FAQs
KC CareLink - A Health Information Exchange
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a HIE?
A. Health Information Exchange is the electronic process by which health providers share information about a patient with other providers that also treat that same patient. This helps coordinate care, increasing safety for the patient, reduces unneeded duplications and unintended effects of uncoordinated care. While this can be done between business partners, its greatest example is between RHIO members and the NHIN.
Q. What are a RHIO and a NHIN?
A. A Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) is a multi-stakeholder organization that enables the exchange and use of health information, in a secure manner, for the purpose of promoting the improvement of health quality, safety and efficiency. Officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services see RHIOs as the building blocks for the national health information network (NHIN). When complete the NHIN will provide universal access to electronic health records. Experts maintain that RHIOs will help eliminate some administrative costs associated with paper-based patient records, provide quick access to automated test results and offer a consolidated view of a patient's history.
Q. Is KC CareLink an Electronic Medical Record?
A. No, KC CareLink is not an electronic medical record (EMR). An EMR is a computerized medical record similar in structure, scope, and information content to a paper-based record. An EMR is capable of capturing, processing, and storing information.
Q. What is HIPAA?
A. HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 which is a federal law intended to improve the portability of health insurance and simplify health care administration. HIPAA sets standards for electronic transmission of claims-related information and for ensuring the security and privacy of all individually identifiable health information.
Q. How does my organization participate in KC CareLink?
A. For information regarding KC CareLink participation please contact us at 816.513.6353 or info@KCCareLink.org.
Q. Is patient information secure?
A. KC CareLink adheres to all state and federal laws and regulations regarding Protected Health Information (PHI). A patient’s data will only be shared among participating organizations and only after obtaining the patient’s authorization. Patients have the right to refuse to enroll in KC CareLink or withdraw previous authorization.