HealthLINC

HealthLINC is a community-based organization leading the health information exchange (HIE) effort on behalf of healthcare stakeholders in Monroe and surrounding counties in South Central Indiana. Key responsibilities are to: 1. Establish a shared vision, direction, and goals for the HIE 2. Represent community-wide stakeholder interests to ensure that the requisite infrastructure is developed and maintained to support a fully integrated electronic health care delivery system and HIE 3. Interface with other communities, granting agencies, and regional and national organizations In 2003 only 0-3 percent of the medical practices had electronic tools. By 2008, 50% of the physician practices in Monroe and an amazing 76% of the practices in Orange have functional electronic medical records. This was directly facilitated by HealthLINC activities. HealthLINC governs a regional HIE that provides secure, clinical messaging system. This system reduces redundant testing and “turns the paper off” resulting in cost savings that will translate into reduced health care costs. These systems benefit the community by reducing the incidence of lost or misplaced test results and, therefore, ensure timely medical action is taken if needed. HealthLINC is a true community collaboration that includes greater than 90% of the community physicians and has benefited from funding directly from the physician community. Community partners are numerous and include Bloomington Hospital, Centerstone Research Institute, Internal Medicine Associates, Southern Indiana Radiological Associates, and Volunteers in Medicine of Monroe County. 1. HealthLINC began operations in October 2007 and includes greater than 150,000 in its community patient index 2. HealthLINC is sending greater than 100,000 secure clinical results per month 3. Physicians contributed significantly to the start up costs for HealthLINC 4. HealthLINC is a collaborative community partner with HealthBridge