What is Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology (HIT) describes the management and interoperability of health information within and between information systems, providers, government, and consumers.
DSHS's vision for HIT is an integrated Health Information Technology (HIT) and policy systemthat improves service delivery, health outcomes, and decision-making.
The Department has established strategic priorities and goals for HIT, intended to:
- Improve health care quality or effectiveness;
- Advance coordination of care;
- Have better health data;
- Early detection of infectious disease outbreaks;
- Improved management of chronic diseases;
- Better evaluation tools
- Increase administrative efficiencies;
- Reduce health care costs;
- Prevent medical errors;
- Increase health care accuracy and procedural correctness; and
- Enhance real-time communication about health issues.
DSHS is currently engaged in a variety of activities to advance its use of technology, improve connectivity and data exchange with community partners, and provide resources to help Texans improve their health.
Current Initiatives
The HIE Feasibility Business Cases Initiative is intended to identify
opportunities for the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to
support information exchange between DSHS and Health
Information Exchanges (HIE)s in Texas.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is developing the capacity to exchange data through a managed, centralized platform.
The data exchange platform aligns with the requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs.