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In The News

Great Lakes Medical Imaging joins HEALTHeLINK

May-13-2013 — The number of radiology reports and images available to participating physicians and health care providers via HEALTHeLINK continues to increase with the addition of Great Lakes Medical Imaging as a data source to Western New York’s clinical information exchange.

HEALTHeLINK appointed Dr. David Scamurra chairman of the organization’s board of directors.

May-03-2013 — HEALTHeLINK appointed Dr. David Scamurra chairman of the organization’s board of directors. Scamurra is president of Eastern Great Lakes Pathology and a member of X-Cell Laboratories.

HEALTHeLINK names new slate of board members

May-02-2013 — Dr. Scamurra was named chairman of HEALTHeLINK, the clinical information exchange for Western New York.

Hospitals working toward reducing readmission rates

May-02-2013 — With a dual goal of keeping patients healthly and maintaining federal reimbursements, area hospitals say they're beginning to see positive results in the area of readmissions.

Lockport area physicians continue to join HEALTHeLINK

Mar-22-2013 — HEALTHeLINK announced the Lockport-based practices of Thomas Hughes, MD and Eaton Medical have joined Western New York’s clinical information exchange.

Mental-health professionals encouraged by initiatives

Feb-01-2013 — A statewide initiative to introduce "health homes" for Medicaid patients is coninciding perfectly with an increased spotlight nationally for expanded mental health services.

Dent joins HEALTHeLINK system as data supplier

Jan-25-2013 — Dent Neurologic Institute became the first physician group to serve as a data source for the HEALTHeLINK network.

Dent Neurologic Institute becomes first physician group to serve as HEALTHeLINK data source

Jan-17-2013 — Dent Neurologic Institute, which operates an office in Orchard Park, has become the first physician group to serve as a HEALTHeLINK data source.

Physicians and patients are key to data exchange

Jan-14-2013 — HEALTHeLINK is the most functional health data exchange in the United States, but it needs more effort to fulfill its potential. We need to increase provider adoption and patient consent.

Brothers of Mercy begins providing data to HEALTHeLINK

Jan-08-2013 — The Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Clarence is the third long term care facility to begin supplying clinical data securely and electronically to HEALTHeLINK, Western New York’s clinical information exchange. With authorized patient consent, treating physicians can now access Brothers of Mercy’s admission, discharge and transfer notices to improve transitions of care.

NY Congressman calls on House to endorse wider EHR adoption

Jan-02-2013 — Representative Brian Higgins, a Democrat from Western New York, representing Buffalo, Erie County, and Chautauqua County, called on the House of Representatives to expand the use of electronic health records (EHR) nationwide.

Patient Consent for Information Exchange Comes Into Focus

Nov-20-2012 — Federal and state laws require that patients give permission or be allowed to withhold consent for health information exchanges to use their individually identifiable health information (IIHI) for purposes other than direct patient care.

HEALTHeLINK on AM Buffalo

Oct-24-2012 — Dan Porreca and Dr. Anthony Billittier guest star on AM Buffalo.

A Link to Better Health

Oct-24-2012 — Often times, when doctors ask which medications you are taking, and for your personal medical history, it can be difficult to remember some of the details. Things often become even more complicated when we are put in the position to provide information for a loved one.

On the Web / An interview with Daniel E. Porreca

Sep-19-2012 — Daniel E. Porreca is executive director of HEALTHeLINK, a collaborative effort that involves numerous health care organizations. He sat down with The Buffalo News' Brian Meyer for the weekly "In Focus" interview series. Here is a summary of some issues discussed. Watch the full seven-minute interview at BuffaloNews.com/video.

NY behavioral health providers receive EHR grants

Sep-07-2012 — Five New York behavioral health facilities will be able to share education and consultations about their patients with primary care providers so they can offer more holistic and effective treatment.

People Inc Assoicate Vice President Frank Azzarelli Joins Senior Obama Administration Officials for Health Care Technology Discussion

Aug-14-2012 — People Inc. is pleased to announce that Associate Vice President Frank Azzarelli was recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington by the Director of HEALTHeLINK.

