Winner of HIMSS 2011 Book of the Year Award!

The HIMSS Book of the Year Award honors a book that offers outstanding practical guidance and/or strategic insight for healthcare information and management systems professionals.   "The electronic exchange of health information is an essential capability that contributes to improved efficiency and patient outcomes in the healthcare delivery process. This book provides readers with the tools and resources needed to establish a successful, sustainable HIE and avoid many of the pitfalls that failed early initiatives. The authors use their own direct experience as HIE consultants, their interviews with HIE leaders and extensive research to offer a practical, step-by-step approach to forming an HIE. The book features case studies, examples, checklists, references, a high-level history and overview of HIE and a discussion of why HIE is so important. The book also describes in detail the essential steps to planning and forming a successful HIE.   By providing the necessary tools and framework, the book serves to advance the successful development of HIEs and improve efficiency and outcomes in the healthcare delivery process. During a time of unprecedented change in the healthcare landscape, this guide is a timely and valuable resource for those seeking to leverage HIE to achieve quality gains and billions of dollars in saving under healthcare reform."