State of Massachusetts Health IT by Region

Western Massachusetts is seeing a surge in IT infrastructure and a massive broadband deployment across the region. Though some parts of the region are fully equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support full health IT adoption, many communities are just beginning the process. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), created by the Patrick-Murray Administration and the Massachusetts Legislature, is building over 1,300 miles of fiber-optic cable to connect over 120 communities in western and north central Massachusetts.

When complete in mid-2013, the MassBroadband 123 network, which is critical for further adoption of health IT, will expand high-speed Internet access to improve the lives of residents, close the digital divide and bring new economic opportunities to the region.

Central Massachusetts is home to a variety of health care organizations from large hospital systems who are on the cutting edge of health IT to solo providers who are at various levels EHR implementation. Currently, this region is being recognized for having the most eligible professionals and eligible hospitals in Massachusetts that have successfully attested to Stage 1 Meaningful Use.

Many providers in the eastern region of Massachusetts are aligned with larger integrated delivery networks that are on the forefront of health IT. Nevertheless, other independent small practices and solo providers in this region are also getting on board and are in various stages of EHR adoption. Additionally, Boston is home to the first hospital in the country to successfully attest to Meaningful Use.