ROCHESTER, NY – The Greater Rochester Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) began its four-office pilot in early December, enabling physicians to exchange health information.
A community-wide collaboration formed almost three years ago and stakeholder belief in the long-term value of RHIOs and health information exchanges (HIEs) were critical to the RHIO’s formation.
“Rochester has a history of collaboration,” said executive director Ted Kremer. “Everyone came to the table at the same time to explore opportunities where we could improve quality and streamline processes.”
The board and subcommittees comprise the Rochester Business Alliance, providers and local employers and payers, namely Preferred Care and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
Thomas Combs, CFO of Preferred Care, said supporting the RHIO reaffirms the health plan’s commitment to the community, affords the potential for quality improvements for its members and cost savings that can be passed on to its customers and strengthens provider relationships.
As part of the early stakeholder group, Preferred Care provided seed funding and human and IT resources to allow data interfacing.
“Preferred Care does expect a positive ROI and real cost savings, while being realistic about the inherent difficulties associated with assigning ‘cause and effect’ directly to the RHIO when the nature of the delivery of care has so many moving and interrelated pieces,” said Combs.
As the pilot proceeds, Combs expects it to expand and Preferred Care to continue its support of the RHIO’s efforts.
Excellus contributed $500,000 in seed money. Company CEO David Klein believes in one day being able to enhance care management with lab and radiology results, said Martin Hickey, MD, senior vice president of healthcare affairs.
Being a part of a RHIO is becoming increasingly important to payers, Hickey said. The value of health information exchange enhances care management.
Kremer agreed, noting that payers benefit from improved population health.
“The RHIO is working on building an approach to support disease management programs to promote the organization’s value to both providers and payers,” he said.
While payers have been slow to come to the RHIO table, Hickey believes payer involvement reaps great benefits.