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52 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2015 24 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2015 SPONSORED REPORT This includes more convenient locations, shorter wait times and extended hours. At ECHN, access is emphasized with a wide spectrum of patient services in and around the places people live and work. For instance, a convenient urgent care center allows patients to avoid the emergency room wait and expense and get immediate care for strains, sprains, broken bones, colds and more. ECHN Medical Buildings in several towns offer numerous primary care, diagnostics and specialty services including endoscopy, imaging, cancer care, rehabilitation services, orthopedics and much more. The most advanced and diverse array of services are delivered at ECHN's two hospitals and the nearby John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center. Advances, like robotic and minimally invasive surgery, mean patients don't have to leave their community, let alone their state, for world class care. An exciting innovation in access is TeleHealth. This system allows patients to record their own vitals (heart rate, sugar levels, blood pressure, etc.) at home and automatically transmit data to a care provider over telephone lines. It provides an alternative to face-to-face visits and allows for after-hours care. "The immediacy and accuracy of the system is invaluable in allowing physicians to monitor the ongoing condition of high risk patients," says Dr. Phillips. "In the future, TeleHealth will be integrated with the EMR for an even more comprehensive system." physicians for future service in the community. By investing in education and training, ECHN hopes to not only increase the number of new PCPs, but encourage them to stay and practice east of the river. Better Caring Takes Better Sharing A pillar of PCMH is coordination of care. It doesn't work unless everyone involved – PCPs, nurses, specialists, labs, patients – consistently and accurately share information. For years, ECHN has been advancing its health information technologies for managing and sharing both patient and provider information. "Our system can handle comprehensive medical records for a virtually unlimited number of patients," says Barbara Phillips, MD, who's been working on the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system at ECHN since 2007. "Additionally, the system can be accessed by anyone in the circle of care from primary care physicians, to visiting nurses, to specialists to the patients themselves." ECHN's EMR system is internet-based, with sophisticated encryption technology built in, and can be accessed through a login and password from any device, practically anywhere. Successful coordination among all involved means a more accurate assessment of patient needs and less likelihood of duplicative procedures, tests or treatments. It's key to not only cost efficiency, but patient safety, as well. Access Ability Another pillar of PCMH is access. It's critical that patients can get the care they need in an efficient and timely manner. "ECHN is actually ahead of the curve when it comes to developing procedures and an infrastructure for successful patient-centered care." – Richard Orris, DO (Eastern Connecticut Medical Professionals) HEALTHCARE'S NEW DIRECTION Individual has ongoing relationship with PCP PCP is accountable for care and coordinates with network of professionals Less duplication of services More informed about each patient Cost savings: fewer ER visits, hospitalizations and re-admissions Addressing PCP shortage Advanced information management Improving access Tight-knit yet comprehensive care network HOW ECHN IS LEADING Right care at the right time Greater clarity about care Easier to navigate system Focus on wellness and prevention N S W E Professionals and patient share information ACCESSIBLE COMPREHENSIVE PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME PATIENT-CENTERED COORDINATED COMMITTED TO QUALITY & SAFETY SPONSORED REPORT