMA Partners with Health Care Leaders to Advance Patient Care in Montana
Statewide Stakeholder Meeting to Explore Health Information Exchange Organization
Helena – The Montana Medical Association, in collaboration with leading health care decision makers across the state, is taking initial steps toward launching a Health Information Exchange Organization in Montana by hosting a stakeholder meeting in Helena on December 6–7.
Despite secure electronic data transfer being widely available for other types of information, most Montanans’ medical records are stored on paper, in charts and filing cabinets at medical facilities across the state. When that information needs to be shared among providers, it happens by mail, fax or most likely by patients themselves, who frequently carry their records from appointment to appointment. This transmission of patient information can result in delays of proper medical care.
“Sharing patient medical information through a statewide Health Information Exchange Organization allows providers to see a patient’s complete health status instantly,” said William S. Gallea, M.D., MMA President. “This overall picture is currently not available in the state without significant effort by the patient.”
Patients whose information is available through such and organization note improved patient experiences, fewer readmissions, reduced medication errors, more accurate diagnoses, and decreased duplicate testing.
National expert David Kendrick, M.D., MPH, FACP, CEO of MyHealth Access Network, a successful health information network in Oklahoma, will facilitate the process of assessing the feasibility of a sustainable Health Information Exchange Organization in Montana. Targeted work groups made of Montana’s top health care decision makers will be tasked with performing detailed analysis on areas critical to a sustainable Health Information Exchange Organization. These work groups will focus on Clinical Use Cases and Quality; Finance and Business Models; Governance; Privacy and Security; Quality; and Technology.
This meeting is funded in part by a grant from the Montana Healthcare Foundation. The Montana Healthcare Foundation makes strategic investments to improve the health and wellbeing of all Montanans. The Montana Medical Association would also like to thank the sponsors of this event: Allegiance; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana; Brown Consulting Associates, Inc.; Montana Primary Care Association; and the Montana Rural Health IT Network.
More information regarding this important event can be found at www.mmaoffice.org.
The Montana Medical Association’s mission is to serve physician members as an advocate for the medical profession, quality patient care, and the health of all Montanans.
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