Louisiana's Healthcare System: Still Rebounding Post-Katrina

Despite the fact that Hurricane Katrina occurred over four years ago, Louisiana’s healthcare system is still measured by the “pre-” and “post” Katrina, regardless of how many years that have passed. 

“Pre-” Katrina, the state’s healthcare system was diminishing, with over 20 percent of Louisiana residents’ uninsured, due to poor living conditions in the lower class. 

Up until Katrina hit, the 25 percent of individuals living below the poverty line were provided healthcare though the state-run Charity Hospital, which was financed through Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital, or “DSH,” dollars. 

Before the tragedy, progress was slowly being made in the way of improving the healthcare systems, but the natural disaster caused many things, one being the state’s healthcare system, to be put on hold. 

“Post” Katrina, over 100 healthcare agencies – which served over 21,000 patients combined – in the New Orleans area were flooded or permanently destroyed. 

Not only has the displacement of individuals hindered the ability for healthcare providers to see their patients, but health records have been destroyed, leaving some individuals who no medical history.

Tara Mondock, group vice president, IVANS, a healthcare information technology services company, said that the destruction of infrastructure has had an overwhelming effect on the workforce.

“Like many other industries, the home health agencies in New Orleans were dealt a huge blow post-storms," Mondock said.

Now, over four years later, the state is still in recover mode. To date, many hospitals and nursing homes in the New Orleans area are closed or barely holding on.

According to Mondock, the state is still struggling with staffing shortages, which puts a strain on the entire healthcare system, delaying the industry’s rebound, who went on to say that one solution to alleviate the burden on the healthcare workers would be the implementation of far-reaching health information technology systems and electronic health records, or “EHRs.”

Recently, IVANS conducted a survey of over 500 healthcare providers on healthcare reform, which showed that almost 70 percent of home healthcare and nursing home organizations say their EHRs, will have a positive impact on their day-to-day business.

And, over 56 percent of respondents have begun to, or are planning to, implement EHRs within the next year.

"EHR systems increase physician efficiency and reduce costs, as well as promote standardization of care," Mondock said.

Another approach to solving some communications network issues within the state is the possible implementation of LaRHIX to support health information technology initiatives in rural areas.

According to company officials, this portal operates over the Internet and allows the access of medical records from any provider database that is connected to the LaRHIX network.

“To have access of medical records and share information is the essential next step in ensuring efficiency and reducing costs, but not sacrificing the quality of care for our patients. Tests don't have to be repeated and we have access to real-time diagnosis and eligibility,” Mondock said.