Whiteside County Health Department utilizes the latest technology and electronic communications throughout the organization for maximum efficiency and timely delivery of information throughout all its departments

Health information technology (health IT) involves the processing, storage, and exchange of health information in an electronic environment. Widespread use of health IT within the health care industry will improve the quality of health care, prevent medical errors, reduce health care costs, increase administrative efficiencies, decrease paperwork, and expand access to affordable health care. It is imperative that the privacy and security of electronic health information be ensured as this information is maintained and transmitted electronically.

It is the goal of Whiteside County Health Department to maintain a high standard of competency in regulations and compliance for HIPAA confidentiality and privacy according to HHS standards.  Whiteside County Health Department participates in modern and progressive Health IT initiatives including:

▪ Electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs allow doctors to better keep track of your health information and may enable them to see it when you have a problem even if their office is closed. EHRs also make it easier for your doctor to share information with specialists, so that specialists who need your information have it available when it’s needed.

▪ Electronic prescribing (E-prescribing). A paper prescription can get lost or misread. E-prescribing allows your doctor to communicate directly with your pharmacy. This means you can go to the pharmacy to pick up medicine without having to bring the paper prescription.

▪ Privacy and security. All of these electronic systems can increase the protections of your health information. For example, electronic information can be encrypted so that only authorized people can read it. Health IT can also make it easier to record and track who has accessed your information.