The eHealth Initiative released details of a new survey on the state of health information exchanges (HIEs), which suggest that the networks are gaining traction after years of delays. The organization reports that the number of HIEs describing their networks as "fully operational" has risen from nine to 25 over the last year. Of the 109 groups participating in the study, a majority said "obtaining funding for start up costs and ongoing operations" remains a key priority. A small number of the groups the organization contacted said they have negotiated deals to receive payments from hospitals and physician practices. Nearly all said the quest for a sustainable business model remains a major concern. Cynics note that this sounds very similar to the CHIN excitement in the 1990s.
- see this press release from the eHealth Initiative