SUBJECT
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Consideration to renew contract FY21-081 to Patagonia Health, Cary, NC, for another five (5) year term in an amount not to exceed $467,919.29, for the Electronic Medical Records System (EMR) for the City of Laredo Public Health Department. This is the first five (5) year autorenewal as stated in the contract. Funding is available in the Laredo Public Health Department Fund.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On October 04, 2021, Council approved contract for five (5) years Motion 2021-47
BACKGROUND
Patagonia Health has a wide degree of experience interfacing with a variety of Public Health registries, diagnostic labs, health information exchanger and other custom interfaces, including state Health Information Exchanger's, State Immunization Registries and medical devices. E-prescription capability is built into Patagonia Health and is connected to the SureScripts network (via New Crop). Over 95 percent of U.S. pharmacies are connected to the Surescripts network including local independent pharmacies, nationwide pharmacies, and mail order pharmacies which follow nationwide standard protocols. Information contained in the e-prescription system is automatically updated and maintained by Patagonia Health and requires no maintenance. Their system offers an integrated patient portal and is included at no additional cost as is required to become an ONC Certified system. Patients can access the following: allergies, labs, meds, immunization, diagnosis, clinical visit summaries, Health Summary in on a file to download, and secure messages with the provider.
The term of this contract shall be for a period of five (5) years beginning as of the date of its execution. The contract is on auto-renewal terms every five years.
The costs are as follows:
Year 1: $86,390.59
Year 2: $89,846.21
Year 3: $93,440.06
Year 4: $97,177.66
Year 5: $101,064.77
Total: $467,919.29
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal 7.1: Improve access to health services for all residents.
• Policy 7.1.3: Enhance access to coordinated, high-quality healthcare services through the use of health information technology.
• Goal 7.4: Foster a culture of health through innovation and quality improvement.
• Policy 7.4.4: Support the use of technology and data systems to improve healthcare quality, patient engagement, and public health outcomes.
• Goal 7.5: Strengthen public health systems and operational capacity.
• Policy 7.5.1: Invest in modern public health infrastructure and technology to improve service delivery, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Summary of alignment: This action aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by ensuring the continued use of an integrated Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system that enhances the quality, coordination, and efficiency of public health services. The Patagonia Health platform supports secure health information exchange, electronic prescribing, immunization reporting, patient engagement through an online portal, and compliance with state and federal health information standards. Renewing the contract strengthens the Public Health Department's technological infrastructure, improves continuity of care, and advances the City's commitment to delivering accessible, data-driven, and high-quality healthcare services.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve the Motion.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2027
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Laredo Public Health Fund
Account #: 226-2927-543-5588
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding will be through Personal Health Services, expense account 226-2927-543-5588.