Electronic Registry Improves Outcomes for Diabetic Patients

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) has seen a significant increase in the number of diabetic patients who have achieved healthy levels of blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure—the three leading indicators for the disease. HHC attributes the improved health outcomes to an aggressive chronic disease management program and the use of an interactive electronic patient registry, which tracks important patient data such as follow-up visits and lab results, allowing clinical teams to closely monitor each patient.

HHC has more than 50,000 diabetic patients registered in its electronic database. The registry provides a real-time snapshot of patients’ health status, sends automated alerts to doctors, ensures patients receive annual foot and eye exams, and allows physicians to compare their results to other HHC doctors with similar groups of patients. It also improves patient safety, alerting physicians of possible concerns such as changes in condition or missed appointments. As a result, clinicians are able to give more targeted, evidence-based treatment and identify patients who are in need of more support in their self-management efforts.

In 2008, 45.5% of all adult diabetic patients under routine care at HHC facilities achieved a healthy blood sugar level, as reflected by a Hemoglobin A1c test result of 7 or less. This means that nearly 21,000 patients had well-controlled blood sugar levels—almost 5,000 more patients compared to 42.6% in 2007. More than 20,000 patients—just over 40%—met the healthy blood pressure goal of 130/80 compared to 37.6% the previous year. And almost 27,000 patients—nearly 55%—registered healthy cholesterol levels, measured by LDL levels under 100 mg, compared to 53.8 % the year before.

HHC President Alan Aviles said federal stimulus funds will provide up to $121 million to help support the next generation of the electronic health records system. The next phase will give patients access to personal health records, and ultimately build a DNA-based patient record to help personalize treatment.

According to recent data by the New York State Department of Health and the National Committee for Quality, HHC diabetic patient outcomes consistently outperform both state and national averages (see the chart below).