Fostering Connections for Whole Person Health

At San Diego Health Connect, we believe that health is not merely the absence of illness but a holistic state of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and social dimensions. In 2023, we made significant strides in fostering connections to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions. Our collaborative network of healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals like you plays a vital role in creating a supportive ecosystem for everyone.

2023 was a big year for San Diego Health Connect! We are building on our past successes and reimagining what Health Information Exchange (HIE) and interoperability mean for San Diego and Imperial Counties. We have invested in new technology, new staff, streamlined operations, and rebooted our branding.

Partnerships are a key focus for San Diego Health Connect. We have joined forces with 211 San Diego so we can further enhance the great work we each do together. We are enhancing our collaboration with other California interoperability organizations to expand the reach and value to our participants.

Our designation as a Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO) by the California Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) is an important milestone – but it’s just the beginning! As a steward of interoperability via the Data Exchange Framework (DxF), we will be adding many more participants. This means more robust data for all of our members. But we are doing more than just "checking the box" – we are taking an active role in providing valuable services that San Diego needs. You can look forward to closed-loop referrals – not just between SDHC participants but also with 211 participants in our network. We will be rolling out a robust 42CFR Part 2 compliant consent tool and adding behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) participants. As part of our flagship EMS Hub, we are expanding functionality to provide our Care Team Notification Services to enhance post-discharge coordination.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to 2024, our focus remains steadfast on building a healthier San Diego together. We will continue to expand our network, introduce innovative health solutions, and advocate for initiatives that prioritize the well-being of our community. Your feedback and participation are invaluable, and we encourage you to actively engage with us on this journey.

Thank you for being an integral part of San Diego Health Connect. Together, we are creating a healthier, more connected community.

Wishing you a year filled with good health and prosperity!

San Diego, California, October 25, 2023 — In a groundbreaking development, San Diego Health Connect (SDHC), the premier Health Information Exchange (HIE) in San Diego, has proudly earned the designation of a Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO). This recognition is part of the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Data Exchange Framework (DxF), signifying a significant leap in statewide health information sharing.

The QHIO designation positions SDHC at the forefront of a pioneering program, accelerating and broadening the exchange of health information among healthcare entities, government agencies, and social service programs starting in 2024. Laura Young, Executive Director of San Diego Health Connect, expressed enthusiasm about this achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to have achieved QHIO status and look forward to the next frontier of health interoperability in San Diego and across California.”

What's Changing for San Diego Health Connect?

In anticipation of this monumental stride, SDHC has undergone a transformative journey. The organization, now a subsidiary of 211 San Diego, has migrated to a robust Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)-enabled interoperability platform powered by Outcome Healthcare. This evolution aligns with the launch of a fresh brand identity for San Diego Health Connect and the unveiling of a new website.

Bill York, CEO of 211 San Diego, commented on the achievement, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have gone into building a robust data infrastructure. "For more than a decade, we have collaborated and worked together to build a robust data infrastructure that brings together the Health Information Exchange and the Community Information Exchange to serve as a national model. This achievement is another milestone in our journey that reflects our joint commitment to advancing data-sharing opportunities and increasing cross-sector community care coordination across our region."

The Significance of QHIO Designation and DxF

A QHIO, a specialized Health Information Organization (HIO), signifies an entity that has demonstrated proficiency in meeting the stringent DxF data exchange requirements. The DxF establishes a comprehensive framework for the statewide exchange of health and human service information, ensuring secure and seamless communication between healthcare entities, government agencies, and social service programs.

California law mandates the establishment of a unified data-sharing agreement and a common set of policies and procedures governing health information exchange. Hospitals, physician organizations, medical groups, skilled nursing facilities, health plans, clinical laboratories, and others are obligated to share health data as defined by the DxF. This collective effort aims to provide coordinated care and services to all Californians, regardless of where they seek care.

How Does It Benefit You?

For healthcare organizations lacking the technical capabilities to meet DxF requirements, the QHIO designation opens doors to improved patient care and better outcomes. Laura Young emphasized, "The QHIO program is one more way we can further health information exchange among providers and facilitate improved health outcomes and equity for San Diegans."

Embrace health interoperability with San Diego Health Connect, where innovation and collaboration pave the way for a healthier tomorrow.

We're thrilled to share groundbreaking news that will shape the future of healthcare data exchange – the launch of our new platform in early 2024! Powered by Outcome Healthcare, this platform migration represents a significant leap forward in leveraging the latest technologies to enhance performance and deliver an unparalleled user experience.

San Diego, November 10, 2022 — In a groundbreaking move that echoes the innovative spirit of our community, 211 San Diego/Community Information Exchange (CIE) and San Diego Health Connect/Health Information Exchange (HIE) joined forces in August 2022, creating a novel parent-subsidiary model that stands as one of the most significant and unique partnerships in our region's history. This collaboration is not just about organizations coming together; it's about fostering a comprehensive, community-centered approach to person-centered care coordination, prioritizing health and social needs, and addressing the social determinants of health.

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