Improving Access to Patient Information
A health information exchange (HIE) is a secure electronic network that enables hospitals, physicians and other health care providers to quickly share patient information—including physician notes, lab results, diagnostic imaging and more—within a region, community or hospital system.
IHA is proud to support the expansion of HIEs across the state. Our members work closely with HIEs to help realize the potential of EHRs to improve patient outcomes and effectively monitor and manage community health risks.
Indiana HIEs
As more health care organizations adopt electronic health records (EHRs), the value of an effective HIE grows exponentially. Indiana is fortunate to have been an early adopter of the HIE model. The state currently has six HIEs covering various regions within Indiana:
- Indiana Health Information Exchange – Includes 90 hospitals and more than 14,000 physicians across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio
- Michiana Health Information Network – Includes 17 hospitals, 18 diagnostic laboratories and five public health organizations, primarily in northern Indiana
- MedWeb – includes 34 hospitals, medical practices and pharmacies in northeastern Indiana
- HealthLINC – includes hospitals and providers in southern Indiana
- HealthBridge – includes 50+ hospitals in six communities across four states
HIE Challenges
Because the development of Indiana HIEs have been driven by the private sector, many Indiana hospitals find they must join multiple exchanges to ensure they are connected to all their patients’ providers. The Council on Information Management is currently working with the state of Indiana and our members to work toward a seamless, statewide HIE.
