Lessons from the HIE Front

By Joseph Goedert
February 1, 2009

The Brooklyn Health Information Exchange was featured in Health Data Management’s first of a series of in-depth articles on regional health information organizations (RHIOs) in the health information exchange landscape. Health Data Management will present six other series throughout the year covering topics such as data security, patient safety, executive revenue cycle management, EHR achievement. These series are designed to provide insightful, concise and timely information on the technology and business issues that shape strategic initiatives.

Excerpts: For every health information exchange and regional health information organization, there are hard lessons being learned as the initiatives struggle to start operations and grow. Among data exchange veterans, the most commonly cited lesson is just how tough it is to establish HIEs and RHIOs and business models. "I wouldn't say there's been anything in these projects that has been particularly easy," says Irene Koch, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Health Information Exchange. "I think most people involved would say it's the hardest thing they've done in their lives."