MEDNET NEWS

U.S. Social Security Administration Awards Contract to Community Health Information Collaborative and MEDNET

Contract will enable exchange of clinical health data over NHIN to reduce costs and improve patient care

MINNEAPOLIS - (February 16, 2010) On Feb. 1, 2010, the U.S. Social Security Administration awarded a contract to Community Health Information Collaborative (CHIC) and its' technical partner MEDNET (www.MEDNETWorld.com). CHIC, with MEDNET, built a health information exchange (HIE) -- known as "HIE-Bridge™" -- in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin to allow for the exchange of clinical health data over the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN). Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., MEDNET is a leader in NHIN connectivity and HIE applications and services.

The contract will allow HIE-Bridge member providers to transition from a paper-based disability claim process to an automated claim process over the NHIN, resulting in significantly reduced costs, streamlined processes and improved patient care.

"We are excited about this contract award for bi-directional clinical data exchange over NHIN," said MEDNET Chief Executive Officer John Fraser. ""Harnessing this technology will allow HIE-Bridge providers to drastically improve the workflow and funding processes for Social Security disability claims and payments, significantly improving patient care, reducing costs and improving the privacy and accuracy of patient information."

"CHIC is thrilled to work with the federal government and MEDNET to develop secure, effective methods of sharing medical records electronically, which will complement our existing initiatives to improve patient care and save healthcare dollars," said Cheryl Stephens, CHIC President and CEO.

"Since 1991, we've worked with our members to create the infrastructure, relationships and trust required to effectively leverage technology, improve patient care and save money. It's gratifying to see these efforts acknowledged and appreciated by our federal partners," observed Stephens.

About MEDNET
MEDNET is a leader in HIE applications and services, which empower clinicians with real-time access to clinical data via the MEDNET NHIN Gateway™ and the MEDNET Suite of Services™. MEDNET is uniquely positioned in the healthcare interoperability marketplace with industry-leading Health Information Exchange (HIE) solutions and NHIN expertise.

About CHIC
CHIC leverages information technology to help member organizations save precious healthcare dollars, improve administrative efficiency and encourage innovation. CHIC's nearly 200 members include hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, tribal health organizations, higher education institutions and public health departments in counties across Minnesota.