Six health information organizations in Pennsylvania have indicated intent to connect to the Pennsylvania eHealth Partnership Authority's health information network.
The Pennsylvania Patient & Provider Network HIE currently has one provider certified and connected: St. Luke's University Health Network in Bethlehem, Pa., connected in 2014.
According to a survey administered by the Authority in 2014, six out of seven HIOs said they currently meet the requirements for certification that will enable data exchange across unaffiliated organizations.
"The benefits of eHIE to patients and providers are significant," said Alix Goss, executive director of the Authority in a statement. "As clinical data is securely shared between treating providers, patients will experience better coordination of their care, faster access to their clinical results and reduced redundancy of medical tests. The bottom line for patients, providers and the healthcare system will be improved patient safety and healthcare quality."
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