The NorthShore University Health System (NorthShore) in Evanston, Ill., through the Illinois Health Information Exchange (ILHIE), has announced it be able to exchange patient information such as diagnoses and medications securely and in real time with 14 long term healthcare facilities in the area.
NorthShore will connect through a web-based, encrypted and secure messaging system, compliant with the electronic health records requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). According to ILHIE, this integration will improve the coordination of care process by providing comprehensive, up-to-date information for patients that move from facility to facility.
”We are excited to be working with the ILHIE on this initiative. Our goal is to improve the continuum of patient care with the long term care facilities and also to reduce hospital readmissions. This new integration has the potential for great success and will also be used to connect with other providers of care going forward,” Steven Smith, CIO of NorthShore, said in a statement.
NorthShore was named the 2013 Healthcare Informatics Innovator Awards first place winner for its electronic surveillance system that flagged undiagnosed hypertensive patients. To be a 2014 Innovator, nominate your team here.
