Minnesota backs statewide HIE

Can a state-backed health information exchange [1] get further than private sector efforts?  Minneapolis may find out. The state has struck a partnership with a group of health organizations, including Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and HealthPartners, under which providers around the state will share health information.

The program, which will serve more than 3 million consumers, will begin by providing patient medication histories, lab orders and test results.  In the future, the group expects to offer access to digital radiology reports, e-prescribing and disease surveillance data.

Rather than being formed directly as a state organization, the HIE will operate as a non-profit organization, and despite its state affiliation, is funded by the founding organizations. The HIE will charge providers who want to use the system for a subscriber fee.

To find out more about the HIE:
- read this Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal article [2]

Related Articles:
Study: RHIOs/HIEs backed by states will win. Report [1]
Why RHIOs shouldn't exist. Editorial [3]
Net firms say 'net neutrality' could harm HIEs. Report [4]
Rhode Island awards $1.7 million HIE contract. Report [5]
What is the business model for sustaining a RHIO? Column [6]