The Evolving Role of Health Information Organizations: Trends, Challenges and Future Prospects in the Face of National Networks

Presentation Time: 03:30 PM - 04:45 PM

Abstract Keywords: Interoperability and Health Information Exchange, Public Health, Policy
Primary Track: Policy
Programmatic Theme: Public Health Informatics

Health information exchange organizations (HIOs) are health data utilities that enable electronic exchange of patient health information across participating stakeholders at the local, state, or regional level. Over time, these entities have consolidated, covering more individuals across larger geographic areas. In parallel, many HIOs have connected to national health information networks to enable exchange through the trusted exchange framework and common agreement (TEFCA). This panel leverages findings from recently conducted national health IT surveys among hospitals and HIOs, and a survey focused on the state of California, to shed light on the current state of HIOs and trends related to HIOs’ role in enabling exchange for different purposes (public health, clinical care exchange, health-related social needs) and for different stakeholders (hospitals, public health agencies, various types of providers across the care continuum, payors). Challenges that HIOs face in enabling exchange, including their perspectives on information blocking practices and their role within the context of other mechanisms of exchange and TEFCA, will be highlighted. The panel will also provide an in depth look at HIOs’ role in facilitating cross-sector exchange in the state of California and discuss national implications.

Moderator:
Vaishali Patel, PhD MPH
Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/ Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT

Speakers:
Priscilla Owusu-Mensah, MPH
ASTP

Jordan Everson, PhD
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy

Wei Chang, MPH
ASTP

Julia Adler-Milstein, PhD, FACMI
UCSF School of Medicine

Authors:
Vaishali Patel, PhD MPH - Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/ Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT; Jordan Everson, PhD - Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy; Wei Chang, MPH - ASTP; Priscilla Owusu-Mensah, MPH - ASTP; Julia Adler-Milstein, PhD, FACMI - UCSF School of Medicine;

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