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Regional Health Information Organizations: A Vehicle for Transforming Health Care Delivery?

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Abstract

Information technology (IT) has the potential to be a significant enabler in transforming the health care delivery system. New types of organizations are needed to guide the change. Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs) hold promise as agents for transformation. This essay discusses the results from a case study on how RHIOs are advancing IT adoption in the health care community. Results indicate that the RHIO model is early in its evolution. To be a catalyst of change, the RHIO must overcome privacy barriers, actively engage purchasers of care, and create compelling incentives for clinicians to adopt the RHIOs’ services.

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  1. Walden University, 155 5TH Ave S Ste 200, Minneapolis, MN, 55401-2511, USA

    Michael R. Solomon

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Correspondence to Michael R. Solomon.

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Michael R. Solomon is on the College of Health & Human Services faculty at the University of Phoenix Online. He is also an independent consultant to the health care information technology industry and is affiliated with Point-of-Care Partners, an e-health strategy consulting firm. The research presented in this article was conducted as part of Michael’s doctoral studies work at Walden University.

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Solomon, M.R. Regional Health Information Organizations: A Vehicle for Transforming Health Care Delivery?. J Med Syst 31, 35–47 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-006-9041-0

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