Minnesota backs statewide HIE

Can a state-backed health information exchange 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

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