IPHCA Answers the Top Questions about e-net Q: How will my center benefit from joining e-net? A: There are many benefits to joining e-net! Cost Sharing – The most obvious benefit of e-net participation is the significant cost efficiencies. There are numerous funding opportunities available to collaborations that CHCs are not eligible to apply for independently. IPHCA has successfully secured $4.1 million in funding to date, and 100% of those funds are being used to eliminate many initial hardware, software, and start-up costs that would be borne by each health center if implementing EPM/EHR/EDR individually. The ongoing support costs are shared equitably by all members, and the savings will increase as e-net membership continues to grow. In the future, e-net members will benefit from enhancements and interfaces equally, and at significant cost savings. Subject Matter Expertise - IPHCA has contracted with subject matter experts to assist during critical periods of the project. The primary consultant under contract, Mr. Craig Law, is an accomplished leader in the areas of health care and service delivery. He has significant experience in EHR project planning and implementation, and has successfully led a group of community health centers in Delaware during their migration to an EHR system. Mr. Law brings a great deal of practical experience relating to EHR work flow processes and cultural change management, and is deeply committed to process improvements in the health care industry. While all the e-net members benefit from Mr. Law’s expertise, the cost for his services is offset by the funding received, and therefore provided at no cost to the health centers. Dedicated Project Staff - IPHCA is providing dedicated project staff to support all e-net members throughout the project, including pre-implementation planning, on-site support during implementation, initial and on-going training, and post-implementation help desk support. Experience - The e-net members have a distinct advantage in that they are replicating the success of the initial i-net SIMIS network. The fact that the organizations have learned from the challenges of implementing a shared system is testimony to the value of being able to replicate such implementations. Grant Application Enhancement - For health centers applying for New Start and Expansion grants, acquiring or maintaining an adequate management information system can significantly strengthen the “Organizational Capabilities and Expertise” section of the grant application. Participation in the e-net network demonstrates administrative effectiveness in leveraging resources by utilizing the skills, talent and expertise available through the network, and it demonstrates an appreciation and understanding of the benefits and value of collaboration and integration on a statewide level. Referencing the involvement of a CHC as a member of the e-net network could greatly enhance the grant application! The following CHCs recognized the benefits of e-net, and have already joined the network:
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© 2009 Illinois Primary Health Care Association