Legislators receive medical technology demo at clinic

Published June 9, 2006
By Joe B. Wiles
92nd ARW Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A legislative delegation visited the 92nd Medical Group June 2 to learn more about the electronic medical records system used in Fairchild’s medical facility.

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris and Congressman Adam Smith, both representatives from Washington state, were briefed on AHLTA, the military’s electronic health record system, by Lt. Col. (Dr.) Robby Riddle, the 92nd MDG deputy commander.

AHLTA creates an electronic medical record, an EMR, that, when fully operational in 2011, will be instantly available at more than 400 medical and dental clinics and 70 military hospitals around the world.

“About 70 percent of Air Force facilities are up on AHLTA right now,” Col. Barbara Jefts, the 92nd MDG commander, told the legislators. “We have between 80 and 85 percent usage of the system in our facility. Our goal is 100 percent,” she said.

Congresswoman McMorris and Congressman Smith have a special interest in the EMR. Last fall they co-sponsored a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, HR 4331 Medicaid Access Project through Information Technology. The bill would authorize 2-year pilot projects in several states to demonstrate the beneficial impact of health information technology on chronic disease case management.

EMRs are important to Fairchild Airmen because of the extensive medical care they receive in the local community. The Inland Northwest Health Services information network allows the Fairchild medical group to access their data base, said Doctor Riddle.

Using the AHLTA system, Lt. Col. Patricia Dykstra, the medical group’s women’s health clinic element chief, showed Representatives McMorris and Smith how a typical case using an EMR is handled.

An active-duty patient comes in to see Colonel Dykstra. The patient was in a local emergency room the night before. She doesn’t remember what specific medicine or instructions were given.

Using AHLTA together with IHNS, Colonel Dykstra is able to pull up the notes entered into the system the night before at the civilian hospital.

“This is extremely important because it affects our Airmen’s deployability,” said Doctor Riddle. “They may have received a medication that would prevent them getting on the aircraft, or if an aircrew, from flying the aircraft.”

Another strong advantage of the electronic medical record is tied directly to the extensive travel required of today’s Airmen. “When a traveling Airman is seen in a military facility and a medication is ordered, the EMR will automatically run a cross check to make sure we’re not giving something that interferes with medication the Airman already has,” said Doctor Riddle. “You can’t find that anywhere else.”

The AHLTA system has an advanced electronic medical record. “One of its features keeps track of when the patient needs tests or other appointments. An Airman might be in the office getting a wart burnt off, and the system tells us he is due for an immunization,” said Doctor Riddle. “We can just escort him down the hall and get caught up. It will help keep our deployers ready.”

According to Colonel Jefts, electronic medical records at the Fairchild dental clinic are planned for future implementation.

Congresswoman McMorris represents Washington state’s 5th District, which covers most of the eastern part of the state, including Fairchild. Congressman Smith represents the 9th District, which includes McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis.