Health care help

Odessa residents looking for an easier way to keep track of their medical information will soon have the option of putting away the pen and file folders and picking up the phone.

Star Care Health Services, a local company, is launching a new program Wednesday that company officials say will provide families with an affordable tool to manage their medical needs. Star Care CEO Ravi Shakamuri said the Star Health Card would make it easy and affordable for consumers to keep track of their medical history.

"At the time of enrollment you give us (your medical) information," Shakamuri said. "You give us your physicians ... which hospitals you prefer and which ambulance you prefer, which pharmacists do you want, you list your allergies - basically your medical history."

The card information can be updated online by patients making it unnecessary for patients to have to fill out medical history sheets each time they go to a doctor.

"It's a big benefit for the medical offices and the doctor's office," Shakamuri said. "This also helps seniors a lot; they don't have to carry all their medicines they have to the doctor's office."

Medical Center Hospital is participating as a Star Health Network member and is also implementing a pilot program by offering the Star Health Card to all employees.

"The biggest benefit is allowing them to manage their own health as well as the health of their own family members," MCH associate administrator Carol Durham said.

The Permian Basin Health Network has 120 medical practices in Odessa that are participating in the program. Star Health Network includes hospitals, physician practices, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, outpatient services and home-based services.

The card system is kicking off in Odessa before spreading to Midland and surrounding counties, including parts of New Mexico.

"This is the first in the country - we are proud to say that," Shakamuri said.

The Odessa Fire Department has also showed interest in the program, Shakamuri said.

"When our paramedics arrive on scene and the patient has this card, we are able to get the patient's information, their date of birth all the way down to medical history, what kind of medications they use," said John Alvarez, the fire department's assistant chief in charge of emergency medical services. "That's beneficial to use when we are in the field."

Alvarez said the fire department wouldn't be able to use the program until they receive their laptops that will be kept inside each ambulance.

"Even from a personal standpoint, I think I would like to have a card," he said. "It's got some benefits."

Health care providers using the card system will be equipped with card readers to provide quick access to patient information. The information will be in compliance with HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Alvarez said.

WHAT'S IT COST

>> $10 enrollment fee, $1 per month.

>> Retail card will be $2 per month.

>> Offices located at 620 N. Grant Ave.