Most every developed country in the world except the United States has the ability to exchange clinical information electronically on patients across providers and treatment sites in a secure manner. Developing this ability in the US is the newest frontier of health care. This ‘ATM’ of health care will allow a patient and the providers he/she authorizes to have immediate access to their clinical information no matter where or when they are seen. This can lead to more accurate and timely treatment, a reduction in duplicate tests and procedures, more efficient referrals to other providers, and less paper work for all concerned. In the emergency room, having immediate access to patient information can be life-saving. 

Most all states and hundreds of local communities are working to create the ability to exchange clinical information electronically. Developing the technology (software and hardware) is just part of the story. Policies and standards are also needed to ensure that different software solutions can ‘talk’ to one another and that a patient’s information and privacy are secure. Having the right technology and policies are essential, but not sufficient to realize the benefits of an information exchange. Providers also need to make the switch to electronic records and incorporate them into their daily treatment routines, which can be costly and disruptive. Many believe that financial incentives and changes in how providers are reimbursed will be needed for a majority of providers to leap the digital divide.

The focus of the Collaborative's work initially is on the electronic exchange of lab, radiology and medication information.

Several articles and surveys are included in the resource section of this web that talk about the history of clinical information exchange, about current initiatives and issues related to building successful networks.