Better Information,
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We are dedicated to improving healthcare in Colorado through health information technology that puts patients first.
What We Do
The CORHIO health information exchange network is supported by the healthcare community because it gives qualified medical professionals access to accurate, up-to-date patient information, which helps them provide better quality care. For example, if you are taken to an emergency room after a serious accident, and you’re unable to clearly communicate your medical information, the doctors or nurses can use the CORHIO system to make sure you’re not allergic to a medication they’re about to give you.
7News Highlights Some of CORHIO ‘s Work to Improve Health Care |
Benefits of Health Information Exchange
- Saving Time
and Lives - Improved
Decision Making - Quicker
Test Results - Avoid
Duplicate Tests
Saving Time and Lives
If you or a loved one needs fast care due to a medical emergency, doctors and emergency medical professionals may use the health information exchange to instantly access important health records, including allergies, medications and medical conditions. This information helps doctors provide better care, and in some cases, may save your life.
- Saving time in an emergency situation
- Improving your care by giving your healthcare team access to your records
Improved Decision Making
The CORHIO health information exchange allows one participant (for example, a doctor) to locate records from another participant (for example, a hospital) in a matter of seconds. This can be critical in an emergency and results in your healthcare provider having a more complete and accurate medical history. When a doctor has access to a patient’s complete health information, he or she can provide better diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
- Helping health care providers make faster decisions
- Improving the accuracy and completeness of your medical history
Quicker Test Results
The health information exchange provides your doctors with fast access to results of previous blood tests, x-rays, MRIs and other medical tests. Without the CORHIO exchange network, your care could be delayed if your doctor needs to contact other care providers and request copies of your test results. Or, your doctor might suggest that tests be repeated simply because the information is not available.
- Avoiding delays in care while waiting for test results
- Helping healthcare providers focus on your care instead of chasing down test results
Avoid Duplicate Tests
Health information exchange can also reduce healthcare costs by eliminating unnecessary duplication of tests and procedures. For example, if a doctor can look up a recent blood test and see the results on the computer, a new test won’t be needed because the doctor has all the information needed to proceed. This also helps you avoid the hassle, discomfort and additional out-of-pocket costs that may be associated with medical tests. It also means that your health information follows you if you change doctors or see a specialist for care.
- Helping you avoid repeating expensive and uncomfortable medical tests
- Securing your medical records in one place so different doctors can access them
It's Your Choice
The CORHIO health information exchange offers many benefits to patients, but your participation is voluntary — you get to choose whether you want your information included.
If your care providers are participating in the CORHIO health information exchange, they are required to notify you of their participation. When you visit a participating provider you will receive a notice, which may accompany the provider's HIPAA privacy notification.
You Can Decide
You can decide whether your health information is shared through the CORHIO health information exchange. You can choose not to share your health information – this is called “opting out.” By making this choice, your health information will not be accessible to providers who use CORHIO’s health information exchange tools.