Most of the physicians were unaware of state-based HIE programs and regional extension centers; two physicians in Nebraska were using state-led services and two small practice physicians in Maine said they knew of HealthInfoNet. None of the physicians were aware of the Direct Project, and only a few were familiar with secure email.

Small practice physicians tended to be more involved in the EHR selection and implementation process, while larger practices had “one or two clinical champions or health IT specialists” in charge of the selection.

About two-thirds of the physicians interviewed collected federal incentive payments and the rest were planning on it, although some said they thought the payments (about $44,000) were not enough to offset implementation and maintenance costs.

The Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology office, meanwhile, released the results of an HIE community scan in Arizona, also surveying provider information exchange needs.

Respondents cited high costs and a lack of broadband availability as the two main challenges. At the same time, many providers said they were interested in HIE services for better coordination and mandated data reporting, in addition to EHR upgrades and interface development.