What is a Health Information Exchange (HIE)?
A HIE provides the capability to securely and electronically move healthcare information between doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers when it is needed for care.
Why is a HIE important in the healthcare industry?
The goal of the HIE is to facilitate access to and retrieval of clinical data to provide safer, more timely, efficient, effective, equitable, patient-centered care.
Who can participate in the HIE?
Organizations and clinicians involved with patient care are invited to participate in the HIE. The HVHIE encourages all organizations to electronically connect to improve patient safety and patient care for those living in the Hudson Valley.
What are some benefits of a HIE?
In an emergency, healthcare providers can immediately access important information from the patient’s medical record like medication and allergy information to avoid medication interactions.
Healthcare providers have access to the most up-to-date, accurate patient information even if the patient is unable to communicate.
When patients needs to see other healthcare providers like specialists, the information from their record can be transferred without chasing down paper copies of tests and reports.
How is patient privacy protected in the HIE?
Protecting patient privacy is of ultimate importance in the HVHIE. The HVHIE works in conjunction with THINC RHIO’s Privacy and Security committees to ensure compliance with applicable Federal and State regulations. A team of individuals including representatives from business, consumer, and healthcare industries serve on these committees.
Is there someone that oversees patient privacy?
Yes, HVHIE has a designated Privacy Compliance Officer. The person in this role ensures compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws. In addition, the Privacy Compliance Officer provides training for the workforce who manages the HVHIE, develops and implements privacy policies and procedures, responds to all issues concerning personal information, and investigates complaints related to patient privacy.
What can a patient expect from a HIE?
Patients can expect their decision to participate or not participate in a secure HIE will be respected.
Patients can expect they can discuss their participation in the HIE with their healthcare provider.
Patients can expect their healthcare providers can discuss with them what participation in a HIE could mean for them, especially in an event of an emergency.
Where can I find more information about HIE projects in the United States and in New York State?
The Federal government website devoted to Health Information Technology: http://www.hhs.gov/healthit
NY State has designated an office in the Department of Health to promote Health Information Technology: http://www.health.state.ny.us/technology