LPHI Launches Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in School Health Centers

November 21st, 2008

LPHI’s Division of Information Services has completed the installation of an electronic medical record system in two school-based health centers (SBHCs) at McMain High School and Science and Math Charter School in New Orleans. The new system will improve the quality of care provided in school-based health centers by reducing medical errors, ensuring continuity with other community health care providers and providing portability of records in the event that students change schools or relocate due to a natural disaster.

The new system will deliver: (1) an integrated, coordinated billing system and a standard electronic medical record system for use within SBHCs; and (2) a platform for health information collection and information exchange among SBHCs and other safety-net health care providers. The system will also allow SBHCs to move toward self-sufficiency, thanks to advanced billing systems that allow for enhancement of revenues.

Supported by more than $745,000 in funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, $222,952 from the W.K.Kellogg Foundation and substantial in-kind support from community partners, EMRs will be implemented in 12 SBHCs in Metro New Orleans. Between the 12 sites, these SBHCs will immediately serve at least 14,000 students.

Working in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Public Health and School Health Connection, an affiliated program of LPHI, this project represents LPHIs commitment to improving access to care, quality of care and sustainability in health systems.