News & Updates

Launched…Community-wide Health Information Exchange

Dr. Richard Mindess, President and CEO of Wellport has been a member of the steering committee since the project’s inception. “After 3 years of hard work and planning it is very exciting to finally see Wellport, the electronic health information network, become a reality in the Greater Newburyport area.”, Dr. Mindess says. “Dedicated physicians, community members, the Anna Jaques Hospital, and countless others have lent their time, energy and expertise to create a network unlike any other in the country. We are looking forward to using this potentially powerful tool to assist physicians in caring for their patients in ways that have been previously unimaginable.”

Created as part of the Massachusetts e-Health Collaborative (MAeHC) pilot project, Wellport’s network uses sophisticated computer applications to electronically connect healthcare providers so that a patient’s important health information is available when and where it is necessary. In addition, many months of work have gone into the development of strict policies and procedures, particularly with regard to privacy and security.

The possibilities for the functionality of Wellport are great. However, Mindess warns, “Wellport, physicians, and patients must understand that the real value of the network will be realized gradually over time. As doctors and patients become more familiar with the network, more and more valuable ways of using Wellport will become possible.”

Grant awarded

...to improve diabetic management is part of Your Personal Health Record rollout. You may be eligible to participate. For more information call Katie at 978-462-2345.

Lower Merrimack Valley Physicians Hospital Organization (LMVPHO) was awarded a grant by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare to apply the Wellport Health Information Network to create innovative approaches to the management of diabetes.

Many complications of diabetes, such as kidney, heart and eye problems, can be prevented or minimized by relatively simple screening tests. Diabetic patients who qualify to participate in the study will have access to their test results and will receive electronic reminders of important information through their personal electronic health record.