Georgia and South Carolina HIEs now linked

Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN), Georgia's health information exchange (HIE), and South Carolina's Health Information Exchange (SCHIEx), are now linked and can facilitate the secure exchange of patient health information.

GaHIN and SCHIEx created the interstate connectivity via support from their technology partners, which leveraged a federated exchange architecture that does not necessitate the creation of new data warehouses or a single data location, but rather allows data to remain with the original providers and facilities. Connecting the two state HIEs enhances patient care coordination among its authorized providers and affiliates while improving access to medical information for real-time diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment, according to a press release.

Through the HIEs, providers can view a patient's medical history, previous diagnoses, lab tests, medications, allergies and physicians' notes, among other information. The new linkage will improve patient care, reduce potential medication and medical errors, streamline workflow and cut administrative costs, according to the HIEs.

“This expanded connectivity allows for the delivery of the right health information to the right place at the right time--no matter where the patient is receiving care--across secure, robust inter- and intrastate networks,” said Denise Hines, executive director of GaHIN, in a statement.

"We recognize that the health needs of South Carolinians don't stop at the state line," said Sue Veer, who chairs the board that governs SCHIEx. "That's why this partnership with Georgia is a great step forward."