Bridging EHR-Created Gaps At Michigan HIE
By Wendy Grafius, contributing writer
Exchange of medical records now automated with implementation of platform, significant benefits expected for providers, payers, and patients
The Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN), a collaboration of public and private organizations, is deploying IOD Incorporated’s eDetermine platform to automate social security determinations between the Social Security Association (SSA) and providers. Utilizing the MiHIN’s CONNECT 4.2 uplink via the national eHealth Exchange operated by HealtheWay, Michigan’s HIE will electronically receive requests and submit medical records to the SSA, bridging the gap created by healthcare’s move to EHRs and reducing paperwork.
The SSA facilitates one of the world’s largest disability programs, with 15 million medical records requests from 500,000 providers for 3 million initial disability claims. “Social Security handles a large volume of paperwork received from providers responding to requests of medical records for SSA disability claims determinations,” said George Abatjoglou, CEO of IOD. “Working closely with MiHIN, IOD is proactively solving the growing labor and paper intensive problem. MiHIN’s advanced approach has already been integrated and tested with IOD’s eDetermine platform and we have hospital systems ready to start testing as soon as possible. Each successful exchange of medical records is a fully automated process leveraging the same industry standards behind the Meaningful Use Stage 2 requirements, providing significant benefits for providers, payers, but most importantly, for patients.”
IOD is a leading health information management company, with solutions implementations in over 1800 hospitals and clinics in over 40 states. Currently, eDetermine installations provide close to 500,000 SSA medical records requests per year nationwide, accelerating the disability claim process and resulting in expedited access to public health benefits. Additionally, the automated process frees up precious labor resources. “IOD’s extensive existing national network of hospitals represents an excellent opportunity to improve service quality and efficiency for hospitals and clinical providers in Michigan and in other states,” said Tim Pletcher, executive director of MiHIN. “IOD already successfully powers some of the most successful electronic disability determination deployments in the nation.”
By supporting a statewide electronic exchange of health information, MiHIN intends to improve the healthcare experience and reduce costs for the citizens of Michigan and the nation. “MiHIN is emerging as a national leader in HIE connectivity and the implementation of federal use cases for sustainability,” said Abatjoglou. “We’re using a thoroughly vetted solution with an innovative company responsible for Michigan’s Statewide HIE that is also highly responsive to sharing its innovative solutions nationally.”
MiHIN is a public and private nonprofit collaboration created for the coordination of a statewide capability to securely exchange EHRs throughout Michigan, so that valuable data is available at the point of care. Organizations that are sharing its services include the State of Michigan, the Office of the National Coordinator, sub-state HIEs, insurers, payers, providers, and patients. The MiHIN works to overcome data sharing barriers and reduce costs for the improved health of Michigan’s population.
SOURCE: Business Wire
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