How Real-Time Health Information Exchange Transformed One Patient’s Experience
Tammy Barnett never imagined that a simple visit to her daughter’s church in Little Rock, Arkansas, would turn into a life-changing moment. A sudden fall left her with a broken shoulder and arm, leading to an Emergency Department (ED) visit in Little Rock. What she didn’t expect was how quickly her primary care provider (PCP) in Harrison—more than 100 miles away—would be notified and ready to support her recovery.
Tammy’s health journey is already complex. She has multiple co-morbidities that require ongoing medical management, making seamless communication between her care providers even more critical. Thanks to SHARE HIE’s real-time event notifications, Tammy’s care team at North Arkansas Medical Center (NARMC) Primary Care Clinic was instantly alerted to her ED visit. The very next day, she received an unexpected yet comforting phone call from her PCP’s office. They weren’t just checking in, they were actively involved, ensuring she understood her treatment plan and had everything she needed for a smooth recovery.
“I was shocked to hear from my PCP so quickly,” Tammy recalled. “I had just been to the ED in Little Rock, and before I even had a chance to reach out, my doctor already knew and was checking in on me.” said Tammy Barnett*
Given her pre-existing health conditions, proactive and coordinated care is essential. A week later, Tammy underwent orthopedic surgery in Little Rock. Again, SHARE HIE played a vital role. As soon as her procedure was complete, another notification was sent to her care team back in Harrison. Without missing a beat, her clinic reached out to schedule a follow-up visit, ensuring a seamless transition from hospital to home-based recovery.
Managing multiple health conditions can be overwhelming, but Tammy didn’t have to navigate it alone. SHARE HIE ensured that all members of her care team remained informed and engaged throughout her recovery. This level of real-time collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without SHARE, which breaks down communication barriers and ensures that patients like Tammy are never lost in the shuffle of fragmented healthcare systems.
Tammy’s story is a powerful reminder of how real-time health data can transform patient care, provide reassurance, improve outcomes, and strengthen the bond between patients and providers.
With SHARE HIE, healthcare isn’t just reactive, it’s connected, compassionate, and always one step ahead.
* Tammy Barnett has graciously allowed SHARE to use her health information in this example in accordance with the Health Insurance Potability and Accountability Act of 1996.
