Yvonne Hughes: On a mission for health data sharing

In rural North Carolina, health information exchange isn't just a process to improve patient care. For Yvonne Hughes, CEO of Coastal Connect Health Information Exchange, it's a mission.

Large numbers of hospitals and physician offices are now using electronic health records throughout their practice routines. While the trove of information made available is critical for providers and patients who are part of the network—portability of medical records is just one benefit—patients who visit clinics or hospitals outside such channels of communication often face redundant tests and examinations and other risks. It also means unnecessary cost for the healthcare system. To address the problem, Hughes in 2011 led efforts to launch the information exchange that connects affiliated and unaffiliated healthcare providers in parts of North and South Carolina through EHRs.

“This is how it has to be done so patients can get optimal care, providers can be as efficient as possible, and there will be no more wondering what patients are doing, who they are seeing, when they leave the office,” said Hughes, 48.

Competing hospitals and physicians were interested but had concerns about joining an information exchange centered on the sharing of data, access and security and cost. “Everyone was really excited about being able to consume this information, but they were less so on providing data,” said Hughes, who has had to serve as defender, educator and cheerleader for the value of regional health information exchange. “And they were willing to pay for it as long as it was reasonable and didn't affect workflow.” She said the hospitals and physicians—and their communities—benefit in two ways: “It gives them a broader view of what treatments the patient is on, and we can show providers across the region where their patients have gone for care.”

Today, Coastal Connect Health Information Exchange handles more than 1.4 million patient records. Those records are shared by nearly 250 unaffiliated practices with more than 800 clinicians and five unaffiliated hospitals. Some of the alliance's 12 member hospitals also are participating in the exchange.

Mike Mitka is a freelance writer based in River Forest, Ill. Reach him at [email protected].