A recent report published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report finds that state health departments have made big gains in electronic disease tracking.
For example, all but three states have fully operational disease tracking systems in place, and most states now are able to receive electronic laboratory reports. However, variation in state disease tracking systems is hindering interoperability.
In an iHealthBeat Special Audio Report by Kelly Wilkinson, experts discussed the progress states have made in implementing electronic disease tracking systems and the obstacles that remain. The Special Report includes comments from:
- Sara Cody, deputy health officer at the Santa Clara County Public Health Department in California;
- Kathleen Gallagher, director of CDC's Division of Notifiable Disease Surveillance and Healthcare Information; and
- Kathryn Turner, an epidemiologist at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and one of the report's authors.
Gallagher said CDC is working to develop common standards for state health departments. She added that the health reform law includes a push for more widespread electronic exchange of health information, which will allow for more timely public health action and better use of limited public health resources (Wilkinson, iHealthBeat, 12/14).
The complete transcript of this report is available as a PDF.
Running Time: 5:10