Aug

03

Health information exchanges see 40% growth from previous year

Posted by: Dom Nicastro | Comments (0)

The number of community-based health information exchanges (HIEs) that transfer data electronically among physicians, hospitals, health plans, and patients increased by nearly 40% from 2008, according to the sixth annual survey and study released by the nonprofit group, eHealth Initiative (eHI).

Approximately, there are 193 HIEs across the country, and 153 participated in the survey. Among the different stakeholders in those HIEs, hospitals (21) and physician practices (19) anticipated returns on their investments during this year, according to the study.

In 2009 and 2010, HIEs are expected to see new opportunities with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through which the federal government is expected to spend at least $300 million in support of HIE activities. "While it is impossible to predict the impact of future funding, ARRA has helped energize the field in recent months," the study said.

Read the full story by HealthLeaders Media’s Janice Simmons.

Jun

15

Health Information Exchange will allow patients to share medical information

Posted by: Dom Nicastro | Comments (0)

Patients in Rhode Island will soon have a choice regarding whether they will allow their protected health information to be shared through a statewide health information exchange (HIE). The exchange will also allow their providers access to laboratory data and medication history.

The HIE—termed currentcare—is a secure electronic network created with a $5 million federal grant the Rhode Island Department of Health received in September 2004 when Rhode Island was chosen as one of six states to receive funds from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Rhode Island subcontracted with the Rhode Island Quality Institute to provide governance for the initiative, the first phase of which is set to go live in the fall.

The exchange of electronic health information is at the forefront of health leaders' minds these days, particularly because the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act earmarked $300 million specifically for these types of developments. HIEs—the mobilization of healthcare information electronically across organizations or within a region, community or state—is one way of sharing data in this way.

Read the full story by Lisa Eramo of HealthLeaders Media.