Background

In the fall of 2005, a consortium of hospitals, nursing homes, home health providers, and insurers set out to develop infrastructure for clinical data exchange. Reflecting New York City's diverse ethnic and socioeconomic populations, the consortium sought to improve the quality of care within organizations and across health care settings—particularly for those with chronic conditions or in need of rehabilitation.

In August 2006 and 2008, the consortium was awarded Health care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers (HEAL NY) grant funds to develop and expand its programs and services. During this time, the Brooklyn Health Information Exchange, Inc. (BHIX) became incorporated as an independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental, New York corporation charged with technical implementations and strategic initiatives.

Today, BHIX has expanded its participants to include additional hospitals, long-term and home care providers, ambulatory care centers, physician practices, and insurers throughout New York City. Through its community-focused efforts, BHIX has additionally received overwhelming support from patients, collecting consents in over seventeen foreign languages.