May 2023

What You Need to Know about the Health Information Exchange

Because you are a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provider, we want to ensure you are aware of the benefits of participating in our state Health Information Exchange (HIE).

State law requires all licensed health care providers in Oklahoma to participate in the HIE unless an exemption is granted by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. HIE is a system for improving health care and saving valuable time.

Currently, Oklahoma providers can experience fragmented health information related to lack of interoperability between different electronic health records. According to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, studies indicate in 85% of families’ visits to the doctor, critical health information is missing that could have changed the treatment plan.

To help improve patient care, the state designated health information exchange allows for secure electronic sharing of health information to streamline communication between providers, payers and patients. The passage of Senate Bill 1369 in 2022 required the designation of a statewide entity to serve as the health information exchange. MyHealth Access Network, which has privately operated as a state HIE for over 10 years was chosen to serve as the official state designated entity.

How the HIE can benefit Oklahoma providers:

• HIE helps providers save time by reducing faxes, phone calls, and passwords (single sign-on) to track patient records
• HIE helps providers become more efficient, allowing the provider to spend more time with patients and increasing patient satisfaction
• HIE enhances care coordination as it tracks referrals and improves communication with other health care team members with Direct Secure Messaging
• HIE helps reduce costs by avoiding redundant and unnecessary testing while easing administrative burdens

How the HIE works: Data flows from health care providers across the state into a centralized system, the MyHealth Access Network. The HIE aspires to provide a full medical history of each patient from all their various health care providers. The exchange allows providers, nurses, case managers and other care team members involved in a patient’s care to appropriately access and securely share a patient’s vital medical information electronically – helping to improve the speed, quality and safety of how information is shared and reducing the cost of patient care.
To join the HIE network, complete an online application at OKSHINE.Oklahoma.gov.

HIE FAQ’s

Can a medical provider see notes from therapy sessions? How is sensitive behavioral health information handled?

Providers and patients are in control of what data they share. Sensitive information of any type (behavioral or otherwise) is withheld by providers who mark a chart or note as sensitive. The system conforms to all HIPAA regulations and is regularly audited to ensure compliance.

Can an individual restrict the sharing of my medical records?

Yes. Any patient may decide to opt out from the HIE and their medical records will not be shared. Additionally, providers with electronic health records and the functionality, should exclude any patient data that is legally obligated to be kept confidential.

Are there exceptions to the HIE mandate?

Yes. If a provider finds they will not be able to meet the mandate due to size, technological or financial burden, they may request a hardship exemption by submitting a request to the Office of the State Coordinator for HIE through the application describing in detail their situation as to why they are not currently able to meet the mandate. Form available at okshine.oklahoma.gov.

Additional HIE resources are available including a Q&A, an insightful webinar, other information  and training.