The Network HIE Subsidy Program, which has provided funding for bidirectional connectivity to The Network for eligible hospitals, federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural clinics, has been expanded to include eligible providers. Through funding from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment Program (AHCCCS), the Network HIE Subsidy Program will now offer subsidies to eligible providers who complete bidirectional connectivity with The Network. Due to limited funding, subsidies are available on a first come, first served basis.

The HIE Subsidy Program aims to improve quality and lower costs overall, according to Tom Betlach, Director of AHCCCS,  “This program aims to promote patient care coordination that can improve health care quality and reduce costs by eliminating duplicate tests and procedures,” Betlach said.

Program benefits include:

• Improves care coordination
• Reduces duplicative treatments
• Helps avoid costly mistakes and improves patient safety
• Saves time by eliminating calls, faxes to other providers
• Reduces cost and improves health outcomes

Eligible participants in the expanded program include hospitals, FQHCs, rural health clinics and eligible providers who participate in the Arizona Medicaid EHR Incentive Program and are utilizing an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) certified EHR system.

For additional information and to determine eligibility, contact The Network at thenetwork@azhec.org or (602) 688-7200.