The growth of Interoperability connects the data of everyone in the healthcare ecosystem, while ensuring cybersecurity. Hear from Dr. Tim Pletcher of MiHIN.

In this episode, Brian Anderson interviews Dr. Tim Pletcher. He is the Executive Director of Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services, also known as MiHIN; the CEO of Bella Terra; the CEO of Interoperability Institute; and he is a visionary entrepreneur and a contemporary thinker in the field of healthcare IT.

Tim explains that he’s always loved being at the intersection of technology and what helps people.

“I've known all the way along that technology can make things better. And so I've always viewed my space as connecting the technology to what it is that needs to change or could change to make things better,” he says.

Tim explains how he crafted his own, unique major at the University of Michigan, before entering the workforce. As he graduated, he worked in computer networking with the U of M’s medical center. Later, he ran a predictive modeling advanced analytics group and helped Central Michigan University get into the data sharing space.

He then dives into his experiences at MiHIN, sharing how they’re striving to connect all the data of all people in the healthcare ecosystem—a concept known as interoperability—while ensuring the proper legal, technical, and cybersecurity controls are in place. MiHIN has now connected more than 1,400 pharmacies in Michigan and, recently, integrated with Great Lakes Health Connect, gaining access to their Longitudinal Health Record.

Tim and Brian discuss Interoperability Land, a simulation where people can practice with synthetic data using fake hospital EHRs, doctors, and health plan databases. Augusto and MiHIN often partner together for what’s called Interoperathan, a connectathon where programmers test applications within Interoperability Land—all in a safe and synthetic space.

The two men also explore various standards and the future of machine learning in the world of healthcare.

We thank Tim for his time on the Augusto Podcast and wish him the best of luck in all his endeavors!

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