It's called the Regional Health Information Organization, or RHIO. It's a computer based program that allows health care providers to access a patient's past medical history. Casey Bortnick has more.
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From x-rays to blood tests, doctors in this emergency room are getting a clearer picture of their patient's health.
"It allos us to make diagnostic decisions with better accuracy," said Bryan Gargano of Rochester General Hospital.
It's called the Regional Health Information Organization, or RHIO, a computer based program that allows health care providers to access a patient's past medical history, helping doctors provide care more efficiently.
"Maybe they don't need another CAT scan. Or maybe they need an angiogram that they thought they had last week but never did have," Gargano said.
Two community based senior support agencies have also signed on to the system, sharing information on what services their clients are receiving.
"If they have a care manager, if they have Meals on Wheels, if they're part of our expanded in house services for the elderly program. The health care provider is going to see all of that in addition to their medical records," said Corinda Crossdale of the Monroe County Office for the Aging.
The Monroe County Office for the Aging and Lifespan already had their own computer based record systems. They say linking up to the RHIO made dense.
"And essentially, from a community based side, all the hospitals will be able to see is that they're connected to a community based agency," said Ann Marie Cook of Lifespan.
With 122,000 seniors in Monroe County, some say the idea of a system like this will catch on.
"And if we're successful here, we're hoping this trend will be successful throughout New York State," Crossdale said.
The biggest hurdle is patient privacy. Doctors cannot use the system to access their records unless they get the person's permission.
"So if you said, 'well, I had my blood drawn yesterday doctor,' that's a great way for me to find out what your results are with your consent," Gargano said.