State Department eyes electronic health records
The State Department plans to deploy a new global electronic health record system to support U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide.
WHAT: A request for information for vendors that could support the State Department's Bureau of Medical Services in implementing a commercial electronic health record system.
WHY: The department plans to replace a custom-built, non-interoperable, geographically limited EHR system. The new setup will need to support 60,000 to 70,000 diplomats, Foreign Service professionals, embassy personnel, local staff and others stationed at posts worldwide and roughly 1,000 medical professionals.
Geography might pose a bigger challenge than the patient population size. About a year ago, the Defense Department awarded a closely watched EHR contract that covers an estimated population of 9.6 million.
State officials are looking for a system with a robust scheduling platform and integrated apps that can manage prescriptions and track immunizations. It won't need to support billing or inpatient services but will need to work at a wide range of medical centers, including outposts staffed by only one medical professional.
The department is seeking teams that can handle the complete life cycle of the new EHR system from planning through close-out. It remains to be seen what level of customization will be required to make the commercial system meet State's requirements. The RFI closed June 16, and it's not clear when, or whether, a request for proposals will be released.
Click here to read the RFI.