Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

The Stephen Group (TSG) was engaged by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to conduct a strategic assessment of the current state of the HIE/HDU development in Iowa, the current statewide status of particular providers perception of the HIE/HDU initiative, the status of healthcare interoperability across the state at all levels of HIE/HDU enterprise, how the current and future HIE/HDU users and market view the value proposition, compile stakeholders’ suggested solutions to obstacles and barriers to HIE/HDU participation, and offer recommendations to achieve the state’s HIE/HDU vision.

In collaboration with DHHS, TSG conducted a strategic assessment and provided DHHS with findings on the value of the current state designated entity model and recommendations going forward.
Our work included:

• Assessment and findings on the current state of the designated entity HIE/HDU development process.
• Collection and analysis of feedback from Iowa’s hospitals, payers, providers and Medicaid MCOs based on their working experience with the current designated state HIE/HDU entity. Assessments were conducted through guided interviews under the condition of anonymity and a statewide electronic survey
• Review and comment on DHHS contracting process.
• Assessment of DHHS’ current and future needs for health information exchange services and data.
• Status of healthcare interoperability across the state at all levels of the HIE/HUD enterprise.
• Assessment of the current HIE/HDU cost and financing model.
• Review and comment on current Iowa health information exchange legislation and federal policy.
• HIE/HDU Best Practice State review and other state model options for health information exchange services for Iowa’s consideration.
• Identification of recommendations for future state health information exchange services for Iowa’s consideration.