Health Information Technology Focus for Safety Net Health Forum April 19-21

DENVER, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the millions of federal dollars available to healthcare providers who install electronic patient records systems in their facilities, the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) and ClinicNET's "The Forum 2010" will focus primarily on Health Information Technology (HIT). The event, held in Aurora, CO, runs from April 19-21.

"Implementing electronic health records is daunting for everyone, but the challenge is even greater for rural and urban safety net providers who operate with fewer resources and typically do not have access to local technology support and expertise," said Lou Ann Wilroy, Chief Executive Officer for CRHC. "We're excited to be able to offer safety net providers critical support to effectively implement HIT in ways that best serve staff, patients and communities."

The Forum 2010: Essential Perspectives for Safety Net Providers will bring together participants from all over Colorado and surrounding states.  It serves as the premier educational, training, and networking event for all Colorado rural and urban safety net clinics, members of the clinic team, and other interested parties.  CRHC has partnered with ClinicNET to present The Forum to expand the event's reach to include other states and clinic types.

In addition to HIT, The Forum will educate providers on the impact of healthcare reform, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Conference organizers say that a few slots are still available for vendors who wish to exhibit their products or services.

In addition to CRHC and ClinicNET, other Forum sponsors include Kaiser Permanente, The Colorado Health Foundation, Colorado Hospital Association and COPIC Companies.

About The Colorado Rural Health Center

CRHC was founded in 1991 as Colorado's nonprofit State Office of Rural Health. CRHC works with Federal, state and local partners to offer services and resources to rural healthcare providers, facilities and communities. CRHC has a diverse and inclusive statewide constituency of over 3,500 people and organizations. For more on CRHC or The Forum call 303-832-7493 or go to www.coruralhealth.org

About ClinicNET

ClinicNET is a Colorado non-profit corporation committed to strengthening Colorado's safety net by empowering organizations that provide health care to vulnerable populations.  ClinicNET serves Community-funded Safety Net Clinics (CSNCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) that provide health care services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured Coloradans.  For more go to www.clinicnet.org

SOURCE Colorado Rural Health Center