Why Health Information Exchange is Becoming More Vital in LTC Organizations

The transfer of health care information in a secure manner from organization to organization has always been a top priority of the healthcare industry. When discussing Health Information Exchange (HIE) we usually hear situations involving medical groups, hospitals, or physician collaborative organizations. Now, with the demand for long term care rising due to baby boomers reaching retirement age HIE has become an even more vital tool in providing quality care to the clients and residents receiving care in long term care facilities. This generation of Americans represents over one-third of the United States population and with the first group of baby boomers turning 65 this year the health care industry must adjust to the needs and demands of this aging population. The American Hospital Association estimates the thirty-seven million boomers will be managing one or more chronic medical condition within the next twenty years (Orlovky, 2007). With this portion of the population requiring more care than any other the exchange of health information and the use of health information technology is sure to increase significantly in long term care businesses.

With the upsurge of this aging population over the next two decades requiring care; organizations like Jersey Health Connect has seen the need to adapt in order to meet the demand. Jersey Health Connect Health Information Exchange, Inc is an organization consisting of multiple medical groups, hospitals, health systems and long term care organizations (Miliard, 2011). Jersey Health Connect HIE uses its information technology to increase coordination between the respective parties within the organization which ultimately results in a higher quality of care. The need for accurate and current information is not just a top priority in hospitals, but is also essential when caring for residents receiving long term care now more than ever.

References

Orlovky, C. (2007). The baby boomers’ massive impact on health care. Retrieved from http://www.nursezone.com/nursing-news-events/more-news/The-Baby-Boomers%E2%80%99-Massive-Impact-on-Health-Care_28946.aspx

Miliard, M. (2011).Jersey health connect hie chooses relayhealth for secure health information exchange .Healthcare IT News, Retrieved from http://www.healthcareitnews.com/press-release/jersey-health-connect-hie-chooses-relayhealth-secure-health-information-exchange