NEW YORK – The Healthcare Information Xchange of New York is looking to connect providers throughout northern New York with the deployment of a new data exchange software platform.
HealthShare, a data exchange platform developed by Cambridge, Mass.-based InterSystems, will be used by the regional health information organization to connect providers in 17 counties in northern New York and, officials say, provide fast access to information in emergencies, fewer redundant tests, reduced risk of mistakes and less chance of adverse drug interactions.
“The projected five-year total cost of ownership suggests that InterSystems will provide a platform that is not only based on strong technology but would also allow HIXNY to provide meaningful health information exchange to our community in a cost-efficient manner,” said Dominick A. Bizzarro, CEO of HIXNY.
Officials said they are looking forward to combining the current e-prescribing system with some of the new data-collecting features of the software platform.
The RHIO plans to implement HealthShare and add laboratory data during the first quarter of 2010. Following that rollout, officials said, additional data including imaging reports, progress notes and discharge summaries and other information that affects transition of patient care will be added.
HIXNY officials said the decision to go with HealthShare came through a three-month evaluation by a 15-person task force representing nine of HIXNY’s member organizations.
“In a world of uncertainty with respect to health information exchange and RHIOs, HIXNY wanted a platform that would help us adapt to what is coming down the road and to do so in a standards-based way,” said Bizzarro.
HIXNY is a not-for-profit RHIO composed of health plans representing more than 400,000 members, regional hospitals, multiple physician groups representing 500 physicians, healthcare associations representing 56 hospitals and more than 30 health plans, a university/school of public health and a consumer advocacy group.
“As a company, InterSystems has an outstanding track record,” Bizzarro said. “Culturally, the organization is built on excellence and has the highest standards. HIXNY was impressed by their team from the highest levels of management to line staff. We are excited to work with them.”
In 2008, HIXNY was awarded $4.6 million in a grant from the New York State Healthcare Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers (HEAL NY) program. This was the second HEAL NY grant received by HIXNY.
HIXNY officials pointed out that HealthShare has been chosen as the software platform for other New York information exchange projects, including the regional Long Island Patient Information eXchange and Brooklyn Health Information Exchange.
