KLAS: Most HIE Vendors Long on Talk, Short on Results

Though marketing suggests otherwise, a relatively small number of vendors have demonstrated a proven, repeatable model in the construction of HIEs, according to a new report from Orem, Utah-based KLAS. Axolotl has the most live HIE clients in the acute-to-acute space, where two or more hospitals or health systems are sharing patient data. KLAS validated seven live acute-to-acute HIE organizations using Axolotl technology. Providers cited the company’s flexible technology and the expertise of its staff with the HIE process as key reasons for selection.

Epic also had seven validated acute-to-acute sites. However, Epic is a unique case in that its Care Everywhere solution currently only connects Epic software customers.

Among acute-to-ambulatory HIEs — where at least one hospital or health system is sharing data with a clinic, lab or other ambulatory facility — Medicity’s Novo Grid was the leader with 22 live sites, KLAS stated. According to providers, the Novo Grid solution is “simple but effective,” typically funneling lab results from hospital labs and reference labs to ambulatory sites.

RelayHealth also had a relatively strong showing in the acute-to-ambulatory space, with eight validated live HIE organizations using its technology, according to KLAS.

Beyond just the technology, providers also reported a number of administrative challenges they encountered deploying an HIE. Topping that list were IT governance concerns regarding privacy, security and patient consent, as well as the financial viability and sustainability of the HIE. In fact, when it comes to financing an HIE, KLAS found that more than 70 percent of the sites reviewed were funded with state or federal grants.

For the report — “Health Information Exchanges: The Reality of HIE Adoption” — KLAS validated 89 live HIE organizations that use commercial technologies to share patient data which can be viewed by doctors. The report is available to providers at a discounted price.