Telehealth Takes Center Stage at Ohio Healthcare IT Day

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 18, 2014 -- Telehealth and the impact that it can make on reducing cost, improving patient access and increasing quality care will be the focus of discussions with Legislators at the Ohio Statehouse by advocates of Healthcare Information Technology (HIT) on April 3^rd.

The Atrium of the Ohio Statehouse will be the launching pad for the 7^th annual Ohio Healthcare Information Technology Day 2014 on Thursday, April 3^rd, 2014. The daylong event is sponsored by the Central & Southern Ohio HIMSS Chapter (CSOHIMSS), www.csohimss.org Northern Ohio HIMSS Chapter (NOHIMSS), www.nohimss.org Ohio Health Information Management Association (OHIMA) www.ohima.org and College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHiME) www.cio-chime.org. These organizations represent more than 3,000 Ohioans who are dedicated to improving healthcare for all Ohioans through the use of Healthcare Information Technology.

Legislators understand the importance of Telehealth all too well when it comes to equal access to quality care.  "Telehealth has the potential to radically improve the delivery of healthcare across Ohio," said State Senator Shannon Jones, who represents the 7^th Senate District in Ohio.  "Access, cost and quality are paramount to the future success of our healthcare system in Ohio and Telehealth will be a vitally important tool in the continuation of quality care across our Great State."

Earlier this year the Ohio State Legislature unanimously approved House Bill (HB 123).  This bill provides Medicaid reimbursement for telehealth services resulting in expanded access to healthcare for patients.  "The Governor understands the importance of Healthcare Information Technology to the future of Ohio.  Healthcare IT experts from all corners of the state are expected in Columbus," said Richard Moore, Advocacy Chair for CSOHIMSS. "These attendees will have the opportunity to meet with their legislators, network, attend a luncheon featuring important speakers on HIT policy, hear a CIO panel and attend a reception with legislators and sponsors."  The early portion of the program will provide attendees with the training, tools and information necessary to be an effective advocate for Healthcare Information Technology.

Speakers during the lunch hour will include Senator Shannon Jones, Representative Ann Gonzales, John Jesser, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Dan Paoletti, CEO of Clinisync.

This event also features a CIO panel sponsored by representatives of Ohio CHIME comprised of leading CIOs from Ohio Hospitals discussing the challenges of Healthcare IT today.

The agenda and registration for OHIT Day are now available at http://www.csohimss.org/calendar/calendar.html

Remote attendance is also possible at the Global Center for Health Innovation in Cleveland at the HIMSS Innovation Center.  More information regarding remote attendance is available at

http://himssinnovationcenter.org/NewsEvents/EventDetail.aspx?ItemNumber=28710

For more information please contact:
Richard Moore, Advocacy Chair
Contact Information: Email/ 614.530.2350

Or for Media inquiries please contact:
Scott Mash, Public Relations Chair, CSOHIMSS
Contact Information: Email/ 740.592.9380

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