One of the obstacles to sharing patient information electronically is that healthcare systems and providers use a wide range of incompatible IT platforms and software to create and store data in various formats. Verizon’s new service called the Verizon Health Information Exchange will soon be available via the “cloud” to help both large and small healthcare providers to address this challenge.
The Exchange will consolidate clinical patient data from providers and translate the data into a standardized format that can be securely accessed over the web. Participating exchange providers across communities, states and regions will be able to request patient data via a secure online portal, regardless of the IT system and specific protocols the providers use. This will enable providers to obtain a more complete view of a patient’s health history, no matter where the data is stored.
Having more information at their fingertips will help providers reduce medical errors and duplicative testing, control administrative costs, and enhance patient safety and treatment outcomes. Since the monthly charges are based on a provider’s patient-record volume, the service is economical.
Since the Exchange will be delivered via Verizon’s cloud computing platform, healthcare organizations will be able to use their current IT systems, processes, and workflows, without large additional capital expenditures.
Verizon will use the services of several technology and service providers such as MEDfx, MedVirginia, and Oracle to deliver the clinical dashboard, record locator service, cross enterprise patient index, and secure clinical messaging.
