Frequently Asked Questions

What is health information exchange?

Health information exchange (HIE) is a process that enables health care providers from different institutions to share patient information for treatment and other approved purposes in a secure electronic environment. HIE is commonly undertaken with the goal of improving patient safety and quality of care by reducing gaps in patient clinical information from provider to provider, thereby enabling clinicians to make the best care decisions possible.

Who can access LIPIX?

Access to patient data within LIPIX will be limited to clinicians authorized to access the system by their participating institutions or by LIPIX itself. Each participating institution enters into a legal agreement with LIPIX that specifies the responsibilities of both LIPIX and the participating institution to safeguard patient data and only use patient data for appropriate purposes.

Where is the data stored?

Clinical patient data will continue to reside in information systems behind the firewalls of the acquiring organizations. LIPIX does not create a central repository of clinical information, rather LIPX will route encrypted electronic transactions among participating institutions so that they may exchange data. There is a central registry identifying which patients have information and where it can be found. This central registry is housed at a professional data center on Long Island.

Does the patient have a say?

Yes. Prior to any clinical information being exchanged or even being viewed by providers outside of the organization in which it was obtained, the patient must provide explicit written consent. This consent is durable, but revocable at any time.

How do I find out more?

By reading the pages of this website you can discover a good deal about LIPIX's goals, objectives and services provided. By following the links to other sites you can learn more about health information exchange in general and LIPIX in particular. If you'd like to speak to someone from our team, you can also click "Contact Us" under the About LIPIX menu to fill out our contact form.