Patient FAQ

How does sharing health information improve patient care?
Why would I want my information shared through IHDE?
How is health information currently shared?
How is my privacy protected? Are there privacy risks?
Can I choose not to participate in IHDE?
How can I request to restrict disclosure of my health information?
If I request to restrict disclosure, can I change my mind later?
Where can I get more information?

Your health information will be made available to participants of the Idaho Health Data Exchange unless you ask us not to make it available.

How does sharing health information improve patient care?
Health care providers need your health information to accurately diagnose and treat you. Each provider who treats you may have just a portion of your medical record.  When your providers can access each other’s records, they will have more complete health information and can provide you with better care. Sharing health information can eliminate unnecessary duplication of tests.
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Why would I want my information shared through IHDE?
Using IHDE, a health care provider can access lab test results for you that another provider may have ordered.  Making this information available to any provider treating you can result in faster, more accurate diagnosis. Having access to this information may also reduce the number of tests that are ordered which can help save you money.  With the information provided through IHDE, your provider can review your current medications. This can help to ensure you are not given a medicine to which you are allergic or that should not be taken with another medicine you are currently taking.  Through IHDE, a provider can get vital medical information to treat you in case of an emergency when you might not be able to answer questions.
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How is health information currently shared?
Currently, your health information is shared between health care providers and insurers by telephone, fax, mail, or through limited computer networks. These processes take time and may impose a burden on you or your health care provider. IHDE allows one participant (for example, a provider) to locate records from another participant (for example, a hospital) in a matter of minutes. This can be critical in an emergency.
It can result in your provider having a more complete and accurate health record.
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How is my privacy protected?
Information shared through the Idaho Health Data Exchange is protected under the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). HIPAA regulates the use and/or disclosure of your personal health information for purposes of treatment, payment, and operations.  IHDE, participating providers, and health insurers use a combination of safeguards to protect your health information. Technical safeguards include encryption, password protection, and audit logs that track every participant’s use of the system. Administrative safeguards include written policies that require limited access to information through IHDE. All participating providers and health insurers must agree to follow these policies. All participating providers and insurers are also regulated by HIPAA, as well as other federal and state privacy laws.  They must have their own policies and other safeguards in place, including policies to train their staff and limit access to those with a need to know the information.
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Are there privacy risks?
Yes. While IHDE strives to ensure that the security of all personal health information available through the system is carefully maintained, no system of safeguards is perfect. Those that participate in the IHDE believe the benefits of the system outweigh the risks. But, participation is a personal decision you must make yourself.
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Can I choose not to participate in IHDE?
Yes. You have the right to request to restrict disclosure of your health information. You can choose whether or not to make your health information available to providers participating in IHDE, with these exceptions:

• Your name, date of birth and gender will be available through IHDE.
• The indicator for sharing your health information will be set to “NO.”

You do not have to make your health information available through IHDE to get health care. However, if you choose to restrict disclosure of your health information, it may affect what information your provider has available when providing your care. The benefits of the IHDE will not be available to you. Your decision to restrict disclosure through IHDE applies only to the sharing of information through IHDE. It does not affect other methods for sharing health information between your provider or health insurers.
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How can I request to restrict disclosure of my health information?
Complete, sign and submit a Request to Restrict Disclosure form. Instructions on how to submit your request are available on the form. Download a form here. You can also request to restrict disclosure of your minor child’s health information using the same form and process.

You still have the right to request a separate restriction of your health information with your individual providers.
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If I request to restrict disclosure, can I change my mind later?
Yes. If you restrict disclosure, you can change your mind and revoke the request. Call IHDE or visit the IHDE
website to find out how to revoke the request. Your signature on a request to revoke a restriction must be
notarized. Be aware that when you revoke a request to restrict, all the information that has been gathered by participating providers and health insurers since you made your request will be available for sharing through IHDE.
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Where can I get more information?
Click here to download the complete patient information flyer.

For help understanding the IHDE and your rights, please contact the IHDE between 8am-5pm Monday through Friday at (208) 332-7253. You can also email info@Idahohde.org.

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