One of the qualities that makes CommonWell a unique QHIN candidate is its Record Locator Service—which allows a provider organization linked to CommonWell to search the entire nationwide network in real time to gather comprehensive patient data—not just data from a limited “geofenced” location which some other networks and frameworks rely on. Watch to learn more.
CommonWell has been a long-time supporter of TEFCA. TEFCA exemplifies what CommonWell has been trying to do from the beginning—break down barriers that inhibit effective nationwide health data exchange with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes. In February of 2023, CommonWell was one of six entities approved to continue the application process to become among the first networks to function under TEFCA as Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) that will eventually connect together to promote nationwide health data exchange.
The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement, or TEFCA, is a federal initiative that aims to create a national backbone of organizations called Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) that will connect to each other to improve nationwide data exchange.
The combination of network scale and the use of a Record Locator Service (RLS) is an important distinction for CommonWell. The RLS allows a provider organization linked to CommonWell to search the entire nationwide network in real time to gather comprehensive patient data—not just data from a limited geofenced location as other networks and frameworks offer. Watch to learn more.
While all providers are required to have a method to electronically share an individual’s patient records, they may not have chosen to use CommonWell services for this purpose. CommonWell Connected providers must opt into releasing records to patients using CommonWell services. If you are not seeing your health data from your listed provider, we encourage you to speak to your provider and ask them how you can access the health data they have on you and whether they plan to offer access via the CommonWell network and partners.
By connecting large health systems, clinics, specialists and many more care venues shared on the Carequality framework, the CommonWell-Carequality connection allows providers to access patient data beyond the CommonWell Network. CommonWell was certified as a Carequality Implementer in 2018 and now connects its participating members via the CommonWell network to other participating Carequality Implementers. In turn, participating CommonWell member companies can offer this service to their CommonWell-enabled provider sites, allowing them to connect and bilaterally exchange health data with Carequality-enabled health care providers to improve care coordination and delivery. To see which CommonWell members are participating, please look for the “Connection to Carequality Available” notation on our Members page
Some of our CommonWell Service Adopters have options for individuals to access their own CommonWell-available records directly from a certified patient portal, consumer application or personal health record (PHR). Visit https://www.commonwellalliance.org/for-the-patient to learn more.
A person can opt-out entirely or choose which provider sites they would only like data to be shared from and with. Requests should be made via your participating CommonWell-enabled provider. A list of participating providers can be found on our Who is Connected page.
A list of many CommonWell-enabled provider sites can be found on our Who is Connected page, but we encourage you to also ask your health care provider to find out if they are connected to the CommonWell Network.
Visit our Who is Connected page for a map and list of care providers across the country who are currently connected to CommonWell services.
