Health Groups Form Partnership
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Michiana Health Information Network and Michigan Health Connect have entered into a partnership. The organizations say the deal will allow Michigan doctors treating Indiana patients and Indiana physicians treating Michigan patients to easily exchange health records.
September 10, 2013
News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. and South Bend, Ind. — Michigan doctors treating patients from Indiana, and Indiana physicians treating Michigan patients, can now securely and seamlessly exchange health records to ensure the best care for their patients.
Michigan Health Connect(MHC), the state's largest health information exchange, and Michiana Health Information Network (MHIN), one of the most mature HIEs in the nation serving healthcare providers in Indiana and Michigan, are partnering to share information that is vital to
patient health.
“This connection to Michigan Health Connect allows important health information to follow patients, regardless of geography,” said Tim Roberts, chief executive officer of Michiana Health Information Network. “As an HIE that rests near the border of two neighboring states, it is so important for us to extend our mission to those patients who cross these borders for care every day.”
Doug Dietzman, executive director of Michigan Health Connect, said such collaboration between states provides more timely and efficient care for patients, giving physicians current and historical health information that can speed diagnosis and treatment.
Both HIEs are uniquely positioned to expand secure communication across state lines. Earlier this year, Michigan Health Connect implemented secure exchange with Ohio, and Michiana Health Information Network established a cross-state immunization exchange with the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. Both plan to grow interstate connectivity with HIEs across the nation as national standards and protocols evolve.
“We know people seek care and providers work with hospitals and other providers across state lines,” Dietzman said. “Health information exchange cannot stop at artificial county, state or regional boundaries but must follow patients and the providers who care for them to ensure the best possible quality outcomes and efficiency.”
“Electronic communication means we can get comprehensive, life-saving information to medical professionals at any location faster than ever before,” Roberts said.
The partnership replaces non-electronic communications – faxing, telephone calls or mail – with faster, more comprehensive, standardized, HIPAA-compliant electronic messaging among authorized physicians and personnel. That means physicians have information when and where they need it.
###
About Michigan Health Connect
Michigan Health Connect is the largest provider of health information exchange in Michigan, serving 75 hospitals, over 2,000 medical offices, more than 17,000 individual providers and diverse providers statewide including Federally Qualified Health Clinics, Community Mental Health and long-term care facilities. The nationally recognized, community-based nonprofit works to enhance patient care by improving access to timely, secure clinical information while streamlining administrative functions for providers. For more information see www.MichiganHealthConnect.org.
About Michiana Health Information Network
As a health information exchange incorporated in 1999, MHIN is committed to improving healthcare quality in the communities they serve across the Midwest. Through a variety of communication solutions, MHIN connects healthcare providers throughout the region, ensuring that they have immediate access to the information they need to take care of their patients. For more information, visit www.mhin.com.
Source: Michiana Health Information Network