Patient FAQs
What is a Health Information Exchange (HIE)?
A Health Information Exchange (HIE) allows patient health care information to be shared among authorized health care organizations (e.g., health systems, hospitals, physician offices and labs) through a secure electronic network.
How safe is my information when it's accessed from a Health Information Exchange (HIE)?
Maintaining your privacy, security and accuracy of the information being exchanged is of the utmost importance. There are many safeguards in place to protect your information. Additionally, Atrium Health CareConnect can track who accesses your medical information. Health information is protected by secure user names and passwords assigned to physician office staff. Atrium Health CareConnect's system is designed to meet all state and federal laws regarding the protection of your health information.
How does Atrium Health CareConnect benefit me?
Atrium Health CareConnect enables participating physicians to quickly access your medical history, the medications you take, as well as the most up to date information entered in your electronic medical record. Once your information is accessed, physicians can provide you with safer and more efficient care. Consider the following:
- Faster Results - When your physician orders a test, Atrium Health CareConnect can help deliver the results to your primary physician safely and quickly
- Coordinated Care - Your records can speak for you, especially if you can't. Physicians can access lifesaving information through Atrium Health CareConnect, as well as ways to work directly with your primary care provider to administer the safest and best care
- Cost savings - Reviewing patient results from different available sources can help eliminate duplicate testing, saving you time and money
- Patient safety and security - Atrium Health CareConnect provides you with an extra layer of protection than paper charts can. Our HIE tracks who has viewed your information and patients can request a report from the Atrium Health CareConnect at any time
What kind of medical information can my doctors see through Atrium Health CareConnect?
Your doctors will have access to important clinical information that can help them make better decisions about your care. Examples of clinical information that can be accessed through Atrium Health CareConnect include:
- Lab results
- Pathology and radiology results
- Cardiology reports
- Current and previous medications
- Hospital ER visits
- Medical diagnosis and surgeries, and much more.
Can I view my own health information?
Currently, Atrium Health CareConnect does not provide patients access to look up their own information.
What happens if my health information is unlawfully accessed?
If you believe that a person, agency or organization covered under HIPAA violated your health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy Rule, you may file a complaint with the federal Office for Civil Rights. Individuals found in violation of HIPAA can be civilly and criminally prosecuted. For more information, see http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/index.html
Does Atrium Health CareConnect share my health information with employers or health insurance companies?
No. Atrium Health CareConnect only provides patient health information exclusively between health care providers for treatment purposes. Atrium Health CareConnect does not share health information with any employers. Additionally, the HIPAA Privacy Rule absolutely prohibits health care providers and plans from disclosing personal health information to employers without a patient's explicit, written authorization.
What if I don't want my providers to have access to my health information?
You can opt out of having your health information shared electronically by notifying Atrium Health CareConnect. However, if you opt out, your health information will likely be tracked on paper and other health care providers may not be able to see your information electronically. If you change your mind and want to participate, you can easily opt back in by notifying Atrium Health CareConnect.