The Interface

a monthly newsletter

Summer is often a season of connection, time spent with family and friends, strengthening relationships, creating memories, and reconnecting with what matters most.

At MiHIN, connection is at the heart of everything we do.

Every day, our network helps connect healthcare providers, health plans, public health agencies, pharmacies, community organizations, and many others who share a common goal: improving the health and well-being of the people we serve. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt across Michigan communities every day.

This quarter, I have been particularly encouraged by the momentum surrounding Rural Health Transformation efforts across our state. These initiatives reinforce an important lesson: lasting change happens when technology, trusted data, strong partnerships, and local communities work together. Access to timely and meaningful information remains a critical component of improving care in rural communities, and MiHIN is proud to support efforts to ensure that every Michigan resident —  regardless of geography — can benefit from more connected and coordinated care.

We have also seen growing national discussions about the role of health information exchange data in public health and research. These conversations reflect a broader recognition that trusted, governed health data can serve the public good when used responsibly. As these discussions continue to evolve, MiHIN remains committed to the principles that have guided us from the beginning: privacy, security, transparency, and responsible stewardship of health information.

In an environment where data is becoming increasingly valuable, trust remains our most important asset.

As national frameworks continue to evolve and the movement toward health data utilities accelerates, the future of interoperability is no longer simply about connecting systems. It is about enabling better decisions, improving care experiences, advancing public health, and creating healthier communities.

This is where MiHIN's role is unique.

As Michigan's statewide health information exchange, MiHIN occupies a unique position at the intersection of healthcare, public health, and community health. Perhaps most importantly, we serve as a neutral and trusted convener, bringing together stakeholders who may not otherwise come together to solve challenges that no single organization can address alone.

Few organizations have the privilege of seeing healthcare from so many perspectives. Through our statewide network, we connect stakeholders, insights, and opportunities in ways that move the entire ecosystem forward.

As you enjoy the summer season, thank you for your continued partnership and the trust you place in MiHIN. Together, we are building stronger connections that lead to better health outcomes for all Michiganders.

With gratitude,

Isabell Pacheco, DSc, FACHE
CEO & Executive Director
Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services (MiHIN)

March 2026 Highlights

Longitudinal Record Viewer Update

You may have noticed a change in how blood pressure readings display in the Longitudinal Record Viewer in MIGateway®. A recent enhancement  was rolled out to improve data accuracy and flexibility.

Previously, systolic and diastolic values were combined in a single observation resource and displayed together; now they are stored as separate resources. This change applies to all new blood pressure observations added to the system, while historical readings will retain the original combined format.

Users may notice both display formats during this transition period as new and existing data appear side by side. 

Common Key Service Upcoming Changes Reminder

This is a reminder about the important upcoming changes - targeted for July 1 - to our Common Key Service.
 
 For Data Senders: 

• Common keys no longer required for inbound messages

• Common keys will no longer be returned to senders

• Delete notifications will no longer be required.

For Data Receivers:  

• Common keys no longer required in ACRS files
• Ongoing maintenance of common keys in your local systems will no longer be required. 

BCBSM P4P Program Impact:  

• The Common Key (PID-3.1) value in the ADT measure will no longer be required nor evaluated on Conformance beginning July 1, 2026
• Common Key will be formally removed from the Peer Group 1–4 P4P program beginning in 2027
• No change for the Peer Group 5 hospital P4P program requirements 

Questions? Submit a Help Desk ticket. 

Are Your Quest Lab Results Reaching Their Full Potential?

Quest Diagnostics can route lab results to MiHIN at ZERO additional cost for organizations in the MiHIN network.

This simple step creates a ripple effect across Michigan's care continuum.

• Data becomes part of the patient's longitudinal record in MIGateway®

• Authorized providers across the network gain instant access

• Care teams get a complete health picture—regardless of where services were delivered

Getting started takes 3 easy steps:

1. Contact your Quest Diagnostics representative

2. Request MiHIN be added as a results recipient

3. Quest handles the implementation

If you need any additional information, contact our Network Growth team: www.mihin.org/networkgrowth.

Supporting Michigan's Rural Health Transformation Effort

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is leading a statewide Rural Health Transformation (RHT) effort designed to improve access, coordination, and outcomes in rural communities across Michigan.

As Michigan’s designated health information exchange, MiHIN is supporting this work by helping strengthen the data-sharing infrastructure and interoperability capabilities needed to advance these goals.

Working alongside MDHHS, rural providers, community organizations, and other stakeholders, MiHIN’s role is to help improve the secure exchange of information across healthcare and community settings, reduce administrative burden, and support more coordinated, person-centered care.

We look forward to sharing more about this important work over the coming months.