Interoperability and HIE Series: HealtheConnections

This podcast episode is part of a series focused on the critical issue of the opioid epidemic, and how healthcare IT and health information exchanges (HIEs) can bridge interoperability gaps. Explore how HealtheConnections is enhancing data exchange and interoperability to tackle opioid treatment and prevention. The podcast provides a look into the innovative use of emerging technologies, addresses regulatory impacts, and highlights the role of community data in reshaping behavioral healthcare.

Things You'll Learn:

The vital role of HIEs in Central New York’s healthcare ecosystem.

Key technologies used by HealtheConnections for supporting interoperability and opioid treatment programs.

Emerging trends and technologies expected to impact the interoperability landscape in the next 3-5 years.

How regulatory changes to 42 CFR Part 2 are affecting HIEs and their stakeholders.

Methods used by HealtheConnections to support local health departments in monitoring and reporting opioid overdoses.

Real-world examples of innovative processes enhancing overdose tracking and prevention.

The impact of community data on person-centered care in behavioral healthcare.

How HL7v2 feeds and other technologies are improving interoperability at Helio Health.

MODERATOR: Bill Cioffi MPPA, CHCIO, ITIL

Client Partnership Executive, Nordic Healthcare

Bill is a seasoned healthcare IT executive and the Client Partnership Executive at Nordic Healthcare, where he focuses on strengthening client relationships, expanding portfolios, and driving strategic growth. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare IT leadership and 25+ years in IT infrastructure and operations, he has a proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives.

GUEST: Elizabeth Amato

President and CEO, HealtheConnections

A 16-year veteran of the health IT field, with focused expertise in program development and design, advocacy, research, and source funding. For the past 12 years, she has held various leadership positions in the New York state HIE space, including the past 3 years serving as the Chief Operating Officer at NY’s second largest HIE, HealtheConnections. As of January 1st she assumed the role of President & CEO at HealtheConnections. Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for improving the health of communities through HIE, data-centric technology, and clinical-community partnerships.

GUEST: Liana Prosonic

Associate VP, Finance and Compliance

Liana is a certified public accountant (CPA) and worked for 8 years in public accounting before transitioning to management accounting in 2016. They worked as Director of Accounting Operations at Loretto, a long-term post-acute care provider, for 5 years, and moved into a new role as Director of Finance and Compliance at HealtheConnnections, a HIE, in 2021. In their current role as AVP of Finance and Compliance at HealtheConnections they oversee the financial operations and compliance program. They also teach accounting as an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania.

GUEST: Corey Zeigler

CIO, Helio Health

Corey has been with Helio Health for about 5 years. They are a large substance use and behavioral health organization with 70 different locations throughout Central New York spanning from Albany in the eastern side to Rochester on the western side, down to the Pennsylvania border to the south and almost to Canada in the North. Their services include inpatient, outpatient, residential, affordable housing, homelessness and a lot of the health and human services functions in New York State.

The CHIME Opioid Task Force (OTF) was launched in early 2018 with a simple mission: to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic using the knowledge and expertise of the nation’s healthcare IT leaders. While our mission is simple, achieving it is not. Opioid addictin is a complex disease that requires long-term, if not lifetime, care from well-informed clinicians who are supported with easy-to-use and reliable tools.