UM Health-Sparrow may make your health information available electronically through one or more health information exchanges or organizations (HIOs), to other health care providers, health plans or health care clearinghouses. Our participation in HIOs allows us and others to care better for you because it lets us share information about you. UM Health-Sparrow is currently participating with the Great Lakes Health Connect (GLHC) and Epic Care Everywhere.
We may use and disclose your health information for treatment, payment or health care operation purposes in connection with participation by UM Health-Sparrow Health System in HIOs.
What is an HIO? Health Information Organizations and Exchanges allow doctors to securely share patient information electronically. Health information organization and exchanges are a method to electronically move personal health information securely among doctors, hospitals, urgent care facilities, and other health care providers when and where it is needed. An HIO is more than just the delivery of results from one hospital to one physician practice; it is the exchange of patient data among all health care providers.
- What information is being shared with the HIO? Providers will be able to view health information which includes clinical documents, laboratory results, x-rays, allergies, medications, demographic information, and care transition documents.
- Who has access to my medical information? Providers at HIOs and Epic affiliated health care organizations across Michigan will be able to securely share patient information electronically.
- How does an HIO benefit me? Secure electronic HIOs provide the potential to:
- Enable physicians to access clinical information across a network of community providers so patients receive the most informed care possible;
- Ensure that critical lifesaving information is available to your health care providers in the event of a medical emergency. For example, doctors that are treating a non-UM Health-Sparrow patient at the UM Health-Sparrow Emergency Department can have immediate access to the patient’s medical record, which may contain critical information so that the health care team can make informed and timely decision about the patient’s treatment.
How do I opt out of the Health Information Exchange? Patients can “opt out” of having their information sent electronically through the GLHC information exchange by going directly to gl-hc.org to obtain the form. If you would like to “opt out” of Epic Care Everywhere exchanges or if you have any questions, please contact the Privacy Department at 517.364.2161.
Please Note: Even if you decide to opt out of data exchange via GLHC some legally permissible identifiable health information will still be transferred electronically.