Information exchange yields better decisions.

A new study from the Medical College of Wisconsin shows that the Wisconsin Health Information Exchange has not only saved time for the EDs participating, but has helped them make better-informed patient care decisions. EDs in the Milwaukee area are linked to the system with a dedicated computer housed in a separate area of the department. Once registration enters the patient's name into the system, basic information appears about the previous ED visits at all facilities in the city. ED staff can also obtain additional patient information if the need arises.