Gov. Eddie Calvo held an official launch press conference at his office for Guam’s first Health Information Exchange.
The program will be used to exchange certified electronic health records for island patients between local, regional and national doctors and health institutions.
The electronic records are digital versions of patient records that can be sent from one doctor to the next. In the event a healthcare provider cannot access patient records through their primary care provider, the patient’s records can be accessed electronically through the Health Information Exchange.
“This is the future of health care, and Guam is ahead of several states and territories when it comes to this,” Calvo said. “This exchange will connect you to every doctor, and connect you with the world. I want to thank all those who have been working hard to get this off the ground, and those who support this initiative like Sen. Dennis Rodriguez Jr.”
Doctors and healthcare providers will receive federal funding incentives to join the exchange. More than $21 million is available for the incentive program, according to the governor’s office. Guam Memorial Hospital will also get an additional $5 million in federal incentive funds as a part of this program.
“With the Health Information Exchange, you won’t have to worry about telling a new doctor every little detail about your medical history. The doctor will already know,” chief information officer Ed Cruz said. “Not only does the exchange make health care more convenient for Guamanians, it also improves the quality of care you receive by providing accurate, up-to-date information almost instantly.”
