Doctors say electronic data-sharing is saving lives, money

The Memphis, TN, area is one of a growing number of regions or states with a health information exchange, which enables electronic patient data to be shared among hospitals and physicians. Nearly all of the hospitals and public clinics in the Memphis region participate, which allows their emergency department doctors and other authorized personnel to call up patients' blood tests, imaging scan reports, and hospital discharge summaries. The three-year-old exchange is helping doctors make better decisions and avoid wasting money on duplicative tests, say those involved.