Interactive Solutions Group

Creating a Road Map for Health Information Exchange in Michigan

Michigan has an unusually diverse population that represents more than 80 different nationalities, cultures and ethnicities, including every socio/economic group, and every major form of healthcare delivery, making the state a microcosm of the complexity of healthcare across the entire nation. Essential to the continued prosperity of Michigan will be the ability to create a health information exchange in a fashion that addresses the concerns of its diverse population.

Recognizing the need to include all stakeholders in fostering the environment for adoption of health information exchange, Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) held stakeholder forums with providers, payers, employers, labor unions and consumers to hear their perspectives on the role of state government in health information technology policy.

Based on the recommendations of these forums that all stakeholders should be involved, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, along with MDCH Director Janet Olszewski and MDIT Director Teri Takai, convened the new Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN) in December 2005. The MiHIN brought together more than 300 stakeholders from all over the state. This group heard from national, regional and local speakers on the latest developments in health information exchange and also agreed to continue working with the state and other stakeholders to develop solutions and strategies in developing a statewide health information exchange.

Beginning in April 2006, the MiHIN team of volunteers and consultants were charged with the task of building a plan that will improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health care delivery by accelerating adoption and use of health information technology and health information exchange. Successfully accomplishing this major advance in the state’s health care system required a collaborative approach from all stakeholders involved, including consumers, providers, payers, employers, and policy makers. The Conduit to Care project was a “180 day” partnership of the many different voices and distinct viewpoints of more than 200 Michigan stakeholders.

Under the leadership of MDCH and MDIT, the Michigan Public Health Institute helped coordinate and facilitate the MiHIN Conduit to Care project. MPHI leveraged its unique position as an organization with the ability to leave “light footprints,” preferring to work behind the scenes to build links between stakeholders. More than 200 volunteers from across the state participated in six distinct work groups that rose to the challenge of creating a road map for health information exchange in an unprecedented 180 days. The report was released on December 11, 2006.

The MiHIN Conduit to Care will help bring Michigan health care into the 21st century. Creating a system and supporting regional initiatives will not only allow for quality improvement, but will eventually help to engage patients more directly in their care. It articulates a path to develop a health information network connecting health care communities across Michigan, with an infrastructure and governance model for long-term sustainability through public-private partnership.

Learn More
For more information about ISG, contact ISG at 2501 Jolly Road, Suite 180, Okemos, Michigan 48864 or visit MPHI’s website at www.MPHI.org.

Authors
Dana Ashley Green, MBA, CPA, PMP, is Senior Project Manager at ISG where she directs a variety of projects with a focus on health information technology.

Kelly K. Coyle, J.D., is Project Operations Manager at ISG where she oversees internal operations for the program and also serves as the Privacy Officer for MPHI.