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Medicaid patient records now online for doctors

BY THE SOUTHERN SPRINGFIELD BUREAU

Friday, May 9, 2008 3:00 PM CDT

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois joined nine other states in launching a system Friday that allows doctors to view the medical histories of Medicaid patients they are treating.

The database of information on immunizations, allergies and other medical procedures is aimed at reducing the risk of medical mix-ups.

In unveiling the program, state health officials said having a reliable medication list when a patient arrives at an emergency room, doctor's office or clinic will help physicians make more informed decisions about what medications to prescribe.

The system affects the more than 2.2 million patients currently enrolled in the state's Medicaid program.

''By using state-of-the-art technology, we are employing innovations that will ultimately help change the practice of medicine in Illinois,'' said Barry Maram, director of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

Physicians who have obtained a special digital certificate will be able to log onto a computer database containing up to two years of patient prescription histories, immunizations, previous medical visit dates, diagnoses and medical procedures.

Officials say the site has a number of features aimed at keeping information secure.

For example, when a registered user accesses the system, their digital information is recorded, generating a log of who is accessing the system.

A full cost estimate of the program was not available Friday. But, a spokeswoman said much of the information is already in state records.

''The cost is minimal to make it accessible,'' said spokeswoman Sue Hofer.

Other states with similar systems include Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin.