In our current healthcare system, your medical information sits by itself wherever it was collected -- at your doctor's office, the lab, a hospital, and the many other places you receive healthcare.  If one doctor needs to share that information with a specialist or if you want a second opinion, your records are probably sent on paper or computer disk, and this process takes time.  Even if both doctors have computers, it's not likely that the two systems can "talk" to each other.  You may even have to transport your records by hand, or your appointment might be delayed until the records are faxed, mailed, or delivered.  Imagine that information flowing quickly, accurately and securely among your healthcare providers!

Doctors who have your complete health picture are better equipped to make a diagnosis and treat
ment plan that is truly tailored to you.  And in an emergency situation, your care givers could make better decisions knowing your allergies, medications, previous diagnoses, and related conditions.   Southern Tier HealthLink's Health Information Exchange (HIE) is the web that connects the dots so the information can flow.

Think of the HIE as a network, with everyone who provides your healthcare connected by computers.  You as the patient are at center stage; your doctors, clinics, pharmacies, specialists, and hospitals send and receive information about you when it is needed, as long as you allow them to access it.

This means that your allergist can learn about what medications you're taking, your primary care doctor can review your walk-in clinic treatment, and your specialist can access your medical history, all at the touch of a button.  The HIE makes these connections electronically, accurately, and safely, allowing your doctors to view your complete medical record no matter where it was collected, which keeps you in the center of the picture.

If you would like more information about how you can connect the dots of your healthcare, or find out if your physician is participating, go to sthlny.com/consent to learn more!

Southern Tier HealthLink in Conjunction with Amaretto Ranch Breadables Raises Over $64,000 for Breast Cancer Research

in Second Life 

At the suggestion of Avatar Tasia Tonic (Jeannie Inman, the STHL Associate responsible for the building of the event), a company within Second Life, Amaretto Ranch Breedables (http://amarettobreedables.com), created breedable pink horses for the residents of the virtual world to enjoy.  The special edition pink and white horses were only sold from October 28th thru October 31st, with proceeds going to the virtual STHL Breast Cancer Awareness Center.  On Tuesday, November 23, on behalf of Amaretto Ranch Breedables, STHL presented a check for $64,089.64 to the Southern Tier Regional Office of the American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness and research. 

Josaphine Cooperstone of Amaretto Ranch Breedables said, "In real life I was a Registered Nurse, and just like many other people I too have had cancer affect many people in my life, so I was very happy to have the opportunity to help out a good cause.  The Amarretto Horses have been received with great enthusiasm by a wonderful community, but we never imagined the outpouring from the community would be what it was.  The stories they shared were truly heartwarming."

Second Life avatar Kitty Otoole messaged, "Guys, my best friend in real life, Dionne, died from breast cancer two yeaars ago.  I introduced her to Second Life as a way she could socialize, and she loved it.  It helped her meet people and interact until she couldn't use a PC anymore.  Ironically, in real life, she rode horses as a teen, and ever since the horses came into Second Life I've known she would have adored them.  Today, I've bought a horse for her . . . and called it Deedee, which was her name in Second Life."

Second Life resident Dorrie Bellman commented, "You have touched many lives today with your support for such a worthy cause.  Cancer touches all in some way, be it in memories or in those living and fighting the battle, all hold the hope that some day there will be a cure.  Giving as you have done and allowing each of us to contribute through you is another step toward a cancer-free life for all.  Well done!"

"We are thrilled that so many people came to the site and demostrated their passion for curing breast cancer with their purchases and donations.  The work we did to build the site and educate the Second Life participants was very worthwhile," said Christina Galanis, Executive Director of STHL.  "We were particularly pleased that one of our real world software partners, InterComponentWare (http://www.icw-global.com), demonstrated their commitment to our efforts with a US $1,000 cash contribution."

"Extending breast cancer awareness events to Second Life provides a great opportunity for those engaged within the virtual community to be connected with the real world fight against the disease," said Diana Cahill, Regional Vice President for the Southern NY Region of the American Cancer Society.  "Second Life volunteers' passion for the cause mirrors that of the real world and demonstrates their commitment to the American Cancer Society's mission of creating a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.  We thank STHL for their ingenuity and dedication in supporting this mission."

For images and comments from Second Life users, visit http://www.tyfromamaretto.com. 

Southern Tier HealthLink (STHL) went to the Binghamton Senators AHL Hockey game on Saturday November 13.  The Senators drew a  record crowd for the season thus far of 4,239 and STHL was there to hand out literature regarding our Health information Exchange (HIE).

Patrons were told about the consent process and asked to consider saying "YES!" when asked to consent by participating practitioners.

STHL will be attending another three or four B-Sens game during the course of the 2010-2011 season.  Currently, our next B-Sens date is scheduled for Saturday night, January 29, which is American Heart Association night.  Watch for more details in an upcoming issue of OnTrack.