What is a Health Information Exchange?

A Health Information Exchange (HIE) is an electronic network that facilitates the movement of healthcare information electronically across organizations within a region, community, or hospital system. It is the goal of Beacon to connect all providers with electronic health records to a centralized, statewide HIE, which DHA will coordinate for all providers who serve Delta patients.

What process is involved in having the Exchange installed and what changes are do we make to accommodate the use of Electronic Health Records?

Ordering and installing the connection is coordinated between Delta Health Alliance (DHA) staff and the contact at the provider’s office. Once the connection is installed, DHA staff will provide technical assistance and training to the provider.

Can we get Stimulus Incentives?

To improve the health of Americans and the performance of their healthcare system, five health care goals related to “meaningful use” must be met:

• To improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and access to healthcare services in a community;
• To engage patients and families in their own healthcare decisions;
• To promote the health of a community;
• To improve care coordination of patients; and,
• To promote the privacy and security of EHRs.

What are the benefits for patients?

• EHRs and a HIE can make a patient’s health information available when and where it is needed – too often care has to wait because the chart is in one place and needed in another. EHRs enable clinicians to secure access to information needed to support high quality and efficient care.
• EHRs and a HIE can bring a patient’s total health information together to support better health care decision, and more coordinated care.
• EHRs and a HIE can support better follow‐up information for patients. For example, after a clinical visit or hospital stay, instructions and information for the patient can be effortlessly provided and reminders for other follow‐up care can be sent easily or even automatically to the patient.
• EHRs and a HIE can improve patient and provider convenience – patients can have their prescriptions ordered and ready even before they leave the provider’s office, and insurance claims can be filed immediately from the provider’s office.

As a participant, how will my clinic benefit?

Providers will not only benefit from the improved healthcare of their patients, but they will also be eligible for financial incentives available from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services that are designated for providers who use EHR and connect to a Health Information Exchange.

How can I be sure my records are secure?

The DHA software meets both HIPAA and HITECH requirements that ensure the security of all patient records.

How can I be a partner?

If you work in the Delta or have an interest in providing better healthcare in the Delta, you can be a partner! The Beacon Community needs people/organizations that can serve on leadership committees, provide health care services, and be recipients of Beacon Community services. Contact the project director to see how a partnership can be formed.

What if I already have an EHR? Can I still participate?

DHA will cover the implementation cost, at least one‐year subscription to the HIE, and the technical assistance associated with connectivity for clinics and providers using EHRs. Our EHR staff has over 150 years of healthcare and information technology‐related experience.

Who do we contact if we are interested in participating in the project?

Please contact Anna Lyn Whitt, Project Director, HIT Grants, at 601‐572‐2900 or awhitt@deltahealthalliance.org for more information about becoming part of the Beacon community.