What You Should Know:
– Contexture and Quality Health Network (QHN) announced today their official affiliation, creating a unified force for health information exchange (HIE) across Colorado.
– The strategic move strengthens collaboration and expands resources for healthcare providers in the state.
Combining Expertise for Enhanced HIE
This affiliation brings together staff, technology, and operations of both organizations under the Contexture umbrella. Contexture, already the largest HIE in the western US (spanning Arizona and Colorado), gains valuable expertise from QHN, particularly in serving rural areas with unique healthcare needs.
Building on a History of Collaboration
Contexture and QHN have a history of successful collaboration, including data sharing initiatives and joint program development. This formal affiliation streamlines these efforts, allowing for more efficient expansion of HIE services.
Benefits for Healthcare Providers
The combined organization offers several advantages to healthcare providers in Colorado:
- Enhanced HIE Capabilities: Providers will benefit from a more robust HIE infrastructure, facilitating seamless data exchange across the state.
- Expanded Support for Rural Providers: QHN’s expertise in rural healthcare will ensure that providers in these areas have the resources they need.
- Positioning for National Opportunities: The affiliation strengthens the organization’s position to compete for national HIE initiatives and adapt to federal policy changes.
Timeline and Next Steps
The exploration of an affiliation began in August 2023. Following a thorough due diligence process, both boards approved the move in late April. Contexture and QHN will keep participants and stakeholders informed as the integration process unfolds.
“Affiliating with Contexture is an important step forward for QHN’s participants as we work to provide the best possible HIE services, putting data into the hands of care providers when they need it,” said Marc Lassaux, QHN Executive Director and CEO. “Our team is excited to provide enhanced services tailored to the needs of the medical, behavioral and social service providers we serve.”
