HIX Attracts Community Hospitals in Nebraska, Gradually

Indeed, even though 14 CAHs signed onto the exchange, there are 65 CAHs in Nebraska, which means many didn't sign on.

"They were torn about passing it up because they knew it was a good deal," says Bass. "But for those still that are going through an EMR selection," they couldn't commit to the 12-month timeframe that NeHII offered for getting up and running.

Still, Bass is optimistic about getting other CAHs signed on in the coming months, especially since NeHII has encouragement to do so from their project officer at the ONC.

"It really was intended from the very first discussion in 2005 to be a statewide health information exchange," Bass says. And that includes CAHs. "It's really a clear message to those critical access hospitals that we'll make every attempt to help you with this."