New York Tech Companies Back Statewide HIE

Nearly 80 New York-based tech CEOs threw their support behind the Statewide Health Information Network (SHIN-NY), the statewide health information exchange (HIE) in New York. 

The companies are seeking New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's approval of a $45 million proposed budget for SHIN-NY. The CEOs say that with the money, New York will be able to "establish the first large network for health information exchange in the country," and catalyze innovation among start-ups. Moreover, they say, the budget will help make certain levels of data exchange a standard service for providers across the state. 

"These “Dial Tone” services will allow doctors to look-up individual patient records through a secure search engine, exchange direct messages with other doctors, and receive alerts when their patients have an important event such as entering an emergency room or being discharged from a hospital," they write in a letter to Cuomo's office. 

As one of the more successful regional HIEs, SHIN-NY has accumulated more than 50,000 doctors and healthcare provider participants. More than seven million patients are connected through it.