Central Illinois HIE is set to be operational by the end of 2011. Such announcements often herald the coming HIE as a new pinnacle in healthcare. But as with technological developments in any field, the consumer may be left to wonder: “What does it mean for me?” 

"The next five years in healthcare are probably going to be the most exiting in the last 50," the President and CEO of Methodist Health Services Cooperation, Michael Bryant said, adding that providers are given a special moment to improve healthcare for future generations.

Bryant was one of four speakers at the Heartland Healthcare Coalition's 10th annual conference, "Accountable Care Organizations, Medical Homes, and Connectivity: The New Foundation for Health Care Services?"

Recently, Quest was asked why the charge for an MRI test (Magnetic Resonance Image) would be different from center to center.

"I'm curious why there is such a big difference in the cost of an MRI. I had one done recently billed at $4500.00. That is almost double what most other places charge. Aren't these costs regulated? I wouldn't think that one machine would be better than everyone else's."

Two weeks ago, Quality Quest for Health of Illinois teamed up with Great Harvest Bread Company and participated in the 2010 Women’s Lifestyle show here in Peoria.

Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death and disability.