For Patients

HealthInfoNet is Maine's health information exchange, a secure statewide computer system for doctors, hospitals and other caregivers to share important health information and improve patient care.

HealthInfoNet helps caregivers provide patients with better, easier, safer health care. HealthInfoNet combines information from separate health care organizations to create a single electronic patient health record. This allows caregivers to quickly access the information they need to make more informed decisions about their patients’ care, especially in an emergency. Medical records are already shared through fax, email and mail. HealthInfoNet makes it easier, faster and more secure.

HealthInfoNet includes important patient health information. A patient's HealthInfoNet record includes medicines (prescriptions), allergies, lab and test results, image reports, conditions, diagnoses or health problems. To make sure health information is entered into the right record, the system includes name, birth date, address, phone and social security number if provided to the caregiver by the patient. Note: Certain mental health, substance abuse and HIV related health information is not available in the system. Refer to our brochure below for more information.

HealthInfoNet helps caregivers work together, make better decisions and reduce mistakes. Some of the benefits of HealthInfoNet include better coordination between caregivers, fewer medical errors, improved patient safety, reduced health care costs, better patient health outcomes, fewer repeat tests and procedures, less paperwork, and faster reporting of public health threats to Maine CDC.

HealthInfoNet keeps records private and secure. All information in the system is encrypted making it unreadable by hackers and sent over a private network not connected to the Internet. Only caregivers, like doctors and hospitals, can use the system and it keeps track of who has looked at each patient’s record, when and what parts they looked at. Patients can request a report of this information by contacting HealthInfoNet or filling out the online audit request form.

Download our full patient handout to learn more about HealthInfoNet and the health information exchange.