HCIC SUCCESS STORY: Benefits Assessment and ROI Analysis

Technical and Operational Planning of a Health Information Exchange

State of Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) – Dover, Delaware State of Delaware Health Information Network

Situation:

DHIN engaged HCIC to develop a design and implementation plan for the health information network for the State of Delaware. DHIN includes a large number of diverse constituents including representatives from health care providers, health plans, testing centers, consumers, medical society, and state agencies. HCIC addressed the political, organizational, economic and technical environment to gain the understanding and commitment of all parties.

Solution:

HCIC organized and managed the project for a program design that has led to the commitment of key stakeholders to proceed with the exchange of health information among the data senders (hospitals, testing centers, etc.) and providers of care (physicians office, clinic, etc.). In addition, HCIC developed a RFP and supported the evaluation of contractors to provide the hardware, software and services to implement the program. These included not only technology services, but also support staff for the operations of the utility.

HCIC produced the following deliverables in support of the planning project:

  • Technical Infrastructure Assessment
  • Architectural Design Recommendations
  • Functional Requirements
  • Advance Planning Document
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Sustainability Plan
  • Request for Proposal
  • Evaluation Methodology and Tools

HCIC facilitated the vendor selection which includes the delivery of a comprehensive set of products and services for functions to serve the community of health care providers, payers and consumers over a period of 6 years. In addition the de-identified data can be used to support public health and analysis of health care services.

HCIC’s effort set the foundation for the functionality, technology and resources needed to implement a sustainable utility linking health care providers and patients thereby enabling the improved delivery of efficient and high-quality care.