Indiana's health IT groups seek stimulus funds

The IBJ

Some of Indiana's leading organizations in health information technology are collaborating on an effort to receive several million dollars in federal stimulus funding.

BioCrossroads, the state's life sciences initiative, is spearheading the collaboration, which submitted its application Friday to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Cooperative Agreement Program.

The funds would help enhance the quality and reach of Indiana's health-information-technology delivery system.

The four-year grant also would advance Indiana's position as a leader in what's known as health information exchange-the sharing of clinical test results, reports and other medical information electronically.

In addition, the money would help the state develop a governing structure for the system, to continue encouraging collaboration among different health information exchanges and regional extension centers.

The newly formed governance organization, called Indiana Health Information Technology Inc., is charged with promoting alliances and innovation among the state's five independent exchanges. They are HealthBridge, HealthLINC, Indiana Health Information Exchange, MedWeb, and Michiana Health Information Network.

Four state organizations participating in the collaboration. They are the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Economic Development Corp. and Indiana Health Informatics Corp.

"This effort not only solidifies Indiana's leadership position in health information technology, but illustrates the commitment we have made in both our private and public sectors to work together to improve health care," said David Johnson, CEO of BioCrossroads, in a prepared statement.

The state should be notified of funding availability in mid-December.