Positive impact measured across patients with all insurance types, particularly Medicaid
DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine shows healthcare provider participation in health information exchange (HIE) services is associated with reduced emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient admissions. The study, funded by Contexture and conducted by the Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC), demonstrates a positive impact across patients with all insurance types, with the most significant benefit to those with Medicaid coverage.
“This research provides some of the first concrete evidence of what those of us in health data exchange have understood anecdotally for years: HIE services reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, saving money and improving lives,” said Kelly Joines, study co-author and Chief Strategy Officer at Contexture. “By enabling real-time care coordination and seamless data exchange, Contexture and other HIEs across the country reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and drive better outcomes.”
Using data from the Colorado All-Payer Claims Database between 2017 and 2019, the study examined outcomes for more than 42,000 patients, comparing a control group of healthcare provider clinics that do not participate in an HIE to those that subscribe to Contexture’s PatientCare 360 web-based portal for medical record access, its Results Delivery solution for populating patient test results directly into the provider’s electronic health record (EHR), or both. Results showed patients whose healthcare providers subscribed to both Contexture services experienced:
- An 11% decrease in ED visits among patients with Medicaid coverage compared to an 18.5% increase at control clinics, resulting in a 29.5 percentage point improvement associated with HIE use.
- A moderated, 22.2% increase in inpatient admissions for patients with Medicaid coverage compared to a 62.5% increase at control clinics, highlighting a roughly 40 percentage point reduction linked to HIE participation.
- Directionally consistent improvements for patients with commercial insurance and Medicare coverage.
The study also found clinics using HIE services experienced easier care coordination and reduced administrative burdens, with providers reporting streamlined access to outside test results and patient histories.
“This research reinforces how Colorado’s health data infrastructure—especially through the Colorado All Payer Claims Database—can be leveraged to identify solutions that improve care and reduce costs,” said Kristin Paulson, CEO at the CIVHC. “As health care costs continue to climb, leveraging our investments in data and interoperability through studies like this one will be critical to ensuring access, quality, and affordability for all Coloradans.”
“HIE infrastructure is a critical investment for health systems everywhere—especially now, as patients and providers alike face increasing pressure on cost and access,” said Contexture CEO Melissa Kotrys. “We encourage providers, payers and policymakers across the nation to invest in these solutions because they pay dividends for patients and communities.”
The complete study is available in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, volume 14, issue 21, and can be found at this link.
Reference
Ford DH, Jardim R, Landry K, Jha M, Nwi-Mozu I, Joines K, Isiogu M. Impact of Provider Health Information Exchange Services on Patient Utilization of Emergency Room and Inpatient Practices in Colorado. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 14(21):7783. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217783
About Contexture
Contexture is a nonprofit, regional organization that provides strategic, technical and administrative support to communities committed to advancing health through information sharing. With headquarters in Denver and Phoenix, Contexture is the largest health information organization in the western United States. Its mission is to advance individual and community health and wellness through the delivery of actionable information and analysis. Learn more at contexture.org.
Contacts
Innsena for Contexture
[email protected]
