WGU D516 Enhancing Population Health
with Value-Based Care & HIT
Value-Based Care and HIT
Healthcare Information Technology, Western Governors University
, Value-Based Care and HIT
How value-based care and information technology intersect
A1.
Moving to a value-based could significantly address the population health management
goals of the rural community in Paducah, Kentucky, and of Paducah Health Medical System
(PHMS). This transition aligns with the health challenges and demographics of the region and
will allow PHMS to focus on preventative care and chronic disease management. The value-
based model emphasizes preventative care and effective management of chronic conditions,
which is particularly relevant for the Paducah community.
With higher prevalence rates of diabetes (14 % of adults), hypertension (36.1% of adults),
and heart disease (266.8 per 100,000 population) compared to the rest of Kentucky (Paducah
Health Medical System Profile, n.d.), focusing on these conditions could significantly improve
overall health outcomes. By incentivizing providers to keep patients healthy rather than simply
treating illnesses, the model encourages proactive health management, which could reduce the
burden of chronic diseases in the community.
A2.
The current state of IT at PHMS is outdated and fragmented. PHMS uses an EHRS called
HealthData and it was implemented on 1995. Since then, the system has remained largely
unchanged since its original design and was initially set up for communication and data sharing
between PHMS’s two hospitals. There is no mobile technology that would allow patients to
communicate with their providers, schedule appointments, or view their records. Additionally,
with Value-Based Care & HIT
Value-Based Care and HIT
Healthcare Information Technology, Western Governors University
, Value-Based Care and HIT
How value-based care and information technology intersect
A1.
Moving to a value-based could significantly address the population health management
goals of the rural community in Paducah, Kentucky, and of Paducah Health Medical System
(PHMS). This transition aligns with the health challenges and demographics of the region and
will allow PHMS to focus on preventative care and chronic disease management. The value-
based model emphasizes preventative care and effective management of chronic conditions,
which is particularly relevant for the Paducah community.
With higher prevalence rates of diabetes (14 % of adults), hypertension (36.1% of adults),
and heart disease (266.8 per 100,000 population) compared to the rest of Kentucky (Paducah
Health Medical System Profile, n.d.), focusing on these conditions could significantly improve
overall health outcomes. By incentivizing providers to keep patients healthy rather than simply
treating illnesses, the model encourages proactive health management, which could reduce the
burden of chronic diseases in the community.
A2.
The current state of IT at PHMS is outdated and fragmented. PHMS uses an EHRS called
HealthData and it was implemented on 1995. Since then, the system has remained largely
unchanged since its original design and was initially set up for communication and data sharing
between PHMS’s two hospitals. There is no mobile technology that would allow patients to
communicate with their providers, schedule appointments, or view their records. Additionally,
