HITPC: Hospital health data exchange activity on rise

Hospital participation in the exchange of health information has grown significantly since 2008, Michelle Consolazio, health IT policy analyst at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, told the Health IT Policy Committee on Aug. 6.

Consolazio presented survey research into overall trends and patterns of information exchange among office-based physicians and hospitals during 2013—prior to Meaningful Use Stage 2.

During this time, 40-50 percent of hospitals had the capability to query and send secure messages, with 51 percent able to query patient health information electronically and 41 percent able to send and receive secure messages with patient information to and from external sources, she said.

Also, about 70 percent of hospitals reported the capability to send care summaries in a structured format, with 49 percent of hospitals reporting this capability to send such data to an outside organization using a different EHR. Also, she reported that nearly half of hospitals send emergency department notifications, though primarily to affiliated primary care physicians.

Meanwhile, physician exchange activity with outside providers was limited in 2013, she said. Of every 10 physicians, four exchanged data electronically but the exchange of health information with an outside health system was limited. The majority of physicians reported benefits of exchange, especially in the areas of efficiency and quality of care, although many cited issues with multiple portals or systems and high costs.

In terms of data types, physicians reported exchanging lab results (36 percent); imaging reports (34 percent); problem lists (33 percent); medication lists (34 percent); and medication allergy lists (34 percent).

In other findings:

• Exchange of data during transitions is limited for hospitals and physicians, as evidenced by survey data and early Stage 2 Meaningful Use data.
• A significant number of individuals experience gaps in information sharing, though a significant portion of individuals who obtain access to their health information do view, download and share their data.
• State HIE grantees report increased capabilities for query-based and directed exchange, as well as increased ability to support exchange through the provision of key services.

Overall, she said data show growth in exchange capability and activity, but that there is ample room for improvement. Interoperability measurement will be a key focus of ONC going forward.

In comments following the presentation, Devon McGraw of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, suggested pairing this data with qualitative findings gleaned from listening sessions earlier this year on exchange with disparate providers. “You’d get a much richer picture. Survey data are helpful but have limitations,” she said.

Consolazio said she’d look into combining this information into her research.