FAQ’s
Will the Tiger Institute Health Alliance share information with other organizations?
While most care occurs regionally, the Tiger Institute Health Alliance understands a health care provider’s need to occasionally view health information for a patient that lives outside their region of care. The Tiger Institute Health Alliance HIE serves as the gateway for your organization to share information across your region and beyond. We can also share the data your organization is contributing to the HIE with others on your behalf, saving you time and resources.
What types of health information are shared among Tiger Institute Health Alliance Members?
The most common types of health information shared among Tiger Institute Health Alliance Members are:
• Demographics
• Problem List/Conditions
• Medications
• Allergies
• Lab Orders
• Immunizations
• Lab Results
• Microbiology
• Anatomic Pathology Results
• Procedures
• Vital Signs
• History & Physical
• Social History
• Family History
• Plan of Care
• Advanced Directives
• Discharge Summaries
• Clinic Notes
• Therapy Notes
• Radiology/Imaging Reports
• Post-Acute Notes
• Provider Reports
• Visits
Members may also choose to provide additional information they consider important for other health care providers to know when treating their patients. As standards evolve to meet regulatory or care delivery needs, the types of information shared will evolve, too.
Will patient-sensitive information be available to Tiger Institute Health Alliance Members?
This type of information is also necessary to provide the best possible care to patients; however, since some patient information is sensitive in nature it will only be available for health care providers to use when proper authorizations are obtained.
Will health information from medical equipment and devices be shared with Tiger Institute Health Alliance Members?
Because the Tiger Institute Health Alliance HIE obtains patient health information from your EMR, if information from other equipment and devices is being pushed into your EMR, it can also be contributed to the Tiger Institute Health Alliance HIE. The details of what information is shared are determined by Member organizations.
Who has access to patient information shared by Tiger Institute Health Alliance Members?
Only users at Tiger Institute Health Alliance Member organizations who are authorized to access information on the HIE will be provided with access. Authorized users must follow all policies and applicable laws such as HIPAA when accessing information.
How secure is patient health information shared by Tiger Institute Health Alliance Members?
All Tiger Institute Health Alliance Member organizations and their health care providers must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and must promulgate any internal policies required for such compliance. Only participating health care users who are authorized to view patient health records will have privileges to access the Tiger Institute Health Alliance HIE. Routine audits are also performed to ensure compliance to applicable laws and user agreements. Additionally, Tiger Institute Health Alliance uses state-of-the-art technology and processes to keep health information safe and secure.
How do I talk to my patients about sharing their information with Tiger Institute Health Alliance?
Sharing patient clinical information is not new. Before electronic health information exchange, health care providers exchanged information directly by hand, fax or telephone. These methods are more expensive, time consuming and not secure. You are probably already using an electronic health record (EHR), but it is not linked to other providers treating your patients. HIE allows you to share information so your EHR can “talk to” their EHRs. Communication is much more efficient this way so you can put your patients at the center.
Once the patient is notified of participation in the health information exchange, typically through the Notice of Privacy Practices, nothing else is required to share their information. If patient do not wish to share their information, they can opt-out by completing an opt-out form (paper or electronic).
How will Tiger Institute Health Alliance membership help my organization meet regulatory requirements?
The Tiger Institute Health Alliance may facilitate the attainment of Promoting Interoperability, 21st Century Cures Act or other regulatory rules and/or programs through the sharing of health information with other health care providers or state agencies.
How does Member feedback impact the direction of Tiger Institute Health Alliance?
The Tiger Institute Health Alliance is fully governed by the Tiger Institute for Health Innovation Board of Governors. In addition, there are ongoing user groups and Member meetings where Members play a key advisory role for developing future innovations and ensuring the needs of their organizations and communities are being met.
How do I become a Member of the Tiger Institute Health Alliance?
Use the button below to contact us and we will reach out about what steps will need to be taken.