MidMichigan Health Partners with GLHIE for Technology Edge

EAST LANSING, Mich., Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Midland based, MidMichigan Health - recognized among the top 10 percent of U.S. hospitals for embracing health information technology – is taking that commitment one-step further, as they partner with Great Lakes Health Information Exchange (GLHIE) to enable the real-time transfer of patient data to providers outside of their health care system.

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MidMichigan Health achieved its top ranking by replacing paper patient charts with electronic medical record (EMR) technology. This technology linked four hospitals in Midland, Alma, Clare and Gladwin to its affiliated physician practices throughout the mid-Michigan region. The investment in EMR technology gives their affiliated providers access to real-time clinical patient data within the MidMichigan Health network of care.

The need for patient information exchange to healthcare providers outside of the MidMichigan Health system was further realized with the strategic alliance with the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). UMHS already uses GLHIE technology to provide secure health information exchange as the only health system or hospital serving patients from every county in Michigan.

By adding the functionality of GLHIE to the MidMichigan Health technological infrastructure, providers will be able to access clinical patient data for patients receiving treatment from MidMichigan Health, UMHS or other GLHIE participants. This will maintain good communication across the healthcare continuum when patients are referred for medical specialties not available locally or when medical care is rendered outside of the MidMichigan Health network.

"We look forward to our relationship with GLHIE as they will be our strategic partner to not only allow data exchange with UMHS, but also our community providers," said Mike Larson, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at MidMichigan Health.

The MidMichigan Health network includes 4 hospitals and nearly 500 physicians and advanced practice providers. MidMichigan Health has over 6,300 employees and is currently serving patients at medical centers based in Midland, Alma, Clare and Gladwin, plus urgent care, home care, nursing homes, physicians, medical offices and other specialty health services over a 14-county region.

About Great Lakes Health Information Exchange
The Great Lakes Health Information Exchange (GLHIE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the speed and quality of healthcare to the community by facilitating the authorized and secure electronic access and retrieval of critical clinical data to healthcare providers. By leveraging public and private community resources, the healthcare system is improved through collaborative innovation and fosters an environment of connectivity between the patient and the healthcare team.

For more information, visit www.glhie.org

For more information contact:
Great Lakes Health Information Exchange
271 Woodland Pass, Suite 110
East Lansing, MI
517-347-3373
[email protected]

SOURCE Great Lakes Health Information Exchange