2 Michigan Health Information Exchanges Join Forces

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MACKINAC ISLAND — Michigan Health Connect and Great Lakes Health Information Exchange today have merged to form Great Lakes Health Connect, allowing hospitals, physicians and other medical professionals to quickly and securely share the health records of more than 5 million people.

“The merger of these two leading organizations means Great Lakes Health Connect can provide unparalleled access to electronic health records for participants in Michigan and beyond,” said Doug Dietzman, executive director of the new organization and former executive director of Michigan Health Connect.  The merger will be finalized July 1.

Dietzman said the efficient exchange of electronic health records is key to the success of hospitals and other medical providers under national health care reform. Participants of the newly merged organization cover more than 80 percent of the hospital beds in the state and include more than 20,000 independent and employed providers serving over half the state’s 10 million people.

“The depth and breadth of our network means we have the experience, resources and connections to initiate industry-leading advances in health information exchange on behalf of Michigan citizens,” Dietzman said.

Great Lakes Health Connect will allow hospitals and physicians to access a patient’s health history across many different providers, including lab facilities, allowing ready access to vital information and eliminating the need to rely on patient memory. The company also provides real-time notification to providers for admissions and discharges from hospitals to nursing homes and other providers, to make sure complete patient information is transferred and the risk of readmission is lowered. 

Ultimately, said Dietzman, Great Lakes Health Connect is focused on getting the right data to the right place at the right time to support the health and care of the people wherever they may be.

For more information about Great Lakes Health Connect, visit gl-hc.org.