ABSTRACT
The Israeli healthcare system is a single-payer system, primarily tax-funded, where universal coverage is provided to all citizens and residents through a national health insurance system that allows those insured to choose one of four competing health plans. Healthcare information technology (HIT) use in Israel is more advanced than in many other countries. Since 2005, almost 100" of all encounters in ambulatory settings have been documented on an electronic medical record (EMR), and currently, all hospitals make some use of electronic records, positioning Israel as a leader in EMR uptake. The Ofek health information exchange (HIE) program appears to have had a positive impact on quality and patient safety for both the ambulatory and the hospital system and has contributed to the lowering of costs. Since 2015 the Ofek HIE system has been deployed at all provider sites in Israel as a national program and encompasses all residents.
