Movers & Shakers Feb. 19, 2010

Health network to get recovery funds

As part of the Recovery Act, the government is investing nearly $1 billion in awards to help health care providers advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology.

North Idaho Health Network and SyMed LLC are set to get part of the funds.

"We are so excited about being a part of the health information technology grant," said Paula McMaster, director of SyMed LLC. "North Idaho Health Network and SyMed are committed to improving patent care. Electronic health records are a vital tool in helping and enabling physicians to provide high quality, cost effective patient centered care."

SyMed LLC is accredited and certified by many of the technology industry leaders including NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, HP, Gateway EDI, TeleVox and Meditech. SyMed LLC partners with industry leaders and implements industry "best practices" to prevent downtime, streamline performance and to keep its specialists in the forefront of cutting-edge technology.

"Health information technology can make our health care system more efficient and improve the quality of care we all receive," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

Of the more than $750 million initial investment, $375 million is being distributed between 32 nonprofit organizations to support the development of regional extension centers. Qualis Health of Seattle was awarded a Regional Extension Center cooperative agreement for Idaho and Washington.

Qualis Health and the other RECs will aid health professionals as they work to implement and use health information technology. The regional extension centers will also help practices with workflow and redesign issues by providing guidance on project management and implementation. Each center will offer technical assistance, guidance and information on best practices to help health care providers advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. RECs are expected to provide outreach and support to at least 100,000 primary care providers and hospitals within two years.

RECs must remain vender neutral therefore Qualis Health has formed consortium partnerships with five health information technology companies including North Idaho Health Network and its subsidiary, SyMed LLC.

SyMed's NextGen enterprise system includes more than 70 clinics throughout North Idaho and Washington.

The North Idaho Health Network is a network of health care providers in Idaho's five northern counties designed to meet the health care needs of individuals and businesses.

Making their mark

Pat Wardian, president of Wardian Wealth Management Inc. is now affiliated with the Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Group.

The group focuses on effectively managing the distribution of assets from IRA's and 401-K's, and the associated tax laws. Roth IRA concerns are an area of expertise in which Wardian specializes.

Wardian Wealth Management has produced audio CD's that focus on a variety of financial topics. Call their firm to receive a complimentary audio CD, "Avoiding IRA Tax Traps."

Wardian also invites retirees and pre-retirees to attend his free Financial Straight Talk seminars: at 11 a.m. March 9 (lunch) or at 5 p.m. March 11 (dinner) at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn. Sign up by calling 664-8980, or register at www.WardianWealth.com.

If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail bbuley@cdapress.com.