The National Academy for State Health Policy has released a study examining the potential of health information technology (HIT) to improve the Medicaid system in the District of Columbia.  The authors outline investment in HIT infrastructure and project how DC officials may use it to improve quality and oversight in Medicaid.

From the report:

It is widely acknowledged that the lack of information across all levels of our health care delivery structure is a critical factor contributing to current deficits in safety, efficiency, and health outcomes. State Medicaid agencies with responsibility for administering publicly subsidized health coverage - including Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefits for children - face distinct challenges in accessing and using accurate information to monitor the provision of benefits and services provided by the health care system. As has happened in other states, in the District of Columbia (the District) a lawsuit brought these issues to the forefront; the District’s Medicaid agency efforts to ensure the provision of EPSDT benefits are now overseen by the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia under the terms of the Salazar v. District of Columbia Settlement Agreement. In light of promising developments in the realm of electronic health care information and quality measurement and reporting, the Court requested a report from NASHP to identify and offer recommendations on new and emerging capacity within the District that could enhance oversight of the District’s provision of EPSDT benefits.

Full report: NASHP Report: Health IT, Quality Reporting and Medicaid Well Child Benefits: An Assessment of Progress and Potential in the District of Columbia (PDF | 1.32 MB)

National Academy for State Health Policy.  (2011).  NASHP report: health IT, quality reporting, and Medicaid well child benefits: an assessment of progress and potential in the District of Columbia.  Purington, K., Dierker, L. and Stanek, M.