$4.5 Million In Health Information Technology Exchange Grants Announced
June 29, 2007
The Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Information Technology today announced more than $4.5 million in funding that will create a statewide infrastructure for healthcare information exchange that will streamline the sharing of medical information throughout Michigan.
The funding will help make Michigan the first state in the nation with a program of this magnitude to streamline medical information in the state. The program clearly illustrates Michigan's move toward becoming the nation's leader in the health IT field said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director.
"When fully implemented, these Health Information Exchanges (HIE) will allow healthcare organizations within a community to instantly move clinical information between disparate healthcare information systems while maintaining the meaning of the information being exchanged," Olszewski said. "The goal of the HIE concept is to facilitate access to and retrieval of clinical data to provide safer, more timely, efficient, effective, equitable, patient-centered care."
Funding for the program, first introduced by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in her FY07 Executive Budget, was appropriated by the Legislature for FY07. Regional partners awarded grant funding in this first cycle include:
- Alliance For Health (includes Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Barry, and Allegan Counties) - $379,565
- Altarum Institute (includes Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, and Monroe Counties) - $658,356
- Capital Area Health Alliance (includes Ingham, Eaton, Clinton Counties) - $775,350
- Central Michigan University Research Corporation (includes Clare, Gladwin, Arenac, Isabella, Midland, Bay, Gratiot, Saginaw, Bay, Tuscola, Sanilac, and Huron Counties) - $304,900
- Greater Flint Health Coalition (includes Genesee, Lapeer, and Shiawassee Counties) - $359,475
- Marquette General Health System (includes all Upper Peninsula Counties) - $756,119
- Michigan State University (Formation of HIE Resource Center) - $999,971
- North Central Council of the MHA (includes all counties in the northern Lower Peninsula) - $267,648
"We have worked closely with the healthcare industry here in Michigan to apply technology to promote health information exchange and it is very exciting to see our regional partners receiving this grant funding," said Teri Takai, Director of the Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT). "We will continue to work to speed the adoption of health information technology so that citizens can reap the benefits and so that the quality of healthcare continues to improve."
The grant funding also funds the creation of the state's Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN) Resource Center, which assist regional HIE efforts across the state, focusing on daily activities in order to increase the adoption rate and successful implementation of regional HIEs across Michigan, Takai said.
The MiHIN Resource Center will have full-time staff that will coordinate tasks and deliverables to the regional HIEs and MDCH. The Resource Center will be responsible for working with MDCH, other State of Michigan entities and national resources.
The Resource Center will provide assistance to regional HIEs including, but not limited to: interpreting legal statutes, representation at state and national levels, identification and promotion of standard policies, procedures for HIE operation, governance, and financing as well as for technological infrastructures and education and awareness about HIE in the state, national initiatives and standards.
The role of the MiHIN Resource Center is to assist regional HIE efforts across the state, focusing on daily activities in order to increase the adoption rate and successful implementation of regional HIEs across Michigan, Olszewski said.
The funding of this initiative was first recommended in December 2006 when MDCH released a Michigan Health Information Network (MIHIN) report that outlined a plan to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health care delivery by accelerating adoption and use of health information technology and health information exchange (HIE).
Granholm then charged MDCH and MDIT with bringing together Michigan's health care and business stakeholders to develop a vision and plan for the future of health information technology and exchange in Michigan.
Back to Top
|
MDCH Announces Nearly $4 Million in HIV/AIDS Continuum of Care (COC) Awards
June 28, 2007
Since its announcement of available monies to support programs serving persons living with HIV/AIDS outside the Detroit Eligible Metropolitan Area of Michigan, which directly receives Ryan White Part A funding from the federal government, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has received and approved thirteen proposals with the awards totaling nearly $4 million.
The availability of Ryan White Part B and Michigan Health Initiative resources for HIV/AIDS Continuum of Care (COC) services was announced on February 2, 2007. Proposals were due by April 20, 2007, and included two new recipients, the Ingham County Health Department and the Central Michigan District Health Department.
"After reviewing the outstanding proposals, MDCH is pleased to fund such innovative agencies and we look forward to supporting them in their endeavors to better care for those living with HIV/AIDS," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director.
