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Iowa Health System to Receive $17 Million Federal Grant for Improved Network Connectivity 07/02/2010 DES MOINES, Iowa —The Obama Administration today announced Iowa Health System will receive a $17.7 million grant to upgrade its existing fiber network. This will allow for connections to more than 200 health care facilities and improve access for residents and businesses statewide. Iowa Health System estimates the grant will benefit an estimated 1.7 million people. “This funding will allow Iowa Health System to make fast broadband connectivity available to health care providers throughout Iowa,” Iowa Health System President and CEO Bill Leaver said. “The upgrade will lay the foundation for important advances such as state-of-the-art telemedicine, remote diagnosis, health and patient data exchange, research and records compliance.” The network, planned to be up and running by mid-year 2012, will serve primary care physicians, specialists, home health care providers, hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, community health centers, clinics and other providers. It will enable the electronic, safe and secure exchange of patient information, all of which allows for timely and efficient health care delivery that limits redundancy of services. The expected result is that health care costs will be reduced and patient outcomes improved. The grant also will help Iowa Health System provide broadband access to organizations and agencies serving vulnerable populations such as low-income, unemployed and the elderly. This will enable independent physicians to be users of Electronic Health Records and to allow this benefit to their patients. Similarly, Iowa Health System will be able to allow broadband access to homebound patients, who will benefit from more effective primary, specialty and preventive care. It also will result in lower cost treatment and permit timely diagnosis for those with chronic illnesses. |
