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Disease registries have flown under clinicians' radar screens: registries lead the way toward electronic medical records and provide universal data requirements to secure public funding.

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IT'S HARD TO HAVE A conversation about healthcare in which the topic of electronic health records (EHRs) doesn't surface. The same can't be said for disease registries, a cousin to the much discussed EHRs, which have until recently flown largely under clinicians' radar.

Disease registries, also known as chronic disease management systems, are electronic tools that provide physicians clinical support so they can deliver appropriate, timely care.

Disease registries enable them to identify their patients with a particular chronic disease--such as diabetes or heart failure--and track patients' care to ensure it follows nationally recognized guidelines. For example, when a registry-listed diabetic patient visits her provider for whatever reason, she may also need a reminder for a foot check or an eye exam. Providers can likewise use registries proactively to contact patients when it is time to schedule an appointment.

In California, five healthcare philanthropies are so committed to disease registries, they're investing $4.5 million over two years to help community clinics...

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