The Delaware Health Information Network, or DHIN, has turned 20 years old.
DHIN is an electronic network connecting hospitals, providers and patients. Delaware’s senior Sen. Tom Carper (D-Delaware) signed legislation creating DHIN in 1997 as governor.
Carper was in Dover Monday to celebrate DHIN’ 20th anniversary. He says DHIN allows doctors to easily access patient records so they can see the medical history and don’t have to repeat tests.
“It just pays dividends in some many ways. Better health care, less expensive health care, better outcomes," he said. "I think for the folks providing the health care, better morale because they have a great partner in the providing of health care.”
Delaware’s health information network started delivering test results electronically in 2007, making it the first statewide information exchange in the U.S. It became financially self-sufficient in 2012.
A DHIN spokeswoman said there was more than 2.5 million patients enrolled.
