Henry Ford Joins Largest Health Information Exchange in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS and DETROIT, Mich. – Southeast Michigan’s largest health care provider, Henry Ford Health System, is the newest member of the state’s largest health information exchange, Michigan Health Connect.

The arrangement means Henry Ford’s physicians and other medical professionals can securely share patient records with other designated providers. The electronic system is especially helpful to ensure comprehensive care for patients being transferred to another facility, such as a rehabilitation center.

“Michigan Health Connect is focused on facilitating optimal care for patients, and this partnership with Henry Ford Health System means we’ll be significantly multiplying our commitment to patients in Southeast Michigan,” said Doug Dietzman, executive director of Grand Rapids-based Michigan Health Connect. “Coordinated, effective health information exchange is vital to improving health care in the Detroit area and statewide.”

Henry Ford Health System employs more than 23,000 individuals; patients make more than 3.5 million visits to Henry Ford providers annually.

Health information exchange is being implemented across the country to ensure that physicians, hospitals and other medical professionals have the right patient information, at the right time in the right location – no matter where that patient seeks treatment. The secure electronic system provides better care for patients and cost-saving efficiencies for providers.

“Henry Ford physicians and medical professionals now have another tool to use in providing the best patient care in the region,” said Mary Alice Annecharico, senior vice president and Chief Information Officer for Henry Ford Health System. “We are continuously working to improve patient care and joining the Michigan Health Connect network is another step in that process.”

###

About Michigan Health Connect
Michigan Health Connect is the largest provider of health information exchange in Michigan, serving 102 hospitals, over 2,200 medical offices, more than 17,000 individual providers and diverse providers statewide including Federally Qualified Health Clinics, Community Mental Health and long-term care facilities. The nationally recognized, community-based nonprofit works to enhance patient care by improving access to timely, secure clinical information while streamlining administrative functions for providers.

About Henry Ford Health System
Henry Ford Health System, one of the largest and most comprehensive integrated U.S. health care systems, is a national leader in clinical care, research and education. The system includes the 1,200-member Henry Ford Medical Group, seven hospitals, Health Alliance Plan (a health insurance and wellness company), Henry Ford Physician Network, a 150-site ambulatory network and many other health-related entities throughout southeast Michigan, providing a full continuum of care. In 2012, Henry Ford provided $234 million in uncompensated care. The health system also is a major economic driver in Michigan and employs more than 23,000 employees. Henry Ford is a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient. The health system is led by CEO Nancy Schlichting. To learn more, visit HenryFord.com