GRAChIE is a network that connects health care providers, health plans, and other organizations involved in your health care across Georgia and beyond, all of whom have made the decision to participate for one reason—to improve the delivery of patient care.

Across the country, networks like GRAChIE, known as Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), operate and connect providers and other health care organizations in every state. GRAChIE links providers across Georgia from various care settings, including pediatrics, primary care, long-term care, home health and hospital emergency departments, as well as public health departments and health plans.

Through GRAChIE, doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers are able to access vital information securely and electronically, reducing the need for patients to relay medical information to every health professional involved with their care.

Today, your health information may be shared between providers by telephone, fax or mail. These isolated methods take time and can be burdensome on you or your providers. In addition, they may fail to provide complete information.

Organizations participating in GRAChIE will have secure access to your health information. You can view a comprehensive list of GRAChIE’s participating organizations here. Access to your information by GRAChIE participants is for treatment, payment, health care operations, public health, and other purposes, to the extent permitted by HIPAA and other applicable laws.

Participating providers will share general health information. Sensitive health information—such as information related to mental health treatment—will not be shared through GRAChIE.

GRAChIE and all participating organizations use a combination of safeguards to protect your health information. All participants must abide by policies that govern protection of health information. In addition, participants must abide by both federal and state laws related to privacy. Technical safeguards are also in place to ensure that your health information is secure and your privacy is protected.

We hope you see the value of being included in the GRAChIE network.

However, inclusion of your information in the GRAChIE network is voluntary. If you decide to opt-out, so that your information is not available through GRAChIE, your ability to receive healthcare will not be affected. Your health care provider or other organizations will still be able to exchange or access your health information through traditional means, such as mail or via fax. Keep in mind that, in emergencies, this may not be optimal.

Click here to submit your Opt-Out request form
Or, ask your healthcare provider for an opt-out form.

Yes. If you decide to participate in GRAChIE now, and change your mind later, you can opt-out. Likewise, if you opt-out now, you can opt-in later and all your medical information will be available.

Click here to submit your Opt-In request form