Models for evolving community health information networks

Community stakeholders, from hospital systems to independent physicians, from self-insured employers to managed health plans, from government agencies to consumers, require access to health information across the continuum of care. As the information highways for organizations and communities, health information networks and community health information networks have become the vehicles to address this growing health information imperative. Research identified more than 500 health information networks in all 50 states and most metropolitan markets. Health information networks vary widely in their definition, strategy, and operational status. Despite tumultuous change with both successes and failures, health information networks are indeed affecting health care delivery within enterprises and local communities, across regions, and on a national scale.