FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is a Health Information Exchange (HIE)?
Lakelands Rural Health Network shares health information with certain health care providers in a six county area. The goal is to make your health information available to your treatment providers promptly which will improve the delivery, quality, and safety of your treatment. This is done through electronic communication between providers, such as doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, hospitals and clinics.
Which health care providers will share your information?
For a current list of providers, follow the instructions under “Who can I contact for more information?”
Why is your health information shared for treatment purposes?
Health care providers can give you better care and treatment if they have as much information as possible about your health, such as lab tests, medical history, medicines, allergies, and other reports. The Health Information Exchange allows your participating provider to review your medical information quickly and efficiently. Information is only shared with providers currently involved in your care.
How will sharing health information help to improve quality?
Clinical data in patients’ records can help providers identify the most effective ways to achieve desired health care results. Patient identified data will be used only for the purpose of medical care. Aggregate de-identified data may be used for the purposes of quality improvement initiatives, clinical research, population health outcome measures, or other purposes approved by the LRHN Board of Trustees. The HIE contains only the minimum amount of information required by the record locator service to identify and correctly match patient information and provide quality care.
Is there a risk of “Identity Theft?”
The Health Information Exchange is used only by health care providers who view the information to provide you with better care. Special technology keeps anyone who is not authorized from seeing any information.
Is health information shared kept private and confidential?
Yes. Health Information Exchanges obey federal and state laws about medical information privacy and will not share your health information with anyone not involved in your care or related to the operation of the HIE. Every organization and provider that shares this information must obey strict rules for security and privacy. If you decide to participate, your medical information is shared only with providers that have obtained your permission to request your medical information from the HIE, and with health care providers that treat you in an emergency if you are not able to give permission.
What about sensitive information?
If your records include sensitive information (for example: mental health, HIV/AIDS, and substance abuse treatment records) it will be included in the shared information through the Health Information Exchange. If you give your written permission to share your information through the Health Information Exchange and sensitive information is present in your record, only then will this information will also be shared.
What are your rights?
You have the right to decide whether or not to share your health information. This is called “opting out”. If you choose not to participate, health care providers will not have access to your health information.
If you decide to share your information and give written permission and later change your mind, you can also withdraw.
Who can I contact for more information?
Every organization has a Facility Privacy Officer or Compliance Officer. They will be able to answer your questions or find someone to help you.