NYAPRS Note: Though this brief article points to some (potential) barriers and drawbacks to implementing the Statewide Health Information Network for NY, the scope and goal of the project—to create an interoperable system of shared health data between providers—is commendable. But with different vendors offering proprietary methodologies, and many providers just learning the basics of electronic record keeping, the transition to an integrated system will be anything but smooth. There are several mechanisms the state is using to make it an easier transition. To learn more, visit: http://www.health.ny.gov/technology/technical_infrastructure.htm
Bumpy Road to SHIN-NY
Crain’s Health Pulse; 12/1/2014
As the state moves toward full adoption of the SHIN-NY, there just isn’t enough trust in the network to fully buy into the system, a panel at the recent Digital Health Conference argued. Some doctors still can’t access their patients’ information easily, said Dr. Eugene Heslin, a family practitioner in Kingston, N.Y. “My problem is I can’t get the data as much as I would like to,” he said. “My EHR works, but getting the data into my system is barely functional.” Without being very involved in the establishment of health records, which many doctors don’t have time to do, “you’re sort of led by the nose by whomever the vendor is.” Audience members presented complex questions, such as what to do when a patient’s record contains an error at the time that patient has an emergency. Another audience member commented that the SHIN-NY’s current policies put responsibility for a data breach on providers, not on the system. “The best thing you can do is to try not to have a breach,” answered panelist Deven McGraw, a Manatt Phelps & Phillips partner. According to the SHIN-NY’s regulations, ultimately an institution would have to be responsible for the breach and the cleanup, said panelist Patrick Roohan, director of the state’s Office of Quality and Patient Safety. That means providers looking to the SHIN-NY might need to first strengthen their own digital practices.
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20141201/PULSE/141129889/new-york-insurers-by-the-numbers
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