Determining business models for financial sustainability in regional health information organizations (RHIOs): a review

• Published in: Population health management Vol. 12; no. 5; p. 273
• Main Authors: Maffei, Roxana, Burciago, Daniel, Dunn, Kim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-10-2009
• Subjects: Financial Management - economics; Humans; Information Systems - economics; Insurance, Health, Reimbursement - economics; Medical Records Systems, Computerized - economics; Models, Economic; Quality of Health Care - economics; Regional Health Planning - economics; Regional Medical Programs - economics; United States; United States
• ISSN: 1942-7905
• DOI: 10.1089/pop.2008.0045

Regional health information organizations (RHIOs) have the potential to alleviate today's health care problems by granting providers access to a supported body of clinical information for all patients in a given region. While the promise of and enthusiasm for RHIOs is immense, the issue of their financial sustainability remains unclear. It has been said that the business model supporting a regional or national health information network is as essential, if not more essential, than the technology that makes it feasible. Currently, there is a clear lack of concrete business models implemented in RHIOs' projects. This article reports the results of a literature review of the current status of the adaptation and implementation of business models by RHIOs for successful financial sustainability. Based on the review, this article also attempts to evaluate the existing financial situation of RHIOs to determine and recommend the best models of economic sustainability. Significant findings include RHIOs' present financial environment, planning, and self-sustainability methods. Future studies will be needed as RHIOs continue to grow and move toward the implementation phase of their development.