Awards will be granted to the following agencies:
- Community AIDS Resource and Education Services (CARES), Kalamazoo, Michigan and Benton Harbor, Michigan - $685,437
- Central Michigan District Health Department, Mount Pleasant, Michigan - $75,000
- District Health Department Number 10, Ludington, Michigan - $75,000
- Hackley Hospital, Mc Clees Clinic, Muskegon, Michigan - $263,597
- HIV/AIDS Resource Center, Ypsilanti, Michigan - $500,000
- Health Delivery Inc., Saginaw, Michigan - $170,000
- Ingham County Health Department, Lansing, Michigan - $200,000
- Lansing Area AIDS Network, Lansing, Michigan - $460,000
- Marquette County Health Department, Marquette, Michigan - $200,000
- Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Center, Inc., BASIS, Saginaw, Michigan - $250,000
- Wellness AIDS Services, Flint, Michigan - $520,000
- St. Mary's, Mc Auley Health Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan - $300,000
- Thomas Judd, Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, Michigan - $271,330
The awards will be distributed beginning October 1, 2007.
For more information about the MDCH HIV/AIDS Continuum of Care Awards, please contact Patrick Yankee at (517) 241-5920 or yankeep@michigan.gov.
Back to Top
|
Awards Given for HIV Screening in High Prevalence Health Care Settings
June 27, 2007
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is pleased to announce that four awards, totaling $359,000, have been granted to health care facilities dedicated to reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS by providing screening services in areas in Michigan hit hardest by the disease.
The recipients include the St. John's Health Systems of Detroit ($77,644), the Sinai-Grace Hospital of Detroit ($81,140), the Hurley Medical Center of Flint ($100,000), and the Center for Family Health of Jackson ($100,000).
"Promoting HIV testing in high prevalence communities is vital in making individuals aware of their own status and in preventing the spread of HIV to others," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "We estimate that only 39.5 percent of all Michigan adults aged 18-64 years have ever been tested for HIV and we would like to see that number increase."
MDCH estimates that up to 17,000 Michigan residents are infected with HIV. Roughly one-quarter of these individuals do not know that they are HIV-infected. Each year, approximately 800 Michigan residents are diagnosed with HIV. The annual number of cases diagnosed has remained approximately level for the past five years. At the same time, the number of individuals living with HIV or AIDS in Michigan has been steadily increasing due to the availability of effective medical treatments for HIV disease.
Pursuant to recommendations made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MDCH supports and encourages implementation of voluntary HIV screening as a routine part of care provided in health care settings where the prevalence of HIV is at least 0.1 percent.
HIV testing through screening programs in health care settings is an important strategy by which to increase the number of individuals who know their infection status and, if found to be HIV-infected, are linked to needed care, prevention, and support services funded by MDCH. To support implementation of HIV screening in high prevalence health care settings, the Michigan Department of Community Health issued a Request for Applications (RFA) to support planning for, and initial implementation of, HIV screening in high prevalence health care settings.
For more information on HIV screening in health care settings, please visit Routine_Testing_MDCH_Position_Statement_final. For general information regarding HIV, please visit www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2940_2955_2982---,00.html.
Back to Top
|
Florida Doctor Loses Michigan License
June 27, 2007
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the medical license of Jose Antonio Garrido, M.D., based on his felony convictions in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, Miami Division. Garrido failed to report his convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.
On March 24, 2005, Garrido was convicted of one count of Conspiracy to Commit Offenses Against the United States-Health Care Fraud, and one count of Health Care Fraud, both felonies. As a result, Garrido was sentenced to imprisonment for 33 months with two years supervised release and ordered to pay $416,971 in costs and restitution.
On June 19, 2007, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Garrido's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Garrido's medical license.
For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.
Back to Top
|
MDCH Recognizes June 27 As National HIV Testing Day
June 20, 2007
In an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is recognizing June 27 as National HIV Testing Day.
"This year marks the 26th anniversary of HIV/AIDS," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "Unfortunately, an estimated quarter of a million Americans are currently infected with HIV and do not know it. Having yourself tested can save lives, especially your own."
The national public awareness campaign is designed to educate the public about HIV counseling, testing and referral, and to encourage more people to assess their risk of HIV infection. This year's National Testing Day theme, "Take the Test, Take Control" has been chosen to motivate individuals to be tested and by learning their test results, if positive, get treatment, and if negative, assess their risk and change behaviors that put them at risk.
For the estimated quarter of a million Americans who are infected with HIV but do not know it, knowing their status could save their lives. In MDCH funded testing sites throughout Michigan, more than 68,000 people are tested for HIV every year, and approximately 350 of those tests are positive for HIV.
Testing for HIV can be anonymous or confidential and is offered through a variety of options. Testing is conducted by either a traditional blood draw or orally (by mouth) using a swab that gently collects cells in the cheek and gum area inside your mouth and provides quick, accurate, and painless results. There is also the option for a rapid HIV test at some testing sites in southeastern Michigan, which takes only 20 minutes to obtain preliminary test results. Testing is offered throughout Michigan to accommodate client needs.
