What DThe CommonWell Launch Mean To A Healthcare CIO?

Since its initial launch at HIMSS13, the CommonWell Health Alliance has had many in the healthcare industry wondering when its next step toward true interoperability would take place. Speculation came to an end yesterday when the collaboration of health IT vendors announced the first provider sites to go live with its interoperability service.

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital (HCMH) in Elkin, NC, was one of a handful of provider sites chosen and its CIO Lee Powe considers it to be an exciting opportunity for the community hospital. EHRIntelligence.com caught up with Powe to discuss what the process of connecting up to the CommonWell Health Alliance entails as well as what it means to the long-term goals of his organization.

What does the alliance’s selection of HCMH as a launch site mean to the organization?

When we were first asked about this, this is something that we have been trying to reach out and accomplish. When you’re a small player in a big world of larger facilities around you, it’s really complicated to generate some interest. [...]