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Health Information Exchange (HIE)

While the concept of Health Information Exchanges (HIE) is not new, the significance of HIEs has exploded as a result of federal funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) which was enacted in February 2009.

At the most strategic level, the objectives of HIEs are similar regardless of the population it is meant to serve. However, given the variety of HIE stakeholders from wholly owned corporate entities to state governments, the requirements can vary considerably. Therefore the approach to organizing an HIE and the solution architecture should be tailored based on the needs of its stakeholders.

Three common approaches are:

  • Centralized: In the centralized approach, patient information is replicated from the sending entity and stored in a centralized data repository. The Health Information Organization (HIO) that maintains the data repository is generally responsible for the authentication of end users, synchronization of data and privacy and security of patient information.
  • Federated: In the federated approach, patient information stays in the source systems and technologies such as a master patient index and a record locator service is used to identify and retrieve the pertinent clinical information at the point of care.
  • Hybrid: The hybrid approach is a combination of the Centralized and Federated approaches. Some patient information is stored in a central data repository, while other patient information is stored outside the HIO, in the participating entities' source systems.

Jimenez Consulting Solutions' team has significant experience with HIE initiatives and can provide the types of service for your organization:

  • Program and Project Management
  • HIE Strategic Plan development
  • Environmental Scan
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Requirements Definition
  • System Selection
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Technical Architecture
  • System Integration / Implementation and Support

Industry standards and approaches continue to evolve in the area of HIE. Organizations are emerging to provide both form and function for HIE efforts.

Examples include:

Click one of the links below for information about our expertise and methodologies in the areas of IT Strategic Planning,  ARRA HITECH, Business Intelligence, EHRs, Evidence Based Medicine and Outcomes Management, HIM, Program and Project Management, and Legal and Regulatory Compliance.

 

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