National HIV Test Day is one day a year when local health departments and community-based organizations work in collaboration to provide HIV testing opportunities for at-risk populations. These opportunities are provided through mobile clinics, outreach at bars, parks and churches and community-wide events. Events are planned across Michigan to raise awareness and promote HIV testing among Michigan residents. A list of the events in your area can be found at www.mihivnews.com.
For a testing site in your area, please call 1-800-872-AIDS or visit www.aidspartnership.org. You can also contact your county's local health department by going to www.michigan.gov/mdch and clicking on the Local Health Department Map to the right under Quick Links.
Back to Top
|
MDCH Surveys Provide Comprehensive Data On Michigan's Oral Health Workforce
June 20, 2007
TResults from surveys of licensed Michigan dentists and dental hygienists, conducted by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), show high rates of workforce attrition in the next ten years, lack of diversity in the oral health field, and limited oral health care options for Medicaid patients and the uninsured.
The 2006 Survey of Dentists and 2006 Survey of Dental Hygienists reports include information on employment status, age, plans to continue practicing, work setting, education, gender, and racial/ethnic background of licensed dentists and hygienists in Michigan.
- 43 percent of dentists and 38 percent of hygienists plan to practice for only one to ten more years. These rates are high compared to both registered nurses and physicians, of whom 33 percent and 34 percent, respectively, plan to practice for only one to ten more years.
- Seven percent of dentists plan to retire, seven percent plan to reduce patient care hours, and two percent plan to move their practice out of state in the next three years.
- 37 percent of dentists are aged 55 or older, and 80 percent of those who plan to retire or reduce patient care hours cite age as a factor in their decision.
- 14 percent of dentists and 8 percent of hygienists are working in their respective fields outside of Michigan.
- 81 percent of dentists are male, and more than 99 percent of dental hygienists are female. 85 percent of dentists and 95 percent of hygienists are white.
"The survey findings certainly suggest that we will need to continue to expand the oral health workforce to meet the needs that are created by turnover in the field as well as by a lack of diversity," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "The fields of dentistry represent a growth industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and should be marketed to both young men and women, and especially to minorities."
The survey also found that the vast majority of Medicaid and uninsured dental patients are seen by a small minority of dental providers.
- 64 percent of dentists report that none of their patients in a typical month are children covered by Medicaid or MIChild, and 1 percent of survey respondents report seeing an average of 250 or more of these patients each month.
- 86 percent report that none of their patients in a typical month are adults covered by Medicaid, and one percent of respondents report seeing an average of 60 or more of these patients each month.
- 75 percent report seeing 20 or fewer uninsured children in a typical month, while one percent of respondents see an average of 300 or more of these patients each month.
- 75 percent also report seeing 30 or fewer uninsured adults each month, while one percent of respondents see an average of 500 or more of these patients each month.
According to Dr. Sheila Semler, oral health director at MDCH, "Dental access remains a serious issue in Michigan. With the slowing economy, reduction in Medicaid reimbursement for dental procedures, and a workforce that is focused on private practice, dental care for the economically disadvantaged and minority populations is almost non-existent."
Drew Eason, executive director of the Michigan Dental Association, says both surveys are useful tools for assessing the supply of the workforce: "These surveys provide us with valuable information about the future plans of dentists and the factors affecting their decisions. Having similar information about hygienists gives us a broader picture of the future of the oral health field in Michigan."
Sandy Franklin, president of the Michigan Dental Hygienist Association, agrees: "Both of these surveys provide important data for us to consider as our association moves forward."
In an effort to better understand and gauge the supply of the health care workforce, the Bureau of Health Professions within MDCH is conducting annual surveys of a variety of licensed health professionals in Michigan. Dentists and hygienists were surveyed for the first time in 2006 and will be surveyed again in the summer of 2007.
Public Sector Consultants Inc., a Lansing-based public policy research firm, conducted the surveys and prepared the reports for the Michigan Healthcare Workforce Center (MHWC). Responses to the detailed dentist and hygienist survey questionnaires were received from 697 dentists and 2,062 licensed hygienists, respectively.
The MHWC is an informational resource initiative designed to gather, review, and disseminate information on issues related to the health care workforce. The MHWC was established in 2005 through a collaborative agreement between the Michigan Department of Community Health, Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Department of Education, and Department of Human Services. The full reports, Survey of Dentists 2006 and Survey of Dental Hygienists 2006, are available online at www.michigan.gov/mhwc under Licensee Surveys.
Back to Top
|
Senior Citizen of the Year Nominations Still Being Accepted
June 15, 2007
The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) is still accepting nominations for its 2007 Senior Citizen of the Year Award.
