BACKGROUND:
Most registry managers are interested in increasing health plan and private provider participation in their registries. Many providers and health plans are unfamiliar with the benefits of data exchange. Every Child by Two (ECBT) and the American Immunization Registry Association (AIRA) have implemented initiatives to facilitate these collaborations.

OBJECTIVE:
ECBT and AIRA seek to increase the number of health plans and private providers collaborating with registries.

METHOD:
-ECBT, along with its partners, created a CD-ROM to promote registries to providers.
-ECBT hosted a meeting of health plans to encourage collaboration with registries. It resulted in a plan to provide ongoing assistance to both plans and registries. A survey of registries was conducted to assess data sharing activities.
-ECBT, in collaboration with AIRA, convened the MCO/Registry Data Exchange Committee, which developed two publications to assist registry staff in marketing to plans: "Partnering with Health Plans: A Practical Guide" and "Is Quality Just A Number?"
-AIRA convened the MCO/Registry Capacity Building Committee that supports the data exchange initiative of several demonstration sites. This Committee is responsible for promoting data exchange through education and other activities targeted specifically to registries. ECBT participates by bringing interested parties to the Committee and facilitating follow-up activities. ECBT also continues to market registries to health plans.

RESULT:
-ECBT distributes the CD-ROM to registry managers and directly to providers in its efforts to increase private provider participation.
-Copies of the two publications were distributed and marketed to all registries and health plans. AIRA and ECBT assist registries and plans through conference calls with the MCO/Registry Capacity Building Committee and follow-up meetings.

CONCLUSION:
Resources are available to help registries market to health plans and private providers.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
-Learn about the benefits of data exchange and other ways health plans can assist registries.
-Learn about resources available to registries to help them collaborate with health plans and private providers.