Provider FAQs
About MN HIE
What are the benefits of using MN HIE?
What information is available using MN HIE?
Does MN HIE store patient clinical information?
What is a “record locator service?”
Patient information
Are my patients in the MN HIE secure patient directory?
Are Medicare members included in MN HIE?
Who can access patient information using MN HIE?
Can patients view their own clinical information in MN HIE?
Can I use MN HIE to see my patient’s medical information at any time?
Patient consent
How do patients consent to allow providers to view the information?
How long does patient consent last?
How do patients opt out of the MN HIE service?
My patient has opted out of MN HIE, but now wants to opt in to allow access to clinical information if needed. What should the patient do?
My patient’s clinical information or contact information is incorrect, what should the patient do?
Subscribing to MN HIE
Who owns MN HIE?
Why are health plans and the State investing in the exchange of health-related patient information?
What is the cost to providers who subscribe to MN HIE?
How can my group become subscribers to MN HIE services?
What are the benefits of using MN HIE?
MN HIE exchanges important clinical and administrative information not previously or readily available to providers. For example, when patients are treated in an emergency department or at a clinic that does not already have a record of their health issues or medication history.
Benefits of MN HIE include:
- Improved clinical and administrative efficiency
- Better coordination of care and patient management
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What information is available using MN HIE?
MN HIE services currently, and in the near future, include exchange of medication history, eligibility information, lab history, immunization history, ePrescribing, and exchange of medical record Continuity of Care Document (CCD) information.
Does MN HIE store patient clinical information?
No. MN HIE is a state-wide secure data network and record locator service designed to share clinical and administrative information among healthcare providers in Minnesota and bordering states.
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What is a “record locator service?”
A record locator service functions as an index for patient records, containing just the information needed to uniquely identify each patient and the location source for the patient’s information. The record locator service does not contain the patients’ clinical information.
Are my patients in the MN HIE secure patient directory?
Over 4 million of the 5 million Minnesota residents are included in the MN HIE secure patient directory.
Most patients that are insured through HealthPartners, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Medica, Minnesota Department of Human Services or UCare are included in the MN HIE secure patient directory.
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Are Medicare members included in MN HIE?
Individuals covered by traditional Medicare only are not currently included in the MN HIE patient directory. However, MN HIE does include over 328,000 individuals covered by a Medicare insurance product offered by a health plan.
Who can access patient information using MN HIE?
Only authorized health care providers who subscribe to MN HIE can access and view a patient’s clinical or administrative information. Unless it is a medical emergency, patient consent is needed to access clinical information, and patients may opt-out of any clinical information exchange.
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Can patients view their own clinical information in MN HIE?
No. Only authorized health care providers subscribing to MN HIE can view a patient’s clinical and administrative information. Patients can request information from their health plan or doctor, hospital or clinic.
Can I use MN HIE to see my patient’s medical information at any time?
No. Subscribing providers can use MN HIE to access patient information at the time of a patient visit or as patient services are provided. Patient consent is needed to view clinical information, unless it is a medical emergency.
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How do patients consent to allow providers to view the information?
At each visit a patient will be asked to give permission to view clinical information. In the case of a medical emergency, a health care provider can record “medical emergency” in the patient consent process and then be able to view the clinical information.
But if a patient has chosen to opt out of MN HIE, health care providers will not be able to access clinical information, even in a medical emergency.
Patient consent is not required for provider access to patient administrative information, like eligibility or benefits information.
How long does patient consent last?
Patient permission or consent may last for 12 months. Patients may take back permission for access to clinical information in writing at any time.
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How do patients opt out of the MN HIE service?
Patients will have the option at each visit to opt out of the MN HIE service and not be included in the record locator service. Patients may also contact MN HIE at 1-888-329-5270 and staff will assist them.
Access to administrative information does not require consent, and patients are not able to opt out of exchange of that information.
My patient has opted out of MN HIE, but now wants to opt in to allow access to clinical information if needed. What should the patient do?
Patients may contact MN HIE at 1-888-329-5270 and staff will assist them.
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My patient’s clinical information or contact information is incorrect, what should the patient do?
Patients should contact their health plan or insurer directly to change or update any clinical information. MN HIE does not store patient information, MN HIE is the network and information locator used to exchange information.
Who owns MN HIE?
MN HIE is a not-for-profit company with a public/private governance model that includes providers, health plans, and Minnesota state government. The founding sponsors include:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
- Fairview Health Services
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- Minnesota Department of Human Services
- UCare
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Why are health plans and the State investing in the exchange of health-related patient information?
The purpose of MN HIE is to improve the health of all Minnesotans through more informed decision making by the provider and patient at the point of care. Access to patient information that may not have been previously or readily available to providers, improves patient safety, quality, and reduces costs by increasing efficiency.
What is the cost to providers who subscribe to MN HIE?
Subscription fees are based on size of the group or organization.
MN HIE’s founding sponsors have invested to fund the launch of MN HIE. Sponsor support and subscriber fees will support ongoing operations.
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How can my group become subscribers to MN HIE services?
If you are interested in using MN HIE services or becoming a data source, please contact MN HIE for more information.
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