KEYWORDS:
Electronic Reporting, HIPAA
BACKGROUND:
Since its inception in 1997, the New York Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR) has promoted electronic reporting. Currently, providers may report electronically on-line (child by child), or by batch through generating file extracts from billing or encounter systems. As of May 2002, approximately 104 providers were reporting electronically by submitting batch files regularly. Until late May 2002, these providers were required to download the files onto disks or tapes and mail them to CIR. In late May, the CIR deployed a Web-based, electronic file transfer solution that fully encrypts the data from the provider’s desktop to the CIR’s Web server. This application, the Web File Repository (WFR), is a proprietary solution developed by HLN Consulting, LLC. It is anticipated that WFR will facilitate electronic reporting and streamline the loading of data into CIR.
OBJECTIVE(S):
To demonstrate a Web-based, HIPAA-compliant electronic file transfer application and report on use of the application by providers.
METHOD(S):
CIR staff contacted 104 providers over a two-week period to train them to use WFR for electronic reporting.
RESULT(S):
To date, 79 providers were contacted. Of these, 15 indicated they do not have Internet access. A total of 13 providers submitted files, using WFR, within a few days of training. Further results will be available later.
CONCLUSIONS(S):
A Web-based, HIPAA-compliant application for electronic reporting has the potential for adoption by a significant number of providers. Use of this application may also streamline the processing of large volumes of electronic data by registries.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Discuss implementing a Web-based, HIPAA-compliant electronic file transfer application to facilitate electronic reporting to registries.
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