The start-up of Rochester RHIO has been supported by state grants and community funds that promote health information technology. 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 includes 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.
Ongoing operations will be funded by stakeholders who realize direct savings from Rochester RHIO. State officials estimate health system savings of more than $4 billion statewide as RHIOs are implemented. The Rochester RHIO team is working with the University of Rochester, Cornell, Colombia, and other institutions to develop metrics that will quantify local savings.
| Rochester RHIO Funding | RHIO Start-up | RHIO Expansion | EMR Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective | Create the organization and technological backbone. Improve information exchange between provides. | 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 Players |
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 |