Case managers at Bassett Healthcare Network’s primary care sites are now receiving logic driven alerts from Hixny.
If I could pick two words to explain the theme of this month’s communication, it would be “removing barriers.”
Several years ago, NYS committed to funding of the SHIN-NY recognizing that the most important barrier to establishing the SHIN-NY as a network of regional networks was financial sustainability. As you will see below, the likelihood that that funding will continue is looking good.
Of course, how well the SHIN-NY works ultimately depends on how many organizations are connected to qualified entities like Hixny and sharing information. The ability to connect organizations statewide has varied by region based on many factors, including the cost of connections for individual providers, and the willingness of providers and vendors to share information with outside organizations. The SHIN-NY regulation is a ticking clock with important upcoming deadlines in both 2017 and 2018. This will affect many organizations in our region, and NYSDOH does allow organizations to apply for a waiver if they cannot meet these timelines. The deadlines and waiver application process is outlined below.
Other barriers soon to be minimized by a new Data Exchange Incentive Program (DEIP) are those associated with the costs of connecting to the SHIN-NY. Now, these costs may be offset by grants that offer up to $10,000 to each eligible organization. More information on who is eligible and how to apply are included in this communication.
Finally, I have attached links to two recent publications that address the value that is created by moving beyond basic clinical data exchange and how The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) is eliminating is directly addressing the practice of data blocking by vendors and providers. I encourage you to read these articles as they provide good background on why Hixny is positioned to support population health in our community.
As 2017 progresses, the need for information exchange is only going to expand. By breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of this expansion serve to benefit our member organizations and most importantly the patients they serve.
