AHIMA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF NATIONAL STUDY ON STATE-LEVEL HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE INITIATIVES

CHICAGO, September 12—State-level health information exchange (HIE) initiatives play an important role in creating an environment for collaboration, coordination, and sharing of valuable information among stakeholders, according to a report released today by the Foundation of Research and Education (FORE) of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The report is the result of a six month project conducted under contract to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).

AHIMA’s CEO, Linda Kloss, MA, RHIA, told the American Health Information Community today that “the importance of state-level HIE initiatives and the roles that can only be assumed by a state-level entity were spotlighted in this work. State-level HIEs can be the bridge between communities, neighboring states, and nationwide initiatives. They can set HIE policy and standards, provide services and technical assistance, and can also help catalyze health information improvements in state governmental agencies.”

The project included site visits to state-level HIEs, extensive interviews and guidance by a steering committee comprised of representatives from the nine state-level HIE organizations. The Project Team compiled a set of guiding principles and planning worksheets and checklists that are presented in a document titled, “State-Level Health Information Exchange Initiative Development Workbook.” The Workbook is designed as a practical tool to help those involved in developing and managing a state-level HIE initiative. “It represents the Project Team’s best advice at this point in time for developing organizations in the areas of governance, structure, operations, financing and health information exchange policies,” according to the project’s principal investigator, Victoria M. Prescott, Esq.

“The lessons learned and the practical approaches offered in this report and Workbook will provide States with an excellent tool kit to guide their state-wide efforts,” says Kelly Cronin, Director of the Office of Programs and Coordination for ONC. “As a follow on to this project, ONC is also taking important steps to improve coordination between states and the federal government to accelerate HIE initiatives throughout the country.”

The recommended approach to developing a state-level HIE initiative involves a series of processes or activities. The Workbook is organized around the following recommended activities:

1. Assess market characteristics
2. Identify champions and key stakeholders
3. Determine the role of the state-level HIE initiative
4. Establish governance structure
5. Obtain initial funding
6. Concurrently develop financial model for sustainability, formulate HIE policies, and set up operations and (if applicable) technology
7. Identify short- and long-term priorities
8. Reassess original assumptions and plans often, expect change, and adjust accordingly.

“As state-level HIE initiatives differ significantly in their origins and drivers of action, state market characteristics and approach, the Project Team advises against any form of mandate on state-level HIEs or an action that would lock in one particular approach,” adds Molly J. Coye, MD, MPH, chair of the project Steering Committee and Founder and CEO, Health Technology Center. “Throughout this development process, it is important not to lose sight of the vision of sharing health information to the benefit of all.”

The complete report and Workbook can be found at www.staterhio.org.

FORE also announces that it has received a contract extension to study three specific aspects of the operation of state-level HIEs: their interaction with federal activities for healthcare and information technology, HIE projects that have achieved financial sustainability, and the role of public payers on state-level HIE. The target date for project completion of the extension tasks is November 15, 2006. Additional information will be made available at www.staterhio.org.

ABOUT AHIMA
AHIMA is the premier association of health information management (HIM) professionals. AHIMA’s 53,000 members are dedicated to the effective management of personal health information needed to deliver quality health care to the public. Founded in 1928 to improve the quality of medical records, AHIMA is committed to advancing the HIM profession in an increasingly electronic and global environment through leadership in advocacy, education, certification, and lifelong learning. For more information about the Association, go to www.ahima.org.

ABOUT FORE
FORE provides financial and intellectual resources to sustain and recognize continuous innovation and advances in HIM for the betterment of the profession, healthcare, and the public. For more information about FORE, visit www.ahima.org/fore.