Funding will support modernizing technology and data to improve quality of care and health outcomes for health center patients
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), awarded $56 million to support HRSA-funded health centers’ commitment to high-quality care through new investments in modernized technology. HRSA-funded health centers provide primary care to 30 million people and serve patients regardless of ability to pay. They are also leaders in health care quality, and HRSA is taking the next step in quality improvement by adopting a modernized Uniform Data System (UDS+) for health centers. UDS+ will create automated reporting platforms for quality and performance management, streamlining backend work.
“Health centers have long been on the cutting edge of adopting new technology to improve patient care and modernizing the Uniform Data System is no exception. When fully implemented, UDS+ will help us identify needs and tailor solutions much more precisely for the communities we serve,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson.
Award recipients will use this supplemental funding for new equipment, meeting interoperability standards, and providing data management training to staff.
UDS reporting involves activities like time-consuming chart audits, that can be streamlined and take less time thanks to the new technology today’s awards support. UDS+ aligns with Health Level 7 (HL7) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)-based application programming interface (API) standards available in all certified electronic health records (EHRs). FHIR enables the quick and efficient exchange of health data.
All data collected through UDS+ is de-identified and secured. HRSA requires health centers and vendors to comply with the HHS Safe Harbor Method for patient data de-identification to ensure alignment with HIPPA rules.
HRSA’s Health Center Program is a cornerstone of our country’s health care system, especially for individuals and families who are uninsured; enrolled in Medicaid; living in rural, remote, or underserved areas; struggling to afford their health insurance co-pays; experiencing homelessness; residing in public housing; or otherwise having difficulty finding a doctor or paying for the cost of care. Nearly 1,400 HRSA-funded health centers currently operate over 15,000 service sites.
For a detailed breakdown of today’s awards, visit the QIA-UDS+ Award page.