Bill Smith, IT Manager, North Country HealthCare (Flagstaff, AZ)

What are the connectivity problems/issues on your organization's mobile medical clinic?

The overriding issue is a universal lack of always on, HIPAA-compliant broadband connectivity. One work-around utilized by many mobile clinics is a cellular WiFi; however, these units do not provide continuous data connections. Therefore, mobile clinic staff must continually reconnect to their EMR systems, causing frustration and a loss of productivity.

How do these problems impact services for clients on the mobile?

Many mobile clinics have refrained from transitioning to EMR as a result, relying instead on transcribed notes. Without the availability of EMR, providers often do not have the ability to provide optimal continuity of care for clients.

What is the solution?

Managed broadband Internet connectivity needs to be extended to those areas where mobile clinics wish to provide services. The optimal solution is to provide a wide area network of secure wireless access points at locations where mobile clinics could most effectively operate to meet their clients’ needs.

Is there funding available for the solution?

Yes! The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) provides a percentage of funds on a reimbursement basis for these initiatives under the Rural Health Care initiative. USAC manages some $400 Million of capitalized funds just for this purpose. For a brief overview of USAC ~ Click Here

Are partnerships essential to a successful solution?

Most certainly. In recent years, USAC has followed the lead of many government and NGO grant funding organizations in placing a priority on requests submitted by consortia rather than individual organizations. The focus is on generating economies of scale for the benefit of the greatest number of qualified recipients. Consortia may combine both rural and urban service locations.

North Country HealthCare, a state and federally qualified health center (FQHC), operates a mobile medical unit throughout northeastern Arizona, offering “well child” (preventive care) exams and helping parents and adolescents establish trusting relationships with primary care providers that result in effective, holistic healthcare. North Country’s goal is to help teens by encouraging them to have a greater role in managing their own healthcare.