Health equity is a fundamental aspect of creating a fair healthcare system, and simply means to ensure everyone has the opportunity to achieve their highest level of health, and receive the highest quality of care, regardless of any socioeconomic factors. At GaHIN, Georgia Health Information Network, we are deeply committed to advancing health equity in Georgia.
In this blog, we will explore what health equity means, why it matters, and how GaHIN is working to make health equity a reality… creating a healthier Georgia, for all Georgians.
What is Health Equity?
CMS defines Health Equity as “the attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes.” (Source: CMS).
The concept of health equity means creating a level playing field, ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities for health and well-being. Unlike equality, which simply means treating everyone the same, health equity recognizes that different individuals and communities have different needs and barriers. To achieve equity, we must address these differences and work to remove obstacles that prevent some groups from reaching their full health potential.
Why Health Equity Matters, especially in Georgia.
Health disparities are stark and pervasive. Factors such as socioeconomic status, race, geographic location, and access to education can all impact an individual's health outcomes. In Georgia, as in many other states, these disparities are evident in health statistics. For instance, medically underserved communities may face higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancies, and reduced access to quality healthcare services. According to the National Center for Primary Care, 141 areas in Georgia are designated as “medically underserved”, as well as 139 areas suffering a shortage of primary care options.
Addressing health equity is not just a moral imperative but also a practical one. The National Academy of Medicine states that over 80% of a person's health is attributed to social factors, with traditional medical care impacting less than 20%. When we invest in equitable health systems, we improve overall public health, reduce healthcare costs, and create healthier communities across the state, especially in rural and underserved populations.
How GaHIN Promotes Health Equity
GaHIN plays a pivotal role in advancing health equity through our statewide health information exchange (HIE). Our mission is to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare by facilitating the exchange of health information, including social determinants of health, among providers and community partners. Here’s how our efforts contribute to health equity:
- Expanding Access to All Health Information
By connecting diverse healthcare systems, GaHIN ensures that vital health and social needs information is accessible regardless of where a patient receives care. This interconnectedness helps to reduce disparities by providing comprehensive data that supports informed decision-making and continuity of care, especially for underserved populations. Additionally, with the GeorgiaUnify platform, members now have access to important social data from community partners and other organizations, not just clinical data from providers and allows us to provide whole-person care.
- Enhancing Care Coordination
Effective care coordination is essential for equitable health outcomes. GeorgiaDirect, enables healthcare providers to communicate securely and collaborate seamlessly, ensuring that patients receive coordinated care, resulting in higher quality, lower costs and higher patient satisfaction. Ensuring care is coordinated across care settings is particularly important for managing chronic conditions, which are often prevalent in marginalized and rural communities.
- Supporting Data-Driven Interventions
Data is a powerful tool for identifying and addressing health disparities. GaHIN’s data analytics capabilities allow members to use the data to monitor health trends and outcomes across different demographics. By analyzing this data, we can identify gaps in care and develop targeted interventions to address specific needs of underserved populations, as well as creating patient cohorts based on a variety of clinical and non-clinical factors (diagnosis codes, geographics, and lab results). This can not only improve care delivery and outcomes, but ultimately majorly impact public health and health research. Learn more about creating cohorts in the GaHIN platform here.
- Facilitating Closed - Loop Referrals
The concept of closed-loop referrals have now become mission critical components in improving patient care and outcomes. This approach ensures that individuals who require specialized services are effectively connected with the right providers and community services and that their needs are continuously met through a structured, follow-up system. Implementing a closed - loop referral process ensures no one falls through the cracks, and all patients have access to basic resources like shelter, food, and transportation. Check out this recent newsletter to learn more about how GaHIN is facilitating closed-loop referrals for some of the most underserved Georgians.
Promoting Equity in Health Information Technology
Ensuring that all healthcare providers, regardless of their location or size, have access to advanced health information technology is a priority for GaHIN. We help smaller and rural healthcare facilities offer high-quality care and participate in the broader health information exchange, regardless of whether or not they have an EHR, and at no cost to the providers. We recently outlined the 5 phases to broaden our footprint and facilitate connections among providers and community partners to meet the evolving needs of their patients. If you missed it, check out “Meeting the Evolving Needs of Georgia Communities.”
Looking Ahead
Health equity is an ongoing journey, and GaHIN is dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in this area. We are committed to working with our members and partners to further enhance our services and address emerging health equity challenges.
As we move forward, our focus will remain on expanding access to data, improving care coordination, and supporting equitable health IT. By fostering a collaborative approach among clinical and community partners, we can create a more equitable healthcare system.
Health equity is not just a goal, but a fundamental principle guiding everything we do at GaHIN. We are proud to be part of a collective endeavor to break down barriers to data exchange, increase coordination of care and improve outcomes, and ultimately, create a healthier, more equitable Georgia, for all Georgians.
To learn more about how GaHIN can support your efforts to improve health equity in your community, visit our website and contact GaHIN today!