Multiple options (1,2) are available for health care provider organizations to receive assistance in demonstrating compliance with meaningful use requirements for public health reporting (3). A certified EHR solution is a requirement for participation in these programs; vast majority of health care providers do not yet have such a solution. No funding programs are currently available to assist public health agencies, especially local public health departments (4). As a result, most providers and local public health agencies are seemingly left without viable options except spending significantly in a tight budget environment.
Objective
To describe a real-time reportable disease and surveillance solution focused on local public health department needs and compatible with state health departments, regardless of meaningful use certification status of health care providers.