North Dakota Health Information Network
What is NDHIN?
West River Health Services participates in the North Dakota Health Information Network or NDHIN. The NDHIN is a secure network that safely connects your doctors' electronic medical record systems. Only authorized individuals will be able to access information from your medical records. The NDHIN offers many benefits to patients. Having access to your medical records allows your doctors to know more about your medical history and obtain critical information such as allergies and medication. This information can also be used to prevent unnecessary tests. You do have the right to opt out however if you do opt out, emergency room doctors and other medical professionals may not have access to your complete medical information which could save your life in some situations.
How Will NDHIN Help?
- Improve coordination of your care by increasing availability of your health records.
- Safer administration of your prescription medications by allowing your doctor to see your complete medication list.
- Decrease the number of duplicated medical tests.
- Empower medical providers to make more informed decisions.
- Avoid loss of key pieces of patient's health record due to unexpected events and disasters.
What Information is Shared?
The information available through NDHIN includes a patient's address, age, gender, medications, allergies, immunizations and health conditions, as well as reports, such as x-rays, labs, hospital admissions, discharges or transfers. Other important information includes the patient's insurance and advanced directives.
Is My Information Protected?
The NDHIN has security features in place to protect your health information. Only authorized individuals will be able to search for information from your health records.
The Choice is Yours - Participation is Completely Voluntary.
Everyone's health information may be searched for through the NDHIN. A treating health care provider will still be able to select NDHIN as a way to receive patients' lab results, radiology reports, and other data that previously has been sent by fax, mail, or other electronic communications. A patient has the option to opt out of having their information available through NDHIN. A patient can NOT be denied medical care if they opt out. However, if they decide not to make their medical information easily available, emergency room providers and other medical professionals may not have quick access to their medical information when needed, which could be critical to saving lives.
To Opt Out or change a prior election, fill out the Opt Out/Revoke Opt Out form. You can either fill out and send in, submit online or give to your provider.
- Opt Out/Revoke Opt Out (Printable Version)
- Opt Out/Revoke Opt Out (Online Submittal)
- If you have issues submitting this form, click here for additional information
- Patient Consent
What Other Facilities Participate in NDHIN?
There are a number of facilities/organizations participating in the NDHIN state-wide. For a complete listing you can go to http://www.ndhin.org/providers/participating-providers.
NDHIN Brochures and Other Information: (linking to consumer info)
- Consumer Brochure
- NDHIN Policies
- NDHIN Privacy and Data Practices
- You can also check out our FAQs or an educational video to learn more about the NDHIN
- Contact the NDHIN