Friedman, Allan A. and Darrel M. West. Health Information Exchanges and Megachange, prepared for the Brookings Institution, February 8, 2012.
From the Editor's note: "In this paper, we analyze state health information exchanges (HIEs) as an example of what MITRE researcher John Piescik calls “megachange” challenges. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HIEs are “efforts to rapidly build capacity for exchanging health information across the health care system both within and across states.” This includes insurance information for those without coverage and clinical and medical data in order to connect health care providers and payers. The goals are to increase the flow of information across relevant organizations and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system…. Briefly, we find that state health information exchanges have made progress in establishing organizational frameworks, building technology-based connections, and bringing relevant groups to the table for discussion. However, barriers remain in terms of governance, financing, and policy vision. Many states and localities have experienced difficulties in producing consensus on strategies and approaches, and identifying consistent revenue streams. Some question whether the state level is the proper unit for HIEs given natural marketplaces centering on localities or regions. Until those problems are overcome, it will be impossible for HIEs to achieve their full potential." Read full report
See Also
The Brookings Institution. "Policy Megachange and Health Information Exchanges."
