Interoperability and HIE Series: HealtheConnections

This podcast episode addresses the critical issue of the opioid epidemic, focusing on how healthcare IT and health information exchanges (HIEs) can bridge interoperability gaps. Led by Bill Cioffi from Nordic Healthcare, this series brings together industry leaders, including Elizabeth Amato and Liana Prosonic from HealtheConnections and Corey Zeigler from Helio Health. Explore how HealtheConnections is enhancing data exchange and interoperability to tackle opioid treatment and prevention. The podcast covers the innovative use of emerging technologies, addresses regulatory impacts, and highlights the role of community data in reshaping behavioral healthcare. This series is essential for IT leaders in healthcare and anyone interested in tech-driven solutions for the opioid crisis.

Things You'll Learn:

• The vital role of HealtheConnections in Central New York’s healthcare ecosystem.
• Key technologies used by HealtheConnections for supporting interoperability and opioid treatment programs.
• Emerging trends and technologies expected to impact the interoperability landscape in the next 3-5 years.
• How regulatory changes to 42 CFR Part 2 are affecting health information exchanges and their stakeholders.
• Methods used by HealtheConnections to support local health departments in monitoring and reporting opioid overdoses.
• Real-world examples of innovative processes enhancing overdose tracking and prevention.
• The impact of community data on person-centered care in behavioral healthcare.
• How HL7v2 feeds and other technologies are improving interoperability at Helio Health.

MODERATOR: Bill Cioffi MPPA, CHCIO, ITIL, Client Partnership Executive, Nordic Healthcare

Bill Cioffi is a seasoned healthcare IT executive and the Client Partnership Executive at Nordic Healthcare, where he focuses on strengthening client relationships, expanding portfolios, and driving strategic growth. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare IT leadership and 25+ years in IT infrastructure and operations, he has a proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives.

Previously, Bill served as Chief Information Officer at CenCal Health, overseeing IT strategy for Medi-Cal services to over 250,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. He led the organization’s first 3-Year IT Strategic Plan, restructured the Enterprise Project Management Office, implemented an ITSM Service Desk model, and established a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan. Before CenCal Health, Bill was CIO at North Sonoma County Healthcare District, where he successfully implemented their EHR system, optimized revenue cycle operations, and developed the district's first IT Strategic Plan. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining operational continuity during the 2017 Santa Rosa Tubbs fires. Bill is the Co-Chair of the CHIME Opioid Task Force Technology and Interoperability Sub-Committee and has been involved in the task force since its inception in 2018. He is also a dedicated community volunteer with Food Share. An active speaker and writer in the health IT industry, Bill regularly shares insights through publications and industry events. He holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from California Lutheran University.

GUEST: Elizabeth Amato, President and CEO, HealtheConnections

Elizabeth is a 16-year veteran of the health information technology field, with focused expertise in program development and design, advocacy, research, and source funding. For the past 12 years, she has held various leadership positions in the New York state health information exchange space, including the past 3 years serving as the Chief Operating Officer at NY’s second largest HIE, HealtheConnections. As of January 1st she assumed the role of President & CEO at HealtheConnections. Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for improving the health of communities through health information exchange, data-centric technology, and clinical-community partnerships.

GUEST: Liana Prosonic, Associate VP, Finance and Compliance, HealtheConnections

Liana is a certified public accountant (CPA) and worked for 8 years in public accounting before transitioning to management accounting in 2016. They worked as Director of Accounting Operations at Loretto, a long-term post-acute care provider, for 5 years, and moved into a new role as Director of Finance and Compliance at HealtheConnnections, a health information exchange, in 2021. In their current role as AVP of Finance and Compliance they oversee the financial operations and compliance program. They also teach accounting as an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania.

GUEST: Corey Zeigler, CIO, Helio Health

Corey has been with Helio Health for about 5 years. They are a large substance use and behavioral health organization with 70 different locations throughout Central New York spanning from Albany in the eastern side to Rochester on the western side, down to the Pennsylvania border to the south and almost to Canada in the North. Their services include inpatient, outpatient, residential, affordable housing, homelessness and a lot of the health and human services functions in New York State.

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