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 Much of COHIE's focus over the last year and a half has been targeted at helping physicians adopt, implement and reach Meaningful Use of certified EHR systems.
However, we have not lost sight of the ultimate goal of achieving a statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE) in Ohio. Providers and hospital systems gaining the ability to easily exchange patient health information will truly be an asset to all.
Exactly how this will be achieved, and through which HIE system, is currently being discussed by many stakeholders. Right now there are two systems that potentially provide a viable HIE option to Ohio healthcare providers. One system is offered through HealthBridge and the other through CliniSync. Regardless of the system selected, there is clearly inherent value for central Ohio providers to agree on one system.
Clinisync and Healthbridge have demonstrated their products to COHIE board members (representing central Ohio hospital systems, providers and business). Members are currently assessing the benefits and features of both systems and plan to make a decision on which system to utilize within three to six months.
Have more specific questions regarding HIE? COHIE can provide the answers. Contact COHIE
Interim Director Tim Bangert at (614) 384-9174 or timb@cohie.org | 
For practices that have already selected, adopted and implemented an EHR, the process of completing the "Meaningful Use" 'paper'-work may seem daunting. However, not submitting this information to Medicare or Medicaid will stand in the way of receiving the next incentive payment.