A new study by Humana and the Wisconsin Health Information Exchange found that health information exchanges (HIE) used in emergency departments resulted in improved provider efficiencies and health plan cost savings.

The peer-reviewed analysis is the first to closely examine the benefits accrued by health plans that support health information exchanges. It was conducted from December 2008 through March 2010.

The goal of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based HIEs — the secure transfer of health care-related data among facilities, health information organizations, and government agencies, for patients seeking care in emergency departments. The analysis examined 1,482 fully insured Humana members in Southeast Wisconsin who sought care at emergency departments at 10 Milwaukee hospitals. Clinicians in the emergency department could query the HIE to view patients' historical medical encounter information to help them make diagnosis and treatment decisions.