OREANDA-NEWS. Cerner, a global leader in health care technology, has successfully connected Palmetto Health and the Georgia Regional Academic Community Health Information Exchange (GRAChIE) through Cerner’s health information exchange (HIE) solution.

Palmetto Health, South Carolina’s largest integrated health care system, and GRAChIE, a collaboration between Navicent Health and Augusta University Health, serve a combined population of over 2.2 million patients in South Carolina and Georgia. Cerner’s HIE solution provides physicians throughout the region access to patient electronic health records and the ability to exchange data, regardless of where care is provided.

“Improving the flow of health information will enable deeper insights into the patients we serve, which can help transform health care delivery and outcomes,” said Dr. Tripp Jennings, system vice president, Medical Informatics, Palmetto Health. “Our goal is always to use technology to provide the best health care. This is another opportunity for us to do that.”

Palmetto Health and Augusta University Health provide patient referral services because of their close geographical proximity. Through an HIE, care providers can access patient information, including medications, pre-existing conditions, allergies, immunizations, lab results and even family history.

“We continue to build a network that will help advance interoperability for the entire region,” said Tara Cramer, executive director, GRAChIE. “Up-to-date information, shared across all venues, will enable physicians to make the best care decisions for their patients.”

Cerner’s HIE solution supports the exchange of data across organizational, geographical and technological boundaries and enables access to clinical information from any care venue, regardless of electronic health system.

“Physicians should be able to easily access a patient’s medical history and other relevant data to provide the most appropriate care,” said Bob Robke, vice president, Interoperability, Cerner. “Connecting health organizations, large and small, will only help us push for true patient-centered interoperability, with individuals becoming more involved in their health journey.”

Cerner’s HIE solution will be highlighted in Booth 2032 at HIMSS16, Feb. 26 – March 4, at Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.  

About Cerner

Cerner’s health information technologies connect people, information and systems at more than 20,000 facilities worldwide. Recognized for innovation, Cerner solutions assist clinicians in making care decisions and enable organizations to manage the health of populations. The company also offers an integrated clinical and financial system to help health care organizations manage revenue, as well as a wide range of services to support clients’ clinical, financial and operational needs. Cerner’s mission is to contribute to the systemic improvement of health care delivery and the health of communities.  On February 2, 2015, Cerner Corporation acquired substantially all of the assets, and assumed certain liabilities, of the Siemens Health Services business from Siemens AG.  Nasdaq: CERN. 

About Palmetto Health

Palmetto Health, the largest health care system and one of the largest employers in South Carolina, is comprised of more than 11,500 team members, physicians and volunteers working together to fulfill Palmetto Health’s Vision: to be remembered by each patient as providing the care and compassion we want for our families and ourselves. The system includes seven acute-care hospitals— Baptist Easley, Palmetto Health Baptist, Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge, Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, Palmetto Health Heart Hospital, Palmetto Health Richland and Palmetto Health Tuomey—as well as an expansive physician practice network, dozens of affiliated clinics and specialty care practices and a 501(c)(3) foundation. Recognized nationally as one of the best places to work and receive care, Palmetto Health also trains the next generation of physicians through its 23 residency and fellowship programs affiliated with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. 

About GRAChIE
Georgia Regional Academic Community Health Information Exchange (GRAChIE) is an HIE founded as a 501c3 in 2012 through a collaborative effort between Augusta University Health System and Navicent Health. GRAChIE operates as a separate organization governed by a board of directors. GRAChIE members utilize the HIE’s electronic platform to support care coordination through an efficient and meaningful sharing of health information to promote improved health care quality, affordability and outcomes.