Electronic Health Reporter

The Rochester Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO), a secure electronic health information exchange, announced today that it has achieved full accreditation with the Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Program (DTAAP) for Rochester RHIO DIRECT from DirectTrust.org and the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC). Rochester RHIO is one of two regional health information exchanges that are first in the nation to receive this accreditation. The other is Hixny, the Albany-based RHIO that serves the Greater Capital Region.

Rochester RHIO provides DIRECT messaging services to healthcare organizations throughout New York State’s Finger Lakes region that participate in the RHIO. Rochester RHIO DIRECT works like secure email, allowing one health care provider to send specific patient information to another provider securely, supporting patient referrals and transitions of care. Traditionally, many doctors’ offices would fax or courier the necessary paperwork, but DIRECT messaging helps streamline and expedite patient care with improved workflows.

Endorsed by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), Direct Trusted Agent accreditation recognizes excellence in health data processing and transactions, and ensures compliance with industry-established standards, HIPAA regulations, and the Direct Project.

“The Direct Trusted Agent Accreditation Program ensures that organizations like Rochester RHIO establish and uphold a superior level of trust for their stakeholders,” said Lee Barrett, executive director of EHNAC. “The need in the marketplace for guidance and accountability in health information exchange is undeniable, and we applaud Rochester RHIO’s commitment to the highest standards in privacy, security, and confidentiality.”

Through the consultative review process, EHNAC evaluated Rochester RHIO in the areas of privacy, security, and confidentiality; technical performance; business practices and organizational resources as it relates to DIRECT exchange participants. In addition, EHNAC reviewed the organization’s process of managing and transferring protected health information and determined that the organization meets or exceeds all EHNAC criteria and industry standards. Through completion of the rigorous accreditation process, Rochester RHIO demonstrates adherence to strict standards and participation in the comprehensive, objective evaluation of its business.

“The road to achieving DTAAP accreditation was rigorous and demanded a lot of time and effort from our team,” said Ted Kremer, MPH, executive director, Rochester RHIO. “But the standards EHNAC requires of us are standards that we hold ourselves to every day. Being one of the first RHIOs to earn this recognition is significant. I am proud of our status as a leader in the industry, and we are committed to staying at the forefront, even as health care continues to evolve.”

Rochester RHIO serves a 13-county region in Western New York, and is a qualified entity of the Statewide Health Information Network of New York (SHIN-NY). Rochester RHIO offers authorized medical providers access to test results, lab reports, radiology results, medication history, insurance eligibility and more.

About Rochester RHIO

Rochester RHIO is a secure electronic health information exchange serving authorized medical providers and over one million consenting patients in Monroe, Allegany, Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates counties in Upstate New York.

The service allows a medical care team to share records across institutions and practices, making patient information available wherever and whenever needed to provide the best care. Patients benefit from fewer repeated tests, easier second opinions, a reduced risk of mistakes caused by poor handwriting or incomplete records, and more informed care during office visits and emergencies. Health care professionals and patients can learn more by visiting RochesterRHIO.org or by calling 877-865-RHIO (7446).