Rochester RHIO was created using a combination of state funds and matching grants from community organizations. State grants continue to provide a large percentage of Rochester RHIO funding, but over time RHIO will be funded through savings it generates in the health care system. The organization received $4.8 million for start-up in 2006 from HEAL NY – the Health Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers. The Rochester Business Alliance and local healthcare organizations matched this start-up funding with an additional $1.9 million collectively.
Expansion for Rochester RHIO services is supported by two HEAL 5 grants. One such Heal 5 grant is a $6.1 million grant, including a $566,000 community match.
Rochester RHIO is also receiving funding to promote EMR adoption in independent physician practices and community health centers. This HEAL 5 grant awarded $6.7 million, while community matches contributed $650,000 for this project.
State officials estimate health system savings of more than $4 billion statewide as RHIOs are implemented. Ongoing operations will be funded by stakeholders who realize direct savings from Rochester RHIO.
| Rochester RHIO Funding |
RHIO Start-up |
RHIO Expansion |
EMR Adoption |
| Objective |
Create the organization and technological backbone
Improve information exchange between providers. |
Expand RHIO access to improve continuity of care.
Link to Medicaid.
Give patients access. |
Promote EMR to independent physicians and community health centers. |
| Funding |
HEAL 1 – $4.8 million.
Community match $1.9 million . |
HEAL 5 – $6.1 million.
Community match $566,000. |
HEAL 5 – $6.7 million.
Community match $650,000. |
| Groups participating |
Physicians
Hospital systems
Payers |
EMS Providers
Emergency Departments
Long Term Care
Patients |
Independent physicians
Community health centers
Behavioral health clinics |
| Information types and projects |
Lab tests
Radiology reports
Medication history
Insurance eligibility info
E-prescribing |
Medicaid patient info
EMS data
Discharge summaries
Patient portal
Advance directives/MOLST |
EMR readiness, training and implementation support
Financial support for EMR adoption |