FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers and information here on WYFI that may not be addressed in other sections of our website.
Who is Wyoming Frontier Information (WYFI)?
WYFI connects hospitals, federally qualified health centers, primary care providers, specialists and labs, as well as public health and other state agencies. It’s a secure, connected, and coordinated statewide health IT system that allows the sharing of clinical information with healthcare providers to support better patient outcomes.
What is HIE?
Health Information Exchange assists in the electronic movement of health-related information among organizations according to nationally recognized standards.
What is the WYFI Community Health Record?
It’s a community-based electronic health record that allows healthcare professionals the ability to access a limited set of patient information from multiple participating sources, such as hospitals, ambulatory care providers, and laboratory service providers throughout the community.
What is the difference between an Electronic Medical Record and Community Health Record?
An EMR contains standard medical and clinical data usually gathered in one provider’s office. The Community Health Record aggregates data from multiple sources and provides a longitudinal view of the patient’s complete medical record.
What types of information might be shared in WYFI?
A Health Information Exchange may share clinical information such as test results, current medication, allergies and other clinical information vital to care. Certain demographic information used to identify the individual, such as name, birth date and address, might also be shared.
When should I access WYFI?
WYFI can be accessed for all patient encounters. If a Community Health Record is available, healthcare providers will have access to a more comprehensive view of the patient’s medical history and results. For example, if a patient has visited two different hospital emergency rooms that are contributing data to WYFI, data from their lab test, reports, medical history would be accessible in WYFI—all available on demand and easily viewable.
Who can access a patient’s health information/medical record in WYFI?
Medical information is kept private and secure. It is only viewable by authorized healthcare providers in Wyoming who are providing care to that patient. Support staff can also access basic demographic information, such as name, address, insurance and emergency contact information.
How is the information in WYFI kept private and secure?
State-of-the-art systems are used to secure records to the greatest degree possible and prevent access by unauthorized persons. All systems must comply with the security rules of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) including amendments made by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) act.