WHCC Contracts
In October 2007, the WyHIO completed a survey for the Wyoming Healthcare Commission (WHCC) to provide information on existing healthcare information technology capability in Wyoming’s medical community, specific software in use, access to high speed internet connections in Wyoming, and the ability to exchange electronic healthcare information among providers in Wyoming.
Additionally, the WYHIO conducted a Healthcare Information Exchange (HIE) needs assessment survey focusing on the types of information providers consider to be the most valuable in an HIE, barriers and difficulties experienced in implementing an exchange and the specific reasons for not participating in an exchange. This project was completed in May 2009.
Federal Communications Commission Grant Application
Wyoming was awarded an FCC grant to tie health care providers together is a dedicated communications network. The WyHIO participated with 12 other organizations to apply for that grant, and authored the ten-year business plan for the project.
The pilot program will provide for the construction of state or regional broadband networks and services provided over those networks. The networks will be designed to bring the benefits of innovative telehealth and telemedicine services to those areas where the need is most acute. Installation of equipment is expected by December 2010.
Health Information Privacy and Security Project
Wyoming was one of 34 states and territories awarded in 2006 a subcontract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality through RTI International, Inc. (RTI) to create a Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) group that would address privacy and security policy questions affecting the interoperable exchange of electronic health information among the numerous organizations that make up the health care community. A partnership between the WyHIO and the University of Wyoming Center for Rural Health Research and Education (CRHRE) was created to accomplish the goals of the HISPC.
Following completion of the project, Wyoming requested, and was awarded a follow-on grant to create an online privacy/security resource center for Wyoming. This center, named Wyoming's Health Information Resource (WYHIR), is now available, and provides resources to help coordinate research and education to address barriers to health information exchange identified over the course of the original study. This site provides HIPAA and other security/privacy training, telehealth/telemedicine network information, electronic prescribing information, general information, and links to other educational opportunities.
To access the site, visit http://www.wyhir.org
Health Information Exchange Roadmap
The WyHIO developed a Roadmap for the design and implementation of a statewide HIT/HIE network, based on recommendations in the WHCC and WyHIO reports and consensus developed at the HIT/HIE Conference. The purpose of this statewide HIT/HIE effort is to give providers the ability to gather and exchange electronic healthcare information as one means to improve the cost, quality, access to, and safety of healthcare. Your review and comment on the first version of the Roadmap will be appreciated.
Wyoming Telehealth Network
The WyHIO, under contract with the Wyoming Department of Health, provides management and technology support to the Wyoming Telehealth Network. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) subcontracts with the WyHIO for the technology support of that contract. A number of activities under this contract support the telehealth efforts of the Wyoming Telehealth Consortium. The Consortium is a statutorily established body with responsibility to facilitate the operation of a statewide interoperable telemedicine/telehealth network using existing internet protocol based communication and videoconferencing infrastructure and telecommunication services to the extent possible. The WyHIO developed, and the Consortium approved, a five year business plan, a governance plan, and a report addressing Universal Service Fund reimbursements for Wyoming Health Care providers.
Consortium Business Plan
Consortium Governance Plan
View the plan
USF Reimbursement Report