SMRTNET Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Health Information Exchange (HIE)?
It's a method to share patient health information (PHI) securely between doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers when it's needed for treatment.
What is SMRTNET?
SMRNTET (Secure Medical Records Transfer Network) is the most connected HIE in Oklahoma providing connectivity services to a wide variety of health care providers ranging from the largest health care facilities to rural primary care providers. SMRTNET was created though a four year $3.4 million collaboration of health providers from hospitals, public health, community health centers, Native American tribes, Indian Health Service, mental health, universities, pharmacies, and other providers in northeast Oklahoma. Since 2006, the network has grown to include members in 72 cities and towns from all corners of the state.
SMRTNET aggregates medical record information from the providers in the SMRTNET network and makes it accessible to participating providers in one single view. SMRTNET uses a sophisticated Master Patient Index (MPI) system to ensure accuracy in records matching from various member facilities. Patient information is updated by member providers every time a new health encounter occurs so it is always current.
SMRTNET also includes integrated and certified Direct Messaging giving SMRTNET members the power to communicate directly and securely with other members through HIPAA compliant email. This creates not only an exchange of health information but a more complete story on patients as they visit various member organizations using a variety of EMR systems to store their patients’ health information.
How does the SMRTNET HIE help me?
Today your medical records are scattered in the record systems of many providers. These include your family doctor, hospital, pharmacy, laboratory, health department, specialist and any other health care provider you have seen. To provide the highest level of care, your provider needs to have access to your complete medical record. For example, lab tests are often repeated because the test results are not available promptly and medicines prescribed by your provider could cause you injury or death because not all of your medications, allergies, and reactions are known to your provider.
SMRTNET can also save you and your family money by avoiding repeated tests due to your incomplete record. SMRTNET can save you time because you may not have to wait, have a return visit, or call back because of missing parts of your health record. In Oklahoma, it is estimated that almost 1,200 fatalities and 18,000 injuries arise due to the fact that records are so “scattered.” Scattered records can mean shattered care.
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