Medical exchange partnership set up for veterans

Aug-03-2012 — Veterans who rely on Veterans Affairs and private providers for their healthcare don't have to carry around paper copies of the medical records anymore. Local vets can now allow healthcare providers access their medical records electronically.

VA partners with HEALTHeLINK

Aug-03-2012 — The Department of Veterans Affairs is stepping up health-care coverage via HEALTHeLINK, Western New York’s clinical information exchange.

3 questions with...HealtheLink's Daniel Porreca

Aug-02-2012 — HealtheLink executive director Daniel Porreca has a dad who fought in World War II; he’s now 91-years old. And his medical care reflects the path of many veteran patients: an often disjointed dance between the private sector of primary care providers and specialists, and the public realm of the VA.

WNY to help pioneer VA electronic medical records system

Aug-01-2012 — The Buffalo area is about to become one of the pioneers in a project to integrate Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense electronic medical systems, a key part of the Obama administration's plan to give veterans and active military personnel access to health and benefits information.

Good For You: The Quality & Cost of Health Care in WNY

Jul-23-2012 — Good For You, a radio forum presented by WBFO/AM 970 and BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, examines ways to improve the quality of health care, while lowering costs.

Niagara County health care practices continue to join HEALTHeLINK to improve quality of patient care

Jul-18-2012 — More than 370 physician practices and counting are now utilizing HEALTHeLINK, Western New York's clinical information exchange, to improve the quality of patient care through better access to clinical information.

Telemonitoring helps diabetics to manage their own care

Jul-16-2012 — Last summer, the Western New York Beacon Community began a telemonitoring project among high-risk diabetic patients to prevent emergency room visits and hospital readmissions. The community, which includes Buffalo and eight nearby counties, has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country with approximately 150,000 diabetic patients.

Using Telemonitoring for Preventative Diabetes Care in the Western New York Beacon Community

Jul-11-2012 — According to the New York State Department of Health, diabetes affects one out of every 12 adult New Yorkers. The number of diabetics in New York State has more than doubled since 1994 and that number could double again by 2050. Western New York, which includes Buffalo and eight counties ranging from urban to suburban and rural, has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country with approximately 150,000 diabetic patients.

Podcast: Dan Porreca, executive director of HealtheLink, discusses growth, goals of the N.Y. health information exchange

Jun-25-2012 — In an exclusive interview, Dan Porreca, executive director of HealtheLink, the health information exchange for Western New York, talks with Modern Healthcare reporter Joseph Conn. Porreca discusses the growth of the HIE and how it has begun linking with long-term-care facilities, where adoption of health IT has generally lagged behind other healthcare providers.

Medicor to pilot multi-lingual medication system

Jun-15-2012 — Medicor Associates of Chautauqua's Dunkirk office will be piloting Meducation, an exciting new computerized program that will help eliminate language barriers and improve medication adherence for patients reading or speaking limited English.

Briody joins new record exchange

Jun-07-2012 — Briody Health Care Facility is the first long-term care facility to join the Western New York HEALTHeLINK electronic clinical information exchange.

Healthelink adds Briody to info exchange

Jun-06-2012 — HealtheLink has added the first long-term care facility to its electronic clinical information exchange.

Buffalo HIE Makes First Link to LTC Facility

Jun-05-2012 — Briody Health Care Facility in Lockport, N.Y., is the first long-term care provider to become a data source for HEALTHeLINK, a health information exchange serving the greater Buffalo region.

Rachel Block: Western New York is setting the bar with technology

May-07-2012 — We can no longer say that health information technology is the future of health care; it is being used every minute by physicians and health care providers throughout Western New York and across the state to improve care for patients and reduce costs through fewer medical errors and duplicate tests.

Testimonials

May-01-2012

Diabetes Telemonitoring Pilot Sees Early Wins

Apr-20-2012 — HEALTHeLINK, the Buffalo-based Beacon Community, has had early successes with its diabetes telemonitoring pilot that identifies high-risk patients through mobile monitoring before they are hospitalized. The pilot, which has enlisted local home health agencies to help monitor patients without flooding physicians with data, has seen both physician and patient satisfaction.

Two years in, HEALTHeLINK reports positive results

Apr-16-2012 — Two years into a three-year federal contract, HealtheLink is reporting progress and continued growth toward improving patient safety, as well as improving outcomes for diabetic patients in the region.

Remote health project eschews 'data overload'

Apr-16-2012 — The Western New York Beacon Community (WNY) has a lot going on. The network is one of 17 Beacon Communities funded by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, and it's using that money for several remote health projects.

HealtheLink improves digital reporting access

Jan-13-2012 — HealtheLink has enhanced its network to allow radiologists and healthcare providers better access to digital reports.

Daniel E. Porreca: Technology allows patients to share data with doctors

Jan-12-2012 — There is no doubt that health information technology is beginning to enhance the quality of care in our region. Health IT is improving the patient’s care and experience in the system, allowing doctors to make better decisions because they have more relevant information on their patients. Health IT is also contributing to lowering the costs of treating diseases such as diabetes.

A Breakthrough in Patient Care

Jan-04-2012 — Think fast: Do you remember all the tests you’ve had done in the past three years, and their results? Your medication changes? Your doctor and hospital visits? If you’ve suffered an illness or health crisis recently, there are likely far too many pieces of such information to keep track. HEALTHeLINK, a new advance in medical information technology — developed right here in Western New York — can help.

Analytics: Moving health care forward

Oct-28-2011 — Hospital administrators are leading the use of health care analytics for a range of functions in provider settings. Driving their increased use are a few key clinical and business factors: the desire to meet meaningful use requirements, create quality reports, and better capture revenue, according to the results of SearchHealthIT.com's business intelligence survey.

WGRZ The Healthy Zone

Oct-17-2011 — Janet Snyder interviews Daniel Porreca, the executive Director of HEALTHeLINK and Dr. Bonnie Sunday, a family physician in Orchard Park. They discuss the benefit of medical information being available electronically that is done in a safe way.

Health initiative focuses on telemonitoring

Sep-09-2011 — HealtheLink is partnering with three local groups to begin a new diabetes telemonitoring pilot program.

Telemonitoring Pilot Attacks Diabetes

Sep-08-2011 — As part of a larger project to reduce the burden of diabetes on patients in western New York, Buffalo-based health information exchange HealtheLink has launched a pilot to test the effect of telemonitoring on diabetics' health. A premise of the 18-month pilot is that telemonitoring will pay for itself by reducing the enrolled patients' emergency room and doctor visits.

Dental practice joins HealtheLink

Aug-31-2011 — HealtheLink has added the first dental practice to its electronic clinical information exchange.

HEALTHeLINK to pilot diabetes telemonitoring

Aug-31-2011 — One hundred patients with diabetes have signed up for a telemonitoring pilot spearheaded by HEALTHeLINK, the regional health information organization (RHIO) serving Western New York State. The nonprofit’s innovative approach to telemonitoring could serve as a model for the rest of the nation, according to Todd Norris, Western New York Beacon Project Director.

Springville Pediatrics & Adult Care joins HEALTHeLINK

Jun-17-2011 — Recently, HEALTHeLINK announced that Springville Pediatrics and Adult Care joined Western New York’s clinical information exchange.

Cable 8 Medical Update - HEALTH-e-LINK

Apr-07-2011 — In their April 6th Medical Update, Cable 8's Jade Boice takes a look at HEALTH-e-LINK and how it's helping both doctors and patients.

Royal Society of Medicine(London) Reports

Mar-31-2011 — This manuscript, published in January 2011 in the Royal Society of Medicine Reports, includes contributions from HEALTHeLINK's Dan Porreca, Arvela R. Heider, and Todd Norris.

How Safe Are Your Electronic Medical Records?

Mar-22-2011 — Last week 2 On Your Side reported that two insurance workers were fired for looking through former Buffalo Sabres' star Rick Martin's medical records. Reporter Josh Boose went to see just how safe your records are.

HealtheLink effort gains momentum in Southern Tier

Mar-04-2011 — HealtheLink is hoping its success in the Southern Tier will be replicated throughout the region as it works to connect physicians to important patient medical information.

Buffalo News On the Record

Feb-23-2011 — HEALTHeLINK, Western New York’s clinical information exchange, is one of five exchanges featured in a recent CMIO article titled “Five HIEs (Health Information Exchanges) to watch.” CMIO is a brand of TriMed Media Group, a publishing company that focuses on health care business and technology.

HEALTHeLINK marks one year anniversary of partnering with WCA

Feb-18-2011 — It’s been one year since WCA Hospital began participating in HEALTHeLINK, Western New York’s clinical information exchange, and to date 25,000 Chautauqua County residents have recognized the importance of giving their physicians access to their medical information electronically at the point of care by signing a consent form. In addition 12 area physician practices are also currently participating in HEALTHeLINK.

Five HIEs to Watch

Feb-03-2011 — What can Inland Northwest Health Services, Norman Regional Health System, MedVirginia, HEALTHeLINK and Quality Health Network teach other health information exchanges—and possibly your organization—about sustainability, integration, practice management and EMR adoption? Read on to discover what makes these five regional HIEs worth watching.

Technology links medical community

Jan-28-2011 — One of the region’s largest physician network groups has taken the next step in electronic health records by allowing exchange of information among its members using different technology systems.

Health Information Technology Moving Ahead in Region

Jan-26-2011 — HEALTHeLINK, the Western New York Clinical Information Exchange, has been awarded a $10 million "sole-source" grant from the state Department of Health.

Beacon Community Program: Improving Health Through Health Technology

Jan-21-2011 — Aaron McKethan, Craig Brammer, and Tom Tsang from the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), and the Beacon Communities discuss the challenges of America's current health care system and how it can be improved through health information technology.

Western New York Beacon Community: Improving Health Through Health Technology

Jan-21-2011 — Dan Porreca discusses how the Western New York Beacon Community will expand the Western New York network, close gaps in service, and improve health outcomes for patients with diabetes.

City Rotarians Hear From Director of HEALTHeLINK

Jan-20-2011 — During the month of January, local Rotarians are welcoming health care field speakers to their weekly monthly luncheon meeting at the Robert Jackson Center.

Data-Driven Diabetes Care Gets Smart

Dec-13-2010 — Technology fro treating and managing diabetes is progressing rabidly these days. Just a sample of some high-tech advancements: iPhone applications for monitoring glucose readings, implantable RFID chip sensors, and even a "robotic pancreas" that could regulate blood glucose levels.

Medical Records Group Gets Grant to Organize Electronic System

Dec-07-2010 — HEALTHeLINK has received a $10 million state grant to work with the Health Department to organzie an electronice system in New York for doctors and public health officials to track such measures as child health immunization, newborn screening and cancer.

$10M Awarded to HEALTHeLINK

Dec-06-2010 — HEALTHeLINK will develop a new clinical data exchange focusing on child health and chronic disease with a new $10 million state grant.

Hires, Promotions and honors

Dec-05-2010 — HEALTHeLINK, a Western New York's clinical information exchange, appointed Toff Norris project director, responsible for managing the implementation of the Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program.

Sustainability of Funding Remains Common Across the Sector

Oct-01-2010 — As the healthcare industry moves toward meeting the meaningful use requirements around clinical data exchange, different regions and states are approaching health information exchange (HIE) very differently.

Medical Efficiency Gets a Boost

Sep-07-2010 — Welcome recognition of the unprecedented collaboration among the region's hospital systems, physicians and other institutions has come in the form of a $16.1 million federal grant that will promote the use of electronic health records and other advanced cost-cutting technology.

Using Technology to Fight Diabetes in WNY

Aug-31-2010 — Medical experts are harnessing health information technology to try to figh the high rate of diabetes in Western New York.

Health Information Will Remain Private

Aug-19-2010 — A recent article annouced the first independent radiology practice in the region to participate in HEALTHeLINK, the Western New York clinical information exchange.

Windsong Radiology has joined data link

Aug-17-2010 — HEALTHeLINK has added Windsong Radiology group to its growing list of Data Sources.

Switching to Electronic Medical Records

Aug-03-2010 — The shift toward electronic medical records is taking root, a change that should benefit doctors and patients alike.

Two Area Medical Practices Get Aid to Install Electronic Record Systems

Jul-23-2010 — Two family medical practices in the Niagara Falls area are the first in Niagara County to receive money from a local agency backed by health insurers to install electronic medical record systems to replace the reams of patient records that now are written on paper.

Doctors Slow to Adopt Electronic Presciptions

Jul-19-2010 — Despite a push by insurers and the federal government toward increased use of electronic medical records, only about one-quarter of physicians Update have begun using e-prescribing systems with their patients.

Report Shows Local Increase in Elctronic Presciptions

Jul-19-2010 — A new report shows a significant increase in the last two years in the number of medications in upstate New York that are prescibed electronically instead instead of on paper.

HEALTHeLINK gives first grant for e-records

Jun-21-2010 — HEALTHeLINK doled out its first dollars to help local doctors convert to electronic medical reocrds, allocating $25,000 in direct-funding support to Limestone Primary Care Physicians in Amherst.

Hospital CEOs pushing interest in HEALTHeLINK

Jun-03-2010 — The chief executives of the region's hospital systems and health plans Wednesday launched a drive to increase participation in HEALTHeLINK, a regional electronic network that links patients, doctors and insurers so they can share medical records.

Local Health Industry Leaders Sign up to HEALTHeLINK

Jun-03-2010 — A major push is underway across the Buffalo Niagara region to secure 10-thousand patients to sign consent forms this month for HEALTHeLINK.

Aspire receives $50,000 toward new record system

May-16-2010 — Aspire Receives $50,000 Toward New Record System

On the Record

May-15-2010 — Hires/Promotions/Honors

HealthIDNews Podcast concerning 2FA

May-11-2010 — HEALTHeLINK Executive Director Dan Porreca discusses two factor authenication process, and security of Personal Health Information, with HealthIDNews

$16.1M allocated for WNY telemed

May-05-2010 — A Western New York collaborative has received $16.1 million in federal stimulus funding to advance the implementation of electronic health records and telemedicine for the benefit of patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions.

WNY Awarded Grant for Electronic Medical Records

May-05-2010 — CHEEKTOWAGA, NY-A coalition of area hospitals know as "HEALTHeLINK" is one of the 15 out of 130 applicants chosen for multi-million grant to implement electronic health records reforms.

WNY to lead with health info technology

May-05-2010 — BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - RELEASE: Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that Western New York's own HEALTHeLINK program was selected as one of 15 communities out of 130 applicants nationwide to serve as pilot communities for eventual wide-scale use of health information technology.

HEALTHeLINK cashes in on federal stimulus money

May-05-2010 — The Western New York health care community has won a multi-million dollar federal stimulus grant that will increase the use of electronic records.

$16 million grant makes WNY diabetes 'Beacon'

May-05-2010 — WASHINGTON - A $16.1 million federal economic-stimulus grant will mean an unprecedented level of preventive care for 60,000 diabetes patients in Western New York, as medical providers and insurers collaborate to use technology to keep patients on top of their treatment.

WNY coalition gets $16.1 million medical-records grant

May-05-2010 — WASHINTON-A coalition of Western New York hospitals and insurers today won a $16.1 million federal stimulus grant aimed at boosting the use of electronic medical records in the region.

Mt. St. Mary's, Memorial Medical Center join HEALTHeLINK

Apr-17-2010 — Judith Maness says the idea that Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center are at odds is simply not true.

Memorial, St. Mary's Get 'Healthe'

Apr-13-2010 — MEDICINE: Become members of clinical medical information sharing network.

Niagara County sites join HEALTHeLINK

Apr-12-2010 — NIAGARA FALLS - The two hospitals in western Niagara County annouced Monday that they are joining the regional computer system for sharing patient health records.

Spreading the Word About Electronic Health Info System

Feb-19-2010 — HEALTHeLINK launched an advertising campaign to increase awareness about the benefits of allowing physicians to securly access patients' health information electronically.

WCA Hospital Joins HEALTHeLINK Patient Information Sharing System

Feb-18-2010 — Imagine that you're away from home on a business trip. As you're walking out of the convention center, you trip over the curb and falls, striking your head and losing consciousness.

Jamestown hospital taps HEALTHeLINK

Feb-18-2010 — The HEALTHeLINK electronic health care system has expanded into the Southern Tier with the addition of WCA Hospital.

Health Insurers Brace for Big Changes in Health Care Reform

Jan-31-2010 — As health insurers prepare for federal reforms that will likely be the biggest reshaping of the industry in decade's, Western New York's three carriers have already taken steps to change, individually and collectively.

Time For e-Records Is Now, But It Isn't Easy

Sep-24-2009 — When patients visit an emergency room, they're strangers to the doctors who treat them. There is no way to quickly retrieve key information from their medical records about medication they take, previous tests, X-rays or allergies. And when patients return to their regular doctors, there is no quick way for the doctors to check what happened in the hospital. Until now.

Doctors Pursue Electronic Records

Aug-28-2009 — A collaborative of area physician groups is beginning to implement a $1 million grant to bring together more than 400 doctors through an electronic health record (EHR) system.

HEALTHeLINK™ Database Gets More Backing

Aug-23-2009 — Imagine being taken to an emergency room at a hospital in Buffalo, yet the doctors on duty are able to call up the medical records your personal physician has on file. That’s the ultimate goal of the push to create a nationwide system of keeping medical records in an electronic system that can be accessed whenever — and wherever — they’re needed.

Local Organization Taking Healthcare High-Tech

Aug-12-2009 — It can be a challenge to get Lab and X-Ray results, even patient history, from one physician to another. That hassle could be a thing of the past as HEALTHeLINK™ is catching on across WNY.

WNYers Encouraged To Get Involved In HEALTHeLINK™

Jul-16-2009 — Doctors across Western New York now have the chance to offer their patients a whole new level of care, thanks to HEALTHeLINK™.

Area’s Health Insurers Back Electronic Medical Records

Jun-29-2009 — Western New York’s three health insurers have asked the region’s electronic clinical information exchange to lead an effort at driving more adoption of electronic medical records by area physicians.

Doctors Turn To Electronic Records

Jun-05-2009 — Physician groups are moving forward with electronic medical records systems and online capabilities – helped along by state and federal funding for health information technology (HIT) reform efforts.

Senate Passes Economic Stimulus Package

Feb-10-2009 — The Senate has passed it's version of an economic stimulus package. The new legislation might impact your wallet and improve the quality of health care you receive.

Western NY Launches Patient Record Exchange (AP)

Jan-23-2009 — Doctors in western New York have a new, electronic way to access patient records with the hope of reducing medical errors and avoiding costly duplicative tests.

New Database Links Health Records

Jan-22-2009 — President Barack Obama says one of the goals of his administration is to bring health care into the 21st century when it comes to patient health records. The new digital age is already underway in western New York.

Digital Exchange of Health Records Possible with HEALTHeLINK™

Jan-22-2009 — Imagine that your physician is in Buffalo, but you are having a medical crisis in Niagara Falls. Wouldn’t you like to have the medical professionals treating you in Niagara Falls to have instantaneous access to your medical records?

Doctors Group Links Electronically

Jan-15-2009 — A group of more than 450 area physicians has signed on to participate in a regionwide health information exchange.