MSNVA News

So what does Health Information Exchange (HIE) really mean? Well on the technical side it’s pretty simple-- this technology allows physicians to communicate with each other and share information elemental for developing an adequate plan of care for a given patient, these sets of information include; medical history, allergies, list of medications to mitigate possible drug interactions, while facilitating a more efficient delivery of labs and X-ray results through a single platform.  All these in a effort to meet the triple aim of reducing cost, improving coordination, and improving quality of care and outcomes. 

So how can independent physicians benefit from this technology and at what cost?  The healthcare ecosystem is swiftly changing, insurance companies are acquiring healthcare technology and large physician groups (Aetna acquired Medicity and United Healthcare acquired CareTracker and Axolotl), hospitals are hiring primary care physicians to create Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) all in an effort to keep as much of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements under their umbrellas. Much of healthcare reform is driving this change that will eventually transform payment models to pay for performance and quality measures.   How can independent clinicians compete in this environment to maintain a viable practice over time and retain independence?  There are many areas of course, however one thing is very clear,  community physicians must make every effort to integrate clinically and leverage their individual patient loads through an HIE that is managed and led by physicians through organized medicine. 

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