Kansas Health Information Network Expands its Network across State Lines

The Kansas Health Information Network (KHIN) has announced that it is expanding its horizons, and is now connected to Health Information Exchange Texas (HIETexas), a “network of networks,” made available by the Texas Health Services Authority (THSA).

THSA connects local HIEs within Texas to each other and with networks across the nation through the eHealth Exchange. There are several hospitals and clinics in Texas that are now connected to KHIN, considered one of the largest HIEs in the country.

Officials attest that this not only benefits patients who have or will receive care in both Texas and Kansas, it also helps Kansas and Texas providers meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements for Meaningful Use. “The connection between HIETexas and KHIN will enhance medical care by connecting hundreds of hospitals and thousands of doctors across state lines,” George Gooch, CEO of THSA said in a statement.

Laura McCrary, executive director of KHIN, added, “Many Kansas patients receive care in Texas. This connection helps to ensure that Texas physicians have all of the patients’ health records from Kansas and vice versa.” She noted further, “This critical health information improves patient safety and reduces duplicative tests as Texas physicians know what healthcare a patient has already received in Kansas.”