Sponsored by OSA and its Commission on Services to the Aging, these awards are given every year to two older adults, age 60 and older, for their valuable contributions to help others in our state.
"The example they set is an inspiration to all of us, and they deserve to be recognized," said Sharon Gire, OSA Director.
Award recipients will be invited to attend an awards ceremony that will take place August 27, which is recognized as Senior Citizens Day, at the 2007 Michigan State Fair in Detroit.
Senior Citizen of the Year Awards are made in two categories, "Leadership" and "Service." They recognize leadership in the community and service to others and highlight contributions made by persons age 60 and older to civic and social life. Selections will be determined primarily by service or leadership contributed during the past year.
Nominees must be age 60 on or before July 6 and all nominations must be submitted by an organization. A presiding officer of the organization must sign the nomination. Nominees can be employed at the time of the nomination, but will be judged on service or leadership in unpaid positions.
For more information or to obtain a nomination form, please go to www.michigan.gov/miseniors or call (517) 373-8230. Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, July 6, and sent to 2007 Senior Citizen of the Year Award Program, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, P.O. Box 30676, Lansing, MI 48909-8176.
Back to Top
|
MDCH Radically Expands Prescription Drug Web Site
June 14, 2007
Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski today announced extensive upgrades to the state's existing prescription drug web site, including the addition of 120 new prescription drugs that Michigan consumers can now evaluate to view lowest prices in their area.
"Since we first introduced our web site last year, we have repeatedly said that as we work toward expanding our site, more prescription drugs would be added as information became available. Today, Michigan consumers have the ability to evaluate the lowest available prices for 150 of the most commonly prescribed drugs in their area - from Amoxicillin to Zyrtec." Olszewski said. "We believe the increased utility of the state's web site will give citizens the access they deserve and the ability to save thousands of dollars on their prescription drugs per year."
The expanded web site - found at www.michigandrugprices.com - provides information to consumers so they may search prescription drug prices by city or by zip code. Users can select the pharmacy closest to them, or look at pharmacy prices from as far as 100 miles away from their homes - within Michigan's borders. As a new feature, users also have immediate directional access to the pharmacy of choice, as pharmacy locations are immediately linked via Mapquest.
Other new features on the web site include an A to Z listing of all 150 available drugs, links to programs and companies that provide free prescription drugs, and addresses and telephone numbers that make contacting pharmacies easy for consumers. Eventually, MDCH also will add expanded prescription drug warnings for all 150 drugs as well.
Most notably, the expanded site also includes a new feature that allows users to file complaints with MDCH when they believe drug pricing information is incorrect or price gouging may be occurring.
"The pricing complaint function allows consumers to communicate directly with us if they believe information to be incorrect or in error," Olszewski said. "We want citizens to have the ability to report possible prescription drug pricing inaccuracies as soon as possible, since prescription drug prices can vary daily."
The web site also contains links to five commonly used discount programs for prescription drugs: the Michigan Prescription Drug Discount Card (MI-Rx), the national Together Rx Access Card, the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), RxAssist, and the Michigan Partnership for Prescription Assistance program.
Michigan continues to be a leader in providing assistance with the cost of prescription drugs. Since the state's MI-Rx card debuted in September 2004, more than 43,000 uninsured Michigan citizens have taken advantage of the program.
Back to Top
|
Efforts Continue To Encourage Doctors To Stay In Michigan
June 13, 2007
LANSING-More than a quarter of Michigan physicians in training say they plan to stay in Michigan, while another 42 percent remain undecided, according to the most recent results of the 2006 Michigan Department of Community Health's (MDCH) Survey of Physicians.
The survey-conducted annually-also contains new information on resident physicians who are recent medical school graduates completing their medical specialty training.
Physicians in residency programs were asked about their plans following completion of their residency and responded as follows:
- Approximately 26 percent said they plan to stay in Michigan; 30 percent plan to move to another state; and 42 percent have not yet decided.
- 69 percent say they have not yet started their job search.
- 55 percent say they plan to enter a partnership or group practice; 20 percent plan to do further subspecialty training.
For those planning to move away from Michigan, a "desire to be closer to family" and "weather" are the factors reported most often as contributing to this decision, followed by "entertainment/recreational opportunities," "job opportunities for spouse/partner," and "economic outlook of the state", the survey indicates.
"We know from the survey data that about 66 percent of physicians in graduate medical training programs did not grow up in Michigan," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "We also know that 26 percent of them attended a medical school in Michigan. It is important that we continue to educate medical students and residents about the benefits of practicing in Michigan."
Keeping those physicians in Michigan is a priority, according to AppaRao Mukkamala, M.D., president of the Michigan State Medical Society, a professional association representing 15,000 physicians.
