It’s been harder for Connecticut than many other states to create a technology system for healthcare providers to request and receive patient health records, but that so-called health information exchange is now live and connected to its first client.
The Connecticut State Medical Society’s CTHealthLink exchange, which represents thousands of providers, is now connected to the statewide HIE, according to the Office of Health Strategy, which oversees the new system along with the nonprofit Health Information Alliance.
The HIE network aims to improve patient care and coordination of services between otherwise disparate healthcare providers in the state.
“From its inception, the goal has been to realize wholesale benefits of a new data sharing system, including reduced healthcare costs, enhanced quality and delivery of services, improved public health reporting, and support for academic research and innovation, while prioritizing and ensuring patient privacy, security, and voluntary participation,” the Office of Health Strategy (OHS) said in a statement last week.
OHS Executive Director Vicki Veltri said the HIE launch puts Connecticut “on a path that 45 other states have already traveled.”
Connecticut’s HIE saga dates back to 2007, and includes millions of dollars in federal funds, a botched arrangement and legal spat with a former contractor, the subsequent transfer of development duties to the Department of Social Services, and, ultimately, to the Office of Health Strategy, which oversaw the recent launch of the system.
“Good information is critical for good healthcare; the HIE will help providers get patient information quickly and that improves care, reduces redundant testing, and lowers costs,” Veltri said.
Connecticut Health Information Technology Officer Allan Hackney said CTHealthLink will help overseers test system functionality, with the aim of getting more providers connected as the year progresses.
Ken Ferrucci, interim executive director of CSMS, said the HIE will play a vital role.
“Connecticut’s physicians and medical practices are at the ready to provide services across the board, and the ability to share patient information in a confidential and secure manner will be a major benefit to patients, particularly during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ferrucci said.
