BACKGROUND:
The need for immunization registries to integrate with public health systems has never been greater. Immunization registries can provide services and resources that are often unnecessarily duplicated in other public health systems. However, when system integration is attempted, it is often hindered by the complexity of patient identification between the immunization registry and participating systems. This problem has the potential to reduce the value of the resources and services that an immunization registry can provide.
As a result, it is important to implement a way for public health systems to successfully communicate about common patients. This would allow immunization registries to achieve their full potential as service and resource providers. Immunization registry integration with a master patient index helps achieve this potential.

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the presentation is to demonstrate how immunization registry integration with a master patient index adds value and visibility.

METHOD:
A brief overview of how immunization registries in Louisiana, West Virginia and Wyoming have leveraged master patient indexes to provide resources and services to participating public health systems.

RESULT:
Integration with a master patient index allowed the immunization registries to fully become a resource and service provider to public health systems.

CONCLUSION:
Implementations of master patient indexes have proven to be an effective tool for integration of disparate public health systems in several states. The master patient index has allowed immunization registries to establish themselves as valuable information providers to other public health systems.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Workshop attendees will learn the advantages of immunization registry integration with a master patient index.