Resources
Frequently
Asked Questions
NYeC FAQs
Below are answers to some common questions. If you are wondering about something that is not addressed here, send an email to info@nyehealth.org and we will be happy to assist you!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Health Information Technology (HIT)? | Health Information Technology (HIT) refers to any technologies that store, share, and analyze health information in an electronic environment. Increasingly, healthcare providers and organizations are using HIT to provide higher-quality, cost-efficient, and patient-centered care. HIT lifts the entire healthcare system by connecting a patient’s information. HITs are providing doctors with more complete patient records, hospitals with better data, public health with critical details, and patients with improved diagnosis/treatment information. NYeC is committed to advancing the utilization of health information technology, including electronic health records (EHRs), which help to facilitate the exchange of medical records electronically through health information exchange (HIE). |
| What is Health Information Exchange (HIE)? | Health Information Exchange (HIE) empowers healthcare providers to provide more efficient, quality care. For instance, instead of waiting for your health information to be sent to an emergency room, urgent care provider, or between your primary and specialty care providers, your doctor or nurse can instantly access critical information through HIE. This can have a significant impact on your care, leading to faster, better care and coordination. Research has shown that utilizing HIE through New York State’s public HIE, the SHIN-NY, helps lower healthcare costs. |
| What is the SHIN-NY? | The Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY) facilitates the electronic exchange of clinical information. It connects healthcare professionals statewide through its six Qualified Entities, which are regional HIE networks. The SHIN-NY enables collaboration and coordination of care to improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary and avoidable tests and procedures, and lower costs. Learn more about the SHIN-NY here. |
| What does the SHIN-NY do? | The SHIN-NY enables and supports value-based care through health information exchange (HIE), reducing unnecessary or duplicative treatment, leading to better care, healthier patients, and lower costs. |
| Who leads the SHIN-NY? | NYeC leads the SHIN-NY and its advancement on behalf of the New York State Department of Health. |
| Who uses the SHIN-NY? | The SHIN-NY connects regional networks, known as Qualified Entities (QEs), which allow participating healthcare professionals, with patient consent, to quickly access electronic health information and securely exchange data statewide. Each regional network enrolls participants within its community, including hospitals, clinics, FQHCs, nursing homes, home care agencies, payers, ambulatory practices, behavioral health providers, laboratories, pharmacies, and EMS agencies, among others. Once connected, they can access and exchange electronic health information with other participants in their region. The qualified entities are: Bronx RHIO, HealtheConnections, Healthix, HEALTHeLINK, Hixny, and Rochester RHIO. |
| How Can I Connect to the SHIN-NY? | If you are or represent a healthcare professional or organization interested in connecting to the SHIN-NY, contact the QE that best meets your business needs to discuss options and next steps. You can learn more about each QE, their current participant list, service offerings, and more on their websites: Bronx RHIO, HealtheConnections, Healthix, HEALTHeLINK, Hixny, and Rochester RHIO. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who has access to my health information? | Health records are not publicly accessible. Only you decide which provider entities can see your records. As a patient, you must give permission or consent to any entities to access your records. You may opt-out at any time. Patient information in the SHIN-NY is protected under HIPAA, other applicable federal and state laws, SHIN-NY Privacy & Security policies, and national data exchange and security standards such as HITRUST. This ensures your data is safe and secure. |
| How do I make sure my health information is available to my providers in the SHIN-NY? | You must provide affirmative consent to your healthcare providers, allowing them to access your information. |
| What if I don’t want my data to be shared? | You may withdraw consent at any time, and this process is specific to the QE that your provider is connected through. For more information about how to do this, visit the QEs website. |
| How do I know which QE my provider is connected to? | Each QE maintains a public listing of participants on its website. |
| Who can I contact with questions about my health data? | Contact the QEs via their websites:Bronx RHIO, HealtheConnections, Healthix, HEALTHeLINK, Hixny, and Rochester RHIO. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where can I find information on the importance and benefits of the SHIN-NY? | Learn more about the benefits of the SHIN-NY, view our video, or view our SHIN-NY infographic one-pager. |
| How can I contact NYSDOH or one of the Qualified Entities? | NYSDOH |
| Qualified Entities: | Bronx RHIO, HealtheConnections, Healthix, HEALTHeLINK, Hixny, Rochester RHIO. |
| Still have questions? | Contact us at info@nyehealth.org, and we will try our best to help. |