NEW YORK – San Jose, Calif.-based healthcare IT company Axolotl has created a four-person team dedicated to building New York's statewide health information network. The SHIN-NY development team will work with the New York Department of Health and the New York eHealth Collaborative.

"We are excited that vendors like Axolotl are being so proactive in the planning and implementation of the SHIN-NY," said Rachel Block, executive director of New York eHealth Collaborative.  "Their knowledge and experience will help guide us to our planned, fully interoperable health environment, improving health care quality, affordability and outcomes for New Yorkers."

"New York has been a pioneer in HIE, understanding its long term benefits, navigating through the complexities and supporting regional initiatives for its medical trading areas," said Ray Scott, CEO of Axolotl. "Some of Axolotl's most experienced engineers have been helping the New York Department of Health and the New York eHealth Collaborative define the architecture for statewide clinical connectivity.  We are excited by the progress made to date, and the thought that all involved will be able to contribute to national policies and standards, from real world experience."

The SHIN-NY is the foundation of the state's technical infrastructure, designed to make it possible for clinicians and consumers to make timely, fact-based decisions that will reduce medical errors and redundant tests, and improve the quality and coordination of care, Scott said.

The network will utilize the Internet and include specialized software protocols and services, including security tools, and it will be a part of the emerging Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN).