Permitted Uses of HSX Data
The HealthShare Exchange (HSX) Health Information Exchange (HIE) empowers healthcare organizations to securely access and utilize health data for specific, approved purposes. These permitted uses, established through collaboration with HSX’s founding members, are detailed in the HSX Participation Agreement.
Currently, healthcare providers may use HSX’s services for the following key purposes:
- Treatment: Enhancing patient care by accessing relevant health records.
- Public Health: Supporting public health initiatives and reporting.
- Healthcare Operations and Payment: Streamlining administrative processes.
- Care Coordination: Connecting providers to improve patient outcomes.
To safeguard the integrity and privacy of patient information, HSX meticulously monitors all activity across its network. Every transaction, including access to individual patient records, is logged in an audit trail that records the time and purpose. This robust oversight ensures all data usage aligns with the permitted purposes outlined in the Participation Agreement.
HealthShare Exchange offers researchers access to rich health information exchange data for four key use cases:
- Participants population health use case
- Consent-waived / medical records research
- Patient-authorized research
- Public health authority population health
HSX data can be accessed for research-aligned activities that are focused on public benefit.
Researchers must align with HSX’s mission and purpose and need IRB approval or exemption. Non HSX members may access anonymized or HIPAA limited data, if affiliated with credible academic or research institutions.
HSX data cannot be used for the purpose of recruitment, marketing, analysis of cost and/or utilization for tiering purposes by health plans. Strict adherence to HIPAA and IRB regulations is mandatory, with security and data disposal protocols enforced.
