Indian Health Service Taps Oracle Health EHR Implementation for HIE

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that the Indian Health Service (IHS) is implementing an Oracle Health EHR system to drive health information exchange (HIE).

The new EHR, which will replace the IHS’ 40-year-old patient management system, is set to modernize IHS’ healthcare delivery and operations through streamlined access to updated and accurate patient information.

IHS conducted a rigorous federal acquisition process open to all vendors. The agency coordinated with tribal and urban Indian organization partners through extensive tribal engagement.

“This is a major milestone in our work to deliver quality modern healthcare to American Indians and Alaska Natives,” Roselyn Tso, IHS director, said in a press release. “With the new EHR system, patients will have better access to their own health information, providers can more effectively coordinate patient care in and out of our network, and we can better track the health of tribal communities overall.”

The 10-year IHS Health Information Technology Modernization Program aims to improve patient safety and outcomes, clinical quality measures, agency performance reporting, and disease management through enhanced health data interoperability.  

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. will build, configure, and maintain the agency’s enterprise EHR.

“We are ready and eager to move forward with the enterprise EHR with our partners. It is time to replace our current system and ensure that IHS is keeping pace with technological advances across the health care delivery system,” said Mitchell Thornbrugh, IHS CIO and director for the Office of Information Technology.

“This Modernization – and the technology that drives it – will impact every part of our health care delivery,” Thornbrugh added. “Most importantly, the new EHR will enable patients and their providers to have updated and accurate information to make the best health care decisions.”

The IHS chose an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract structure to support the recurring needs anticipated in the enterprise EHR. Under the IDIQ contract structure, IHS will issue task orders for technical support and services, allowing the agency to adjust what it purchases based on lessons learned, user input, and the availability of new technology.

IHS provides a comprehensive health service delivery system for approximately 2.8 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who belong to 574 federally recognized tribes in 37 states.