Revised on 5/11/2023

INTRODUCTION: What is this Newsletter About?

Welcome to the first edition of our State Agency Newsletter, created by Connie, the designated Health Information Exchange (HIE) for the state of Connecticut. As a non-profit organization primarily funded by the state, we are dedicated to being your go-to resource for all your community care goals. We encourage you to always THINK CONNIE FIRST when striving to improve the health outcomes of the communities we serve.

Connie plays an essential role in facilitating the exchange of electronic health information among healthcare providers, public health agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the care of Connecticut's residents.

We understand that state agencies play a crucial role in delivering care to the community, from safeguarding public health to supporting the growth and development of children and assisting vulnerable community members in living fulfilling and productive lives. We are thrilled to collaborate with state agencies to achieve our shared goal of improving health outcomes for all.

In this newsletter, we will keep you updated on our latest initiatives and collaborations, share insights on the benefits of HIE, and highlight how our platform is making a positive impact in the lives of patients across Connecticut. We also look forward to hearing from you and learning how Connie could help you achieve your data-driven goals.

Thank you for your interest in Connie and for aligning with our mission to improve the health of Connecticut through innovative technology. We hope you find this newsletter informative and valuable, and we look forward to working with you to create a healthier Connecticut!

Connie Is Bridging the Connectivity Gap for State Agencies

Connie, the state-designated Health Information Exchange, has been making significant strides in promoting healthcare interoperability throughout Connecticut. Recently, the Department of Social Services (DSS) partnered with Connie on an interoperability project that is changing the way DSS members access their healthcare data.

The goal of the project was to enable DSS to meet federal interoperability rules. The rule stipulated that DSS would make available Medicaid claims data for members to electronically access using an API. DSS wasn't required to create a portal for members to directly access their data, but with Connie’s support, they are able to provide an efficient process for third-party apps to register so that when a patient wanted to access their Medicaid claims data, they could download the app, verify their identity, and use it to access their data.

This project was initiated for DSS to be in compliance with the CMS interoperability rule. However, patients can revoke access to their data through the information available on the DSS website. 

Thanks to Connie, DSS has been able to offer an improved healthcare experience to its members by streamlining access to healthcare data. This is just one example of how Connie is helping state agencies in Connecticut to leverage healthcare data to improve patient care and outcomes.

If your state agency is interested in learning more about how to connect with Connie and leverage healthcare data, please reach out to our team. We'd be happy to discuss how we can help you achieve your interoperability goals.

Discover How Other State Agencies are Leveraging the Power of Health Information Exchanges (HIE)  

Imagine a child in Arkansas who is in the foster care system. They've been moved from one home to another, and they're struggling to adjust to their new surroundings. It's a challenging time for the child and for everyone involved in their care. But thanks to the Health Information Exchange (HIE) in Arkansas, called SHARE, the child's healthcare providers are able to stay up-to-date on their medical history and status, making it easier to provide the care and support the child needs.

The partnership between the Arkansas Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) and SHARE has been instrumental in supporting the state's foster care system. By leveraging SHARE, patient health data can be efficiently matched with a regularly updated list of children in DFCS's custody, including those who have been released. The child's profile within the HIE contains comprehensive information about their past visits to their primary care providers (PCP), as well as any significant changes in their health status. Whenever a child is placed under protective custody with DFCS, the HIE sends an immediate alert to the child's current PCP, notifying them of the change in the child's home situation. Additionally, the child's DFCS-appointed social worker has access to their medical history, enabling them to provide more comprehensive care.

This not only helps improve the health of the child but also facilitates communication between the PCP and the DCF case worker. With this kind of collaboration, everyone involved in the child's care is better equipped to ensure that they receive the best possible support and services. This use of the HIE is a great example of how innovative technology can be used to support vulnerable populations, improve health outcomes, and strengthen communities.



By leveraging the power of an HIE, other state agencies can explore new and creative ways to improve their services and better support the people they serve. The SHARE/DFCS 

collaboration in Arkansas is an inspiring example of what's possible when agencies work together and embrace technology to solve complex challenges.

Connie's dedicated State Agency Newsletter is a valuable resource for staying up-to-date with how Connecticut and other states are leveraging health information exchanges (HIEs) to improve their programs. By providing timely and accurate data on the health of populations, HIEs can help agencies better target their resources and comply with state and federal regulations related to healthcare data exchange and reporting. As Connecticut's designated health information exchange, Connie is uniquely positioned to provide insights and updates on the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

Our newsletter offers comprehensive coverage of state agency-related topics, including innovative solutions to the most pressing issues. Be sure to subscribe and forward this email to your colleagues to ensure everyone in your organization has access to this important information!