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For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2008
Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407
Rolla — Missouri Department of Social Services' MO HealthNet Division Director, Dr. Ian McCaslin, held a town hall meeting today to discuss Gov. Blunt's MO HealthNet, the state's health care safety net for the poor. MO HealthNet is a new approach to health care that focuses on prevention, health and wellness and encourages participant involvement through avenues such as a health care home.
"MO HealthNet is an innovative program poised to help hundreds of thousands of Missourians maintain and improve their health status," said Dr. McCaslin. "As we further develop aspects of MO HealthNet such as health care homes we want to listen and learn from the questions, comments and concerns of our participants, providers, and the public. We want to be sure our program meets the needs of all involved."
The health care home provides quality, coordinated health care intended to maximize each participant's health potential. It enables both health professionals and participants to address health concerns before they become catastrophic. Participants choose their own health care home based on their preferences and unique health care needs. Approved health professionals maintain awareness of the participant's medical and health history and can recommend care, early detection and preventative services to improve wellness.
The quality, coordinated health care provided by a health care home relies on health care professionals having access to a participant's health information and the ability to share that information with other approved professionals caring for the participant. MO HealthNet allows participants' health care providers to access information through a secure, password-protected Internet-based electronic health record (EHR) tool. The EHR includes an electronic plan of care. Providers also use the tool to submit electronic prescriptions and request pre-certification for imaging procedures and some durable medical equipment items.
"We believe participants want to be more involved in their health care decisions, and we encourage them to take more responsibility for their health and well-being. Establishment of a health care home encourages participants to play a greater role in their own health care and, ultimately, improve their quality of life. We are dedicated to improving the health status of our participants and helping them become more productive citizens," Dr. McCaslin added.
Rolla is the third location for the town hall meetings. Previously, Dr. McCaslin hosted meetings in St. Joseph and Moberly. Over the course of the next several months, Dr. McCaslin will meet with the public across the state to discuss MO HealthNet, health care homes, and other aspects of the transformed program.
