Providence becomes first to share data on new health information system
The Hospitals of Providence contributed data to a new regional health information system, becoming the first health organization to do so.
The Paso del Norte Health Information Exchange (PDN HIE) is a collaboration of major healthcare partners in the El Paso area aimed at providing providers greater access to important health information about their patients.
By sharing clinical data between healthcare providers, the health information system can help patients to avoid costly repeat tests that might not be reimbursable by insurance companies. It also enhances patient safety by reducing the potential for medical errors due to a lack of information about allergies, existing medications, and health conditions.
“We are proud to be the first to contribute data to the HIE,” Sally Hurt Deitch, The Hospitals of Providence market chief executive officer and PDN HIE board member said in news release. “The immediate communication, provided by an HIE, helps the patient’s care team to track his/her medical needs, which can prevent repeated hospitalizations and expensive, redundant testing.”
The collaboration includes City of El Paso Department of Public Health, El Paso County Medical Society, El Paso First Health Plans, Las Palmas/Del Sol Healthcare, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, The Hospitals of Providence, and University Medical Center of El Paso.
“It is not uncommon for a patient to have several physicians,” said Robert Resendes, director of El Paso’s Public Health Department and PDN HIE board member. “Having all members of one’s medical team have access to all records will result in more coordinated treatment and even a reduction in medical visits – freeing up ‘slots’ for other patients.”
The PDN HIE anticipates connecting with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, University Medical Center of El Paso, and the Veterans Administration, later this year.
“With strong participation, the HIE can improve the quality of healthcare and position our community to benefit from changing models of healthcare financing,” said Jon Law, HIE executive director.
