Health Information Exchange Primer

Health information exchange is no longer just an option. To achieve meaningful use of health information technology and receive your share of ARRA stimulus funds, you must exchange information to coordinate care electronically and collaborate with other members of your patients’ care team.

 

What is HIE?

Health information exchange (HIE) is the secure, electronic exchange of health information among authorized stakeholders in the healthcare community – such as care providers, patients, and public health agencies – to drive timely, efficient, high-quality, preventive, and patient-centered care. This exchange of healthcare information improves patient care and reduces costs by fostering care collaboration and lowering administrative encumbrances.

 

Why is Health Information Exchange important?


Every day physicians are faced with making medical decisions based on limited information. A study by the Commonwealth Fund concluded that 30% of the time, physicians could not find information previously recorded in a paper chart. Other problems include:

  • Duplicate testing: The same drug or radiology exam was ordered 11% of the time, with patients complying with the duplicate 50% of the time.
  • Incomplete information: Physicians were not aware of one in four prescriptions that a patient had been given.
  • Uncertainty: One in seven admissions and one in five lab tests and radiology exams
    was ordered due to retrieval barriers. A typical physician receives test results from five
    or more locations.
  • Data collection and transfer costs: The cost of tracking down and obtaining information range from $12 - $28 per visit.

Health Information Exchange changes all that. It breaks down silos and makes information available to authorized providers when and where it is needed – quickly and securely.

When all members of a patient’s care team have patient medical information available at the time and place they need it, they can provide better, more cost-effective care.

That’s why the federal government wants health information exchange up and running, and is making billions of dollars in stimulus funds available to eligible physicians, hospitals, and communities to foster growth.

And while health information exchange is a requirement for demonstrating meaningful use to qualify for federal stimulus funds today, it also prepares your organization for the future of healthcare as delivery models and reimbursement regulations are continuously transformed.

 

Health Information Exchange Success

The key to HIE success is choosing an innovative partner to get you connected, get you collaborating, and get you to meaningful use and beyond. Medicity is THE standard for meaningful HIE – and has a proven track record nationwide.

No matter where you are in the process of adopting health information exchange technology, we have the right solution for you. Learn more about: