Buffalo HIE Makes First Link to LTC Facility

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.

Linking Briody and soon other long-term care facilities to the HIE will support better care coordination and ensure important information during care transitions, such as expanded medication lists, are available to providers, says Daniel Porreca, executive director of HEALTHeLINK. Briody implemented an electronic health records system three years ago.

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Reaching out to long-term care providers is part of the work being done by the HIE as a participant in the federally funded Beacon Communities program in 17 regions across the nation to accelerate adoption of health information technology and become model sites for other communities.

As part of the program, HEALTHeLINK also is connecting other data sources such as rural hospitals and home care agencies. More information is available at wnyhealthelink.com.