The RHIO also continues to be a rich source of data for original research on the benefits and proven value of using a community health information exchange (HIE). In December 2015, researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine published a study in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The study used records from the Rochester RHIO.
The purpose of the study was to quantify the cost-savings of a health information exchange in regards to repeat imaging because imaging procedures constitute a large portion of healthcare expenditures, according to the study. Using the data of over 12,000 patients, who consented to have their information made accessible through the RHIO, Weill Cornell Medicine researchers confirmed that healthcare providers who use a health information exchange reduce costs and limit redundant imaging and tests, resulting in additional savings. The researchers also indicated that HIEs should be leveraged even more to save additional healthcare dollars.