Health Information Exchanges in California

This map identifies Health Information Exchanges in California. A Health Information Exchange, or HIE, is technology that enables the electronic movement of health-related information among health care providers and others. HIEs are an increasingly popular way for hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and emergency room physicians to share patient information. Some HIEs just share information within one hospital network, some share information across many hospitals or physicians in a region, and some HIEs share information across the state. If your health information is being shared through an HIE, your lab test results, medications, medical history, or other clinical information related to your health care may be included in the sharing. HIEs come in many varieties, some may only share lab results, some may share just emergency room records. It's important for you to know when your records are being shared, where, and what controls you have over that.

How to use this map: In your local area, click on the red or green pin indicating an HIE. You can also scroll down the list below and check for HIEs in your area by county. Under each entry, locate the listing of the specific health care providers participating in the HIE. Contact any of your health care providers or the HIE to ask about what records are being exchanged and what rules are in place. Some exchanges are fully operational, others are in early stages and do not yet exchange data.

Key questions to ask include: If you learn your information is being exchanged in an HIE, request the HIE privacy policy in writing. These are some key questions to ask:

This map is phase I of WPF Health Information Exchange project. The map will be regularly updated and expanded with additional information and tools. Please check back with us for new updates. If you are part of an HIE, or have any questions, we would like to hear about your HIE experience.

More resources: A Patient's Guide to HIPAA will help you navigate medical privacy laws and questions you have about privacy policies, HIPAA, and getting copies of your health files.