The numbers are in and IHIT, with the help of Indiana’s five regionally-based Health Information Organizations (HIO’s), is making steady progress towards advancing sustainable, secure, standards-based health information exchange throughout Indiana’s rural communities and underserved populations.

Some highlights as of December 31, 2011:

• 101 of 123 acute hospitals have signed contracts with a HIO
• 2532 active participants  for directed exchange (Push)[includes unique ambulatory providers and individual labs]
• 5511 active participants for query exchange (Pull) )[includes unique ambulatory providers and individual labs]
• 13,365,891 transactions sent (Directed/Push) [includes lab results, discharge summaries, public health results, visit summaries]
• 1,205,317 transactions for patient record inquiries

As the numbers show, Indiana is well on its way towards securely moving electronic health data in a meaningful way to improve coordination among health providers to help them achieve improved health outcomes for their patients.

After speaking with several providers over recent weeks, it is obvious there is still much confusion about the basics of EHRs, where to turn to for incentive funds and the complexities of meaningful use.

MHIN (Michiana Health Information Network) Located in South Bend Indiana has achieved accreditation this week by EHNAC (Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission). EHNAC evaluates Health Information Exchanges in the areas of privacy and security, technical performance, business practices and organizational resources as it relates to HIE policies and procedures.

MHIN either meets or exceeds all EHNAC criteria and industry standards. This does not come as a big surprise as MHIN is one of the most mature and robust HIEs in the country.

"With so much developing and changing still in the HIE industry, it is important for our regional providers and communities to recognize and understand that MHIN is taking every necessary measure to ensure that we are handling their secure medical information with the most advanced technology and service available," stated Tom Liddell, Executive Director of MHIN. "EHNAC HIEAP accreditation reinforces our dedication to serve our region and continue to be a leader in the industry."

For more information about MHIN, their history, services provided, mission and solutions offered, click here or call (574) 968-1004.

Private Health Information Exchanges are growing exponentially compared to the public HIE's