The two largest health information exchange organizations in Michigan have reached an agreement to allow the exchange of patient records between member providers.
The collaboration between Great Lakes Health Information Exchange and Michigan Health Connect means 96 hospitals and more than 3,000 physician offices will now be able to exchange patient data. Together, these providers treat about half of all Michigan residents.
The most significant benefit will be seen in communities like Ann Arbor, where the University of Michigan Medical Center and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital were participating in different exchanges.
"Now both hospitals, serving the same community, can exchange clinical information with no technological barriers," said Carol Parker, executive director of GLHIE. "Being part of this agreement is important because it's the logical next step to providing optimal patient care."
More Information on HIEs:
Study: Majority of Physicians Could Exchange Information Electronically in 2011
3 Common Myths About HIOs, Debunked
Big Data and HIEs are Paving the Way to Meaningful Population Health Management