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U.S. Regional health information organizations: progress and challenges
Julia Adler-Milstein1, David W Bates, Ashish K Jha
1Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. jadlermilstein@hbs.edu
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|March 12, 2009
Summary
Regional health information organizations (RHIOs) are growing but face challenges. Most RHIOs focus on test results, with uncertain financial viability and limited scope for electronic health information exchange.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Electronic health information exchange is crucial for modern healthcare.
- Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs) are key infrastructure for this exchange.
- Assessing the operational status and sustainability of RHIOs is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current state of electronic health information exchange facilitated by RHIOs in the US.
- To identify challenges and successes of operational RHIOs.
- To assess the financial viability and scope of RHIO activities.
Main Methods:
- Survey of operational and planning Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs) across the United States.
- Data collection on RHIO activities, financial status, and future expectations.
- Comparison of findings with previous survey data from 2007.
Main Results:
- Fifty-five operational RHIOs were identified, primarily exchanging test results.
- Only 41% of operational RHIOs reported sufficient revenue; 28% expected to achieve this.
- Limited progress in expanding activities was observed in operational RHIOs since 2007.
Conclusions:
- The number of operational RHIOs is increasing, but their scope remains limited.
- Financial sustainability and overall viability of RHIOs are uncertain.
- Further development is needed to broaden RHIO activities and ensure long-term success.
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