What is HIE and its impact?

A Health Information Exchange (HIE) is a system that allows healthcare providers to securely access and share patient health information electronically. It promotes interoperability and improves the coordination of care across different healthcare settings.  

The impact of HIEs includes:

• Improved patient care: By providing healthcare providers with access to comprehensive patient information, HIEs can help to improve the quality and efficiency of care.  
• Reduced medical errors: HIEs can help to reduce medical errors by ensuring that healthcare providers have access to all relevant patient information.  
• Enhanced patient safety: HIEs can help to identify and address potential safety risks.
• Increased efficiency: HIEs can streamline administrative processes and reduce the need for redundant testing.  
• Lower costs: By reducing administrative costs and improving care coordination, HIEs can help to lower healthcare costs.  

Who governs HIEs?

HIEs are typically governed by a variety of stakeholders, including:

• Health information organizations (HIOs): Non-profit organizations that facilitate the exchange of health information.  
• Health systems: Hospitals, health plans, and other healthcare providers.  
• Government agencies: State and federal health departments.
• Technology vendors: Companies that provide the technology infrastructure for HIEs.

Different forms of HIE

There are several different models of HIE, including:

• Centralized HIE: A single entity, such as a health information organization, manages the exchange of health information.  
• Federated HIE: A network of healthcare organizations that exchange information directly with each other.
• Hybrid HIE: A combination of centralized and federated approaches.

HIEs in the Midwest

Here are a few examples of HIEs in the Midwest:

• CareConnect: A health information exchange serving Illinois.
• Indiana Network for Health: A health information exchange serving Indiana.  
• Michigan Health Connect: A health information exchange serving Michigan.  
• OhioHealth Information Exchange: A health information exchange serving Ohio.  

Illinois State HIE

The Illinois State HIE is a statewide health information exchange that connects healthcare providers across the state. It allows for the secure exchange of patient health information, including clinical notes, lab results, and imaging studies. The Illinois State HIE has been instrumental in improving care coordination and reducing medical errors