Community health centers – the local, non-profit, community-governed health care providers that serve as the health care home for more than 16 million people at nearly 6,000 sites – are the cornerstone for the delivery of high quality, comprehensive primary care. However, they have not been historically well-positioned to acquire, implement and use HIT applications.

The Foundation’s technology vision is to address that situation, and to facilitate affordable access to the cutting-edge information technology necessary for the provision of excellent clinical care and the support of efficient operations.

There are several factors driving the Foundation’s technology vision. Though CHCs have basic operating needs that are similar to other ambulatory health care organizations, they also face unique challenges related to regulation, FQHC reporting requirements, and reimbursement.

With CHCs confronting such complex requirements, RCHN CHF believes it is essential they have access to HIT solutions that take into account the unique conditions within which they operate.

To help the CHC community address HIT concerns, the Foundation makes strategic program-related investments, advocates relevant policy change, and conducts and supports technology-related research, educational outreach and collaborative program initiatives. Until August 2009, RCHN CHF maintained a substantial program related investment in Chorus, a health information technology firm that provides integrated software solutions and services developed exclusively for community health centers. RCHN CHF’s commitment to ensuring quality HIT for CHCs includes partnering with public and private organizations to advance the adoption of appropriate, relevant health information technologies. Through such collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to position community health centers, and the patients they serve, to benefit from the transformational qualities of HIT.

Dr. David Hartzband, the Foundation’s director of technology research, is dedicated to advancing the Foundation’s technology vision. In addition to conducting a formal research program focused on areas of critical importance to CHCs, Dr. Hartzband offers invaluable expertise on appropriate and relevant technologies. Please click on one of the links to the left to read Dr. Hartzband’s columns and access his current presentations.