Pennsylvania needs a statewide health information exchange (HIE) because it would benefit physicians, patients, and the community at large, according to Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) president Ralph Schmeltz, MD, in testimony to the Senate Communications and Technology Committee on March 2, 2011.
Some legislators had questioned whether the state should proceed with the development of a statewide HIE. Opponents questioned how it would improve patient care, keep patient information safe and secure, be financially sustainable, and meet standards to ensure appropriate use by providers.
Dr. Schmeltz said that PAMED unequivocally supports development of a statewide HIE that would open the door for better health in Pennsylvania. “Given our conviction that such technology can save lives and improve care, our Board of Trustees adopted as policy our commitment to seeing a statewide HIE becoming a reality,” he said.
According to Dr. Schmeltz, the benefits of an HIE system are three-fold:
- Access to organized data at the point of care and the ability to generate reports to allow physicians to look at their practices in innovative ways
- Better care coordination between physicians, better record-keeping and more quality time with patients during their appointments
- Consistent, readily accessible patient data from every health insurer
“A statewide HIE would be a wise investment for the health of all Pennsylvanians,” concluded Dr. Schmeltz.
Attendees called the hearing one of the most informative and useful in their memory, with the audience breaking out in applause at the hearing’s conclusion.
Among those who testified at the hearing were representatives of the eHealth Initiative, Guthrie Health Care System, Geisinger Health System, Lancaster General Health, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.