Priority Health Joins Michigan Health Connect
GRAND RAPIDS -- The coordination of health information statewide has taken a major step forward, as Priority Health joins the state's largest health information exchange, Michigan Health Connect.
Priority Health is the first major insurer to join a health information exchange in Michigan. The move comes as the state and nation work to create a secure, seamless system for the transmission of electronic health records to improve patient care and reduce costs.
"Priority Health's partnership with Michigan Health Connect on behalf of their 600,000-plus members and large network of providers across the state will help ensure that Michigan residents get the best-coordinated care in the country," said Doug Dietzman, executive director of Michigan Health Connect.
"Collaboration is central to Michigan Health Connect's mission, and Priority Health's decision to work with our hospitals, providers and other stakeholders to create an integrated, statewide health information exchange is a great example for other health plans nationwide," Dietzman said.
Michigan Health Connect is the only HIE in the state with the ability to deliver hospital admission, discharge and transfer notifications to insurers. The partnership means Priority Health is immediately notified and can start processing claims when members are treated in an emergency room or admitted to a hospital.
"Partnering with Michigan Health Connect means we can further support our providers with the tools and information they need in their local offices to provide the best care for our members," said Mike Koziara, COO for Priority Health. "At the same time, we are collaborating to advance the future of health care in Michigan."
Michigan Health Connect is the largest provider of health information exchange in Michigan, serving 65 hospitals, 1,568 medical offices, more than 7,000 individual providers and diverse providers statewide including Federally Qualified Health Clinics, Community Mental Health and long-term care facilities. The nationally recognized, community-based nonprofit works to enhance patient care by improving access to timely, secure clinical information while streamlining administrative functions for providers. For more information see www.MichiganHealthConnect.org.
Priority Health is an award-winning health plan nationally that offers a broad portfolio of products for employer groups and individuals including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. As a nonprofit company, Priority Health serves more than 600,000 people and continues to be rated among the best health plans in the nation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. For more information see www.PriorityHealth.com.
