The LINK                                     June 2016/Issue 25
Adoption
Percent of WNY practices who participate with HEALTHeLINK: 78 %

Total number of patient consent forms signed: 815,548

Total results available through HEALTHeLINK: Over 194 million

Total number of patient record look up queries in HEALTHeLINK from January - May 2016: More than 901,000

Total number of practices with EMRs connected to HEALTHeLINK: 333
New Data Sources
Buffalo Pharmacy (Medication History)

Medina Memorial Hospital (ADTs)

UMMC (Transcribed Reports)

For a complete listing of data sources and participating practices, click here !
Top 15 Patient Data Query Users
1. Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network Health Home
2. Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Primary Care Centers
3. WNY Urology
4. Dent Neurologic Institute
5. Catholic Health System
6. Kaleida Health System
 7. General Physicians
8. Upstate New York Transplant Services
9. Nephrology Associates of WNY
10. Landmark Medical
11. Gastroenterology Associates
12. ECMC
13. David Avino, MD
14. Buffalo Endocrinology
15. Roswell Park Cancer Institute
HEALTHeLINK Functionality: Did you know?
Every 5 seconds a physician searches for a patient in HEALTHeLINK to view their clinical information.
Revised HEALTHeLINK Privacy and Security Policies
Following an annual review, HEALTHeLINK has updated its privacy and security policies. Participants will notice a new look and feel to both documents. We encourage you to take an opportunity to review the revised policies available here. The revised policies go into effect on June 30, 2016.
HEALTHeLINK Medical Minute
HEALTHeLINK recently launched its Medical Minute segment, airing Wednesdays during the 10 p.m. newscast on Fox 29. Throughout the year, members of the medical community will be highlighting the value and benefits of clinical information exchange here in Western New York. Check out recent HEALTHeLINK Medical Minutes from Executive Director Dan Porreca, Board Chair Dr. David Scamurra, Dr. Thomas Schenk of BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, and Dr. Richard Vienne of Univera Healthcare.


Catch up on previous HEALTHeLINK Medical Minutes on our YouTube channel.
Easy and Convenient access to HEALTHeLINK directly from EMRs
HEALTHeLINK query capability from an EMR was recently launched at ECMC and WCA Hospitals. With this capability, a button is embedded within the hospital's EMR so when the provider is positioned in the patient chart, they can click or tap the button, executing a single sign-on and a new browser window opens within the patient window. There is no longer a need to log in to HEALTHeLINK separately. 
Use of HEALTHeLINK in radiology settings
Last year HEALTHeLINK conducted a pilot study to determine the relevance and clinical value of patient information from HEALTHeLINK in radiology setting. The actual pilot program was conducted with Diagnostic Imaging Associates and Spectrum Radiology and the program concluded with interviews at Windsong Radiology. Of the 343 patients who were included in the study, 71% had consented "yes" to HEALTHeLINK. Potentially clinically relevant information was available in 68% of the patient records and the radiologists felt the data was clinically relevant and valuable in 72% of the patients. As a result of the study, it was found that HEALTHeLINK utilization within radiology settings does have an impact on clinical quality, administrative functions and on patient experience of care. 
Statewide Patient Record Lookup
Participating HEALTHeLINK physicians are utilizing the Statewide Health Information Network of New York (SHIN-NY) for access to patient information from outside of Western New York. When logged into HEALTHeLINK, physicians are alerted if there is clinical information on their patients from other New York State regional health information organizations. In addition, Western New York patients can be treated across the state and with consent, have their clinical information made available to their treating doctors anywhere in the state. With this connection now in place, participating providers can have a more complete picture of their patients' health information, especially if they seek treatment in other areas of the state. 
We're Hiring!
We currently have openings for Business Analyst, Customer Training Specialist and Project Coordinator. To view job descriptions and to apply, visit our website. 
HEALTHeLINK in the News
The Batavian - Batavia Ophthalmology is newest participant in WNY clinical information exchange system
Buffalo News - Another Voice: HEALTHeLINK is working, but it needs more people using it
Buffalo News Refresh - HEALTHeLINK helps doctors get better patient information, make better decisions Cheektowaga Bee - Depew business joins HEALTHeLINK
The Daily News - Batavia practice joins HEALTHeLINK
Dunkirk Observer - Fredonia practice joins HEALTHeLINK
Lancaster/Depew Bee - Depew business joins HEALTHeLINK
Orchard Park Bee - Three OP practices join HEALTHeLINK
PR Newswire - Erie County Medical Center Selects eHealth Technologies to Optimize their Continuity of Care Lifecycle
WBFO - With I-STOP now law, local company says electronic medical networking is safe, secure
Resources

   


Proud to be part of the Statewide Health Information Network of New York (SHIN-NY)