"Physicians in medical training programs play a critical role in the current delivery of patient care," Mukkamala said, "and they are key to meeting the demand for physicians in Michigan in the future." MSMS has predicted a 6,000 physician shortage by 2020, according to its 2005 survey.
The 69 percent of interns and residents who have not started their job search yet present an enormous opportunity," said Anne Rosewarne, President of the Michigan Health Council and Director of the Michigan Center for Health Professions.
"We know that physicians are likely to set up practice in the geographic area where they do their residency," Rosewarne added. Survey results show that 56 percent of our active physicians did a residency in Michigan. We want to make sure we encourage our current medical residents to stay in Michigan, as well."
The MDCH survey data provide a snapshot of where physicians practice and also what they practice, asserts Dr. Susan Sevensma, D.O., president of the Michigan Osteopathic Association.
"Comparing survey data from 2005 and 2006, the percent of active physicians indicating that they practice in a primary care specialty decreased by six percent," Sevensma said. "The average of both years' data falls below the minimum percentage of primary care physicians that health care planners say is necessary to operate an efficient health care delivery system. These data can help us determine where Michigan is non-competitive and where changes need to be made."
Earlier this year, the Practice Michigan Advisory Council was formed to promote Michigan as a great place to live and practice for physicians and those considering medical school as a vocation.
The Council includes the four Michigan medical schools, regional graduate medical education consortiums, the Michigan State Medical Society, the Michigan Osteopathic Association, the Michigan Recruitment and Retention Network, the Michigan Health Council and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The first initiative will familiarize residents with Michigan from coast to coast and help them get involved with activities outside of their training. The group also holds regional resident receptions to highlight local communities and job opportunities.
Another career resource for residents is Medical Opportunities in Michigan (MOM), a website listing medical positions within Michigan. MOM (www.mimom.org) was developed by the Michigan Health Council for Michigan hospitals and practices to promote their opportunities. Currently MOM lists more than 500 physician opportunities.
The Michigan Department of Community Health Survey of Physicians 2006 also includes data on Michigan physicians' employment characteristics, practice specialty, time spent providing patient care, practice capacity, plans to continue practice, education background, professional activities, use of computer technology, gender, and racial/ethnic background. For the first time, the annual survey also collected information from physicians entering their second or third year of a residency in Michigan. Other key findings include:
- 66 percent (about 24,500) of physicians fully licensed in Michigan are providing patient care services in Michigan. Another three percent are working as a physician in Michigan but spend no time in patient care. The remaining 31 percent are retired or working outside of Michigan.
- Residents spend 66 hours per week providing patient care; but 25 percent of these physicians spend more than 80 hours per week providing direct patient care.
- 47 percent of fully licensed physicians who are providing patient care report that their practice is nearly full and they can accept only a few new patients; another 16 percent report that their practice is full.
- 34 percent of active physicians indicate that they plan to practice medicine for only one to 10 more years.
Additional details on the physician workforce are contained in the full report, Michigan Department of Community Health Survey of Physicians 2006, available online at www.michigan.gov/healthcareworkforcecenter under Licensee Surveys.
Back to Top
|
Director Olszewski Issues Statement On University of Michigan Survival Flight Tragedy
June 6, 2007
LANSING-Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director Janet Olszewski today issued the following statement on the recent tragedy surrounding the University of Michigan Survival Flight:
"On behalf of the Michigan Department of Community Health, all of us are stunned and devastated at the loss of six members of Survival Flight who were performing a critical and fundamental public health care service for some of the state's most vulnerable and in need citizens."
"While the sorrow is shared by everyone touched by this tragic development, the sacrifice of the individuals associated with this life saving University of Michigan program should never be forgotten. Rather, their terrible loss and sacrifice should spur those across the state who are considering organ donation to do their part to ensure that future lives can be spared."
"From the entire MDCH staff, we extend our deepest and most profound sympathy to the victims' families, the University of Michigan health system, and the university's extended family."
Back to Top
|
Detroit Registered Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended
June 4, 2007
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the registered nurse license of Kathryn E. Gillis, R.N., based on her felony convictions in the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Wayne County. Gillis failed to report her convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.
On February 28, 2007, Gillis was convicted of one count of Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of Vulnerable Adult Abuse-Second Degree, both felonies. As a result, Gillis was sentenced to 12 months in jail, placed on probation for a period of five years with terms, ordered to pay fees totaling $600, and ordered to complete 167 hours of community service in lieu of paying costs and attorney fees.
On May 21, 2007, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Gillis' license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Gillis' registered nurse license.
For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.
Back to Top
|
