Funds for the CPOE System Approved

In 2002 the Pratt Health Foundation demonstrated its mission when it funded the acquisition of a Patient Charting System for PRMC.  The funding was included in the successful “Simply the Best” capital campaign, which raised $2.9 million dollars for a new CT system, new Ultrasound machines, the Patient Charting system, and Board Designated funds.  The Patient Charting System was on the cutting edge of software programs, which enabled the medical staff to report patient information, vital sign information, allergies, treatment regimens, and patient progress.  At the time hospital and Foundation administrators had no idea how timely the acquisition would be.

The Federal stimulus funds include additional funding for Electronic Medical Records (EMR).  The governmental program is designed to reimburse hospitals for EMR expenditures through the Medicare payment process beginning in 2010.  But to qualify hospitals need to demonstrate that they have certain components in place.  One of them is Electronic Patient Charting.  The hospital has continued to expand its electronic medical applications, all of which are necessary to qualify for the Federal stimulus funds.

The next component on the PRMC list of EMR programs is called the Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system.  It allows PRMC physicians to establish treatment protocols for all the medical conditions they treat, order labs, set up prescriptions, request radiology studies and establish rehabilitation regimens.  It is also designed to alert the medical staff of allergies, duplicate prescription orders and potential dangerous drug interactions.  All of this information is also entered into the patient’s permanent medical record at the same time it is ordered.  So, regardless of which hospital or physician the patient uses, all of the patient’s medical information is available.  It is safer, more efficient and timely for all concerned.  The price tag for this system is around $66,000.

PRMC’s commitment to offer the best medical care possible is enhanced by this new component of their EMR system.  And it will not be the last as the need to enter a Health Information Exchange (HIE) is also a required element of the Federal program.  All of this needs to be in place by September, 2010 in order for PRMC to receive the Stimulus funds.  The Federal program estimated reimbursement will be around $3.5 million spread over a five year period of time.  The dedicated PRMC staff and Foundation administration are working hard to make sure PRMC receives this benefit.  Being “Simply the Best” requires this kind of commitment and effort.

. . . equipping PRMC to be “Simply the Best”

Kansas Awards Tax Credits

The Foundation and PRMC have once again received approval from the Kansas Department of Commerce to offer 70% State Tax Credits for a PRMC medical project. This year the credits are reduced to a 63% benefit level. A total of $ 210,000 in tax credits were awarded to help PRMC fund the purchase of a new Telemetry System. The program will develop $300,000 in assistance for PRMC.

The Telemetry System constantly monitors a patient’s vital signs regardless of the patient’s location in the hospital. This system is critical for those with heart conditions and other life threatening medical conditions. The new system solves coverage challenges and adds health reporting capacity. This is the fourth and largest Community Service award received by PHF/PRMC. Prior awards developed funds for children’s health programs, a Tele-radiology project and a Patient Lift System.

McFall Fund Testimonial

This comment was posted on the Pratt Tribune website shortly after an article on the McFall Fund was published. “I have received assistance from this fund over the past 2 years during my treatment out of state. The American Cancer Society (ACS) raises immense amounts of money in our community but very little of it actually goes back to those stricken with the disease- even less of it actually helps those in our community. The only thing ACS has ever given me was a free bag of cosmetics, a low quality wig and a $50 gas card. ACS does fund research with our contributions, but most of the money raised pays for other business costs. Please contribute to this fund – it goes directly to the patients that need it most! It is not just hand-outs either, you must have receipts and be accountable for the money. The grant is well managed through the Foundation.” Klmontgomery

PRMC in the Future

As the years go by the need to update the Pratt Regional Medical Center facility becomes more and more evident.  Parts of the hospital are now over 60 years old.  Heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, water supply systems and plumbing systems are just a few of the systems which need to be updated.  To be honest they are worn out and fixing them is as costly as rebuilding. 

We also need a new kitchen and a space to locate coordinated services like the Emergency Room, Lab and Radiology.  So county officials and the hospital board are working on plans to update and change the PRMC facility.  These changes will provide a friendly, up-to-date and efficient facility for PRMC’s “Simply the Best” services.     

“The Pratt Health Foundation promotes health and raises funds to provide economic support for health care in south-central Kansas through Pratt Regional Medical Center.”

A publication of the Pratt Health Foundation (PHF)
203 S. Main * Pratt, Kansas 67124
( PHF and PRMC are 501(c)3 charitable healthcare organizations.)