IHS - Indian Health Service

08/08/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2024 12:21

The Indian Health Service has named the Electronic Health Record Solution PATH EHR

The Indian Health Service has named the Electronic Health Record Solution PATH EHR

by Mitchell Thornbrugh, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office of Information Technology, Indian Health Service
August 8, 2024

The Indian Health Service is happy to announce the name of our new enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution: PATH EHR. We recognize that the EHR must keep our patients at the forefront of the solution and the Health IT Modernization Program itself.

PATH stands for "Patients at the Heart," which demonstrates our continued dedication to assisting individuals on their journey to healing, while promoting empowerment and advancement of health and wellness in line with nature and community values. PATH EHR reflects our vision, which aims to provide the best possible EHR to drive high-quality health care through sustainable, modern, and easy to use tools. The emblem itself is another reflection of our vision and symbolizes the significance of community guidance, regional connection, and holistic well-being. The navigational element symbolizes the journey of life we are on, while the 12 points recognize the 12 physical areas that IHS serves.

We are excited to introduce PATH EHR across Indian Country to modernize technology and enhance the user experience for patients and providers. This modernization aims to minimize system disruptions and streamline access to patient data across facilities, granting patients greater control over their care and providing clinicians with a comprehensive care overview.

As always, we appreciate your commitment to collaboration and valuable feedback as we implement PATH EHR to provide a high-quality, modern solution for Indian Country. To read more about the Modernization Program and PATH EHR, please visit the program website and follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.

Register for 2024 Tribal Consultation and Urban Confers

With three more Health IT Modernization Program tribal consultation and urban confer events planned in 2024, we are committed to connecting and collaborating with partners through informative sessions and open forums. Register now using the links below:

  • November 7, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. ET. This is a hybrid event featuring Site Readiness and Training can be attended via Zoom or in person at IHS Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Register here.


Statement of Interest (SOI)

We invite our partners to complete a non-binding SOI to help understand which tribal and urban sites are interested in becoming part of the IHS's enterprise EHR solution partnership. The SOI asks for limited details about those organizations, such as facility size, current EHR utilization, and point(s) of contact. The SOI may be submitted by email to [email protected] and there is no deadline for submitting the form. Federal sites are not required to complete the SOI document.

Focus Groups

DHITMO leaders invite volunteers from IHS, tribes, and urban Indian organization entities to participate in one or more focus groups. Initial focus groups will cover the following topics:

  • Health IT Implementation
  • Interoperability
  • Data Management and Analytics

Focus groups are open to all interested participants, not just those who choose to implement the new enterprise EHR solution. Focus groups are expected to kick off in March 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to volunteer to participate by emailing [email protected].

Connect with us!

  • Visit the website for more information about the IHS Health IT Modernization Program
  • Sign up to receive Director Tso's Bi-Weekly Updates for Tribal and Urban Indian leaders
  • Sign up to receive Health IT Modernization Program email updates through the Listserv
  • Read IHS Blog posts on modernization
  • Follow IHS on Facebook, LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter) to stay up to date on events, collaboration opportunities and general program updates
Mitchell Thornbrugh, an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is the chief information officer for the Indian Health Service. His responsibilities include advising senior IHS leadership on all aspects of information resource management and technology and ensuring IHS compliance with information technology laws, regulations, and policies.?