Program keeps track of health history

By Kim Norby

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A visit to see a new doctor usually means having to remember specific things about your medical background.

Even if you remember the things you're allergic to, you may not remember all of the medicines you take. You may recall some of the procedures you've had: lab tests, an MRI, maybe a mammography. But when were they and what were the results? What if you're unable to answer these questions, such as in an emergency?

Imagine if your doctor could receive your most up-to-date health information quickly and reliably. This could help the doctor make the best decisions in your care. That day is coming soon.

Iowa e-Health is a new program of the Iowa Department of Public Health to build and manage the Iowa Health Information Exchange (HIE). It will allow your doctor, hospital and other health care providers across the state to quickly share your most up-to-date health information electronically.

Like most Iowans, you're using automated teller machines to obtain your banking information. Iowa's HIE will function in a similar way. No matter where you are seen, if your doctor is connected, they will be able to access your vital health information.

Just like online banking, the security of Iowa's HIE is crucial. There will be strict requirements to make sure your health information is shared only with the providers you authorize. Any sharing of electronic health information must comply with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect your privacy.

The goal is for Iowa's HIE to begin connecting health care providers this year. Primary care doctors, laboratories and hospitals should be the first to connect.

In the future, the HIE also will be open to many other types of health care providers, such as pharmacies, nursing homes, home health care, mental health and specialty providers, to name a few.

There are many health care providers in Iowa who are using health information technology to improve health care. Your doctor may be one of them. Others are starting by converting paper records to electronic health records.

These providers recognize that having better information at their fingertips can help them decide how best to treat you. Next time you visit your doctor, you might be asked to fill out information on a tablet computer. You might see your lab report on a computer screen in the exam room. These are just a couple of examples of ways that may lead to your doctor's participation in the HIE.

We have a tremendous opportunity to improve the health of all Iowans through the use of electronic health information and Iowa's HIE.

Kim Norby is executive director of Iowa e-Health in the Iowa Department of Public Health. More information at www.IowaeHealth.org or call 1-(866) 924-4636. Comments: kim.norby@iowa.gov.