TEFCA’s Expansion: Are You Participating in TEFCA Exchange?

TEFCA Exchange: New Interactive Map Shows Who’s Connected

Good news for those following the rollout of Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA): a new, interactive map is now available to help you see which organizations are participating in this nationwide health information exchange framework. This release underscores a commitment to transparency as TEFCA continues to expand.

Launched in December 2023 with five Qualified Health Information Networks (qhins), TEFCA aims to standardize and secure the exchange of health information across the country. Today, the network has grown to include 10 QHINs and boasts over 9,200 participating organizations – representing more than 41,000 connections to a wide range of healthcare providers and facilities.

Wondering if your doctor’s office is part of the network? You can now find out. The TEFCA participation map allows you to search by institution name, address, or zip code.It’s important to note this map focuses on organizational participation in the exchange framework itself, and differs from broader provider directories that list individual physician details like specialties or insurance acceptance. This distinction is rooted in the intent of TEFCA, as outlined in legislation like section 5006 of the 21^st Century Cures Act.

The map will be updated weekly to reflect new participants, with additional features planned for future releases. This is a notable step towards a more connected and interoperable healthcare system.

Disclaimer

Please read this carefully. I’m a journalist, and my role is to report information, not provide medical, financial, or legal advice. This article discusses TEFCA, a framework for health information exchange. Participation in TEFCA does not guarantee the security of your health information, nor does it dictate the quality of care you receive.

The TEFCA map indicates organizational participation in the exchange framework. It does not provide information about individual providers within those organizations, their qualifications, or services offered.Always consult directly with your healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

For official information about TEFCA, please refer to the official resources provided by the Sequoia Project and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.

Is your association currently connected to a QHIN to facilitate TEFCA exchange?

Understanding the Current TEFCA Landscape

The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) is rapidly evolving,and its expansion is reshaping health facts exchange (HIE) across the United States. as of late 2024 and into 2025, more and more Qualified Health Information Exchanges (QHINs) are coming online, increasing the connectivity and interoperability promised by TEFCA. This means a larger network for sharing patient data, but also a growing need for organizations to understand their role and participation options. Key terms to understand include interoperability, health information networks (HINs), and common agreement.

What is TEFCA and Why does it Matter?

TEFCA, spearheaded by The Sequoia Project, establishes a universal floor for trusted exchange. It doesn’t require participation, but it creates a standardized framework, making it easier and more secure to share electronic health information (EHI) nationally. This is crucial for:

Improved Patient Care: Seamless access to patient records, regardless of location, leads to better-informed clinical decisions.

Reduced Administrative Burden: Streamlined data exchange minimizes manual processes and associated costs.

Public Health Reporting: Facilitates faster and more accurate reporting for public health initiatives.

Value-Based Care: Supports data-driven insights for improved care coordination and outcomes.

The Role of QHINs in TEFCA Exchange

Qualified Health Information Exchanges (QHINs) are the core of the TEFCA framework. These are organizations that meet specific technical and operational criteria established by The Sequoia Project. They are responsible for:

Adhering to the TEFCA Common Agreement: This agreement outlines the rules of the road for data exchange, including data privacy, security, and patient consent.

Providing Connectivity: QHINs connect to other QHINs, forming a national network for EHI exchange.

implementing universal Exchange Policies: Ensuring consistent application of exchange rules across the network.

Supporting Data Query and Retrieval: Enabling authorized users to access patient information efficiently.

Currently, a growing list of QHINs are operational, including eHealthExchange, Carequality, and CommonWell Health Alliance. Choosing the right QHIN depends on your organization’s specific needs and existing HIE infrastructure. Consider factors like geographic coverage, data types supported, and integration capabilities.

Assessing Your Organization’s Participation Options

There are several ways your organization can participate in TEFCA, even if you don’t become a QHIN directly:

1. Direct Connection to a QHIN: if you have the technical capacity and resources, you can establish a direct connection to a QHIN. This requires implementing the necessary technical interfaces and adhering to the QHIN’s specific requirements.
2. Sub-Participation through a QHIN: Many organizations will connect to TEFCA through a QHIN. This is often the most practical option, especially for smaller healthcare providers. You’ll work with a QHIN to onboard your systems and ensure compliance.
3. Leveraging Existing HIE Networks: If you already participate in a regional or state HIE network, check if that network is connecting to TEFCA through a QHIN. This can simplify the integration process.
4. Data Use Agreements (DUAs): Understanding and establishing appropriate DUAs is critical for compliant data exchange. These agreements define the permitted uses of shared data and ensure patient privacy.

Technical Requirements for TEFCA Participation

Successfully participating in TEFCA exchange requires addressing several technical considerations:

FHIR (Fast Healthcare interoperability Resources): TEFCA heavily relies on FHIR as the standard for data exchange.Ensure your systems are FHIR-compatible.

Direct Project: Understanding Direct Project specifications for secure messaging is essential.

IMX (Interoperability and Messaging eXchange): IMX provides a standardized approach to querying and retrieving patient data.

Data Mapping: Accurately mapping your data to the TEFCA Common Data Elements (CDEs) is crucial for ensuring data quality and interoperability.

Security and Privacy: Implementing robust security measures to protect patient data is paramount. This includes encryption, access controls, and audit trails. Compliance with HIPAA is non-negotiable.

Benefits of Early TEFCA Adoption

while TEFCA implementation is an ongoing process, early adopters can gain notable advantages:

Competitive Advantage: Demonstrating commitment to interoperability can attract patients and partners.

Improved Data Access: Access to a wider network of patient data can enhance care coordination and decision-making.

Reduced Costs: Streamlined data exchange can lower administrative costs and improve efficiency.

* Planning for Future Regulations: TEFCA aligns with the broader push for interoperability and data sharing in healthcare, positioning your organization for future regulatory changes.

Real-World Examples of TEFCA in Action

Several states and regions are already leveraging TEFCA to enhance their HIE efforts. For example,