"Trial implementations have helped lead the way toward the transformation of health and health care using interoperable health information technology," stated Robert Kolodner, M.D., national coordinator for health information technology.

The two day NHIN Forum provided in-depth discussions and presentations that explored lessons learned by the Cooperative in establishing effective usage agreements, technologies and business models for sustaining the electronic exchange of health information. The experiences reported and learning shared at the forum will make possible the transition of the NHIN from trial implementations to "live" production status. In 2009, the NHIN will come online and begin to exchange "live" data among those organizations that are ready, willing, and able to exchange health information using the NHIN specifications and standards. The first of these production partnerships was announced at the forum. Beginning in February 2009, the SSA will work with MedVirginia, a health information exchange organization and member of the NHIN Cooperative, to begin electronically processing social security disability determinations. The migration from paper to electronic verification for SSA disability determinations is expected to decrease the time from application to determination from months to minutes. This will result in efficiencies and cost savings, and also improve the quality of life for those applying for SSA disability benefits.


To learn more about the Nationwide Health Information Network, go to www.hhs.gov/healthit/healthnetwork.


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