Health information exchange (HIE) is an automated dynamic way that allows patients and health care providers to appropriately and securely access and shares the vital medical information of patients enabling interoperability and ultimately a meaningful use of health information technology. HIE ultimately improves the speed, safety, cost, and quality of patient care (Thompson, 2006). Moreover, within Kentucky, Health Information Exchange is widespread, and the web-based portal is used by major health systems to transport records between one another. As noted by Mann (2014), more than 612 providers in Kentucky use the health information exchange with about 2,200 facilities.
The key players in health information exchange within Kentucky are doctors, nurses, pharmacists, patients, and other healthcare providers. The types of models that exist are directed exchange, query-based exchange, and consumer-mediated exchange. Direct transfer enables health care providers to send and receive information electronically in a secure manner. The health information may include laboratory orders and results, discharge summaries of patient referrals over the internet. The query-based exchange is a type of health information system that enables health care providers to request or find patient information from other claimants. This form is often used for emergency care. Consumer-mediated exchange enables patients to manage their health information online.
Health information exchange has proved to be very beneficial to my life. Health care has been affordable helping me to increase my savings. Additionally, HIE has ensured people get high-quality health care services that are available accurately and on time. Alternatively, the model has its challenges that entail lack of privacy and confidentiality as well as other security concerns (Dimitropoulos & Rizk, 2009). But despite that, the Kentucky health information exchange has proved to be more beneficial than it is challenging.
References
Dimitropoulos, L., & Rizk, S. (2009). A State-Based Approach To Privacy And Security For Interoperable Health Information Exchange. Health Affairs, 28(2), 428-434. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.28.2.428
Mann, D. (2014). Kentucky wants to share your health information with you. Louisville Business First.
Thompson, T. (2006). States’ Role in Health Information Exchanges: A Collaborative Approach Across Multiple Stakeholders. Deloitte Center For Health Solutions, 2-11.
