The first phase of a statewide health network, which allows Hawaii physicians and other providers to share patient information via direct messaging, went live Thursday.

Twelve physician practices are using the system to share patient information such as lab results via secure electronic messaging. They can also use it to send and receive patient referrals electronically.

The system is part of the State Health Information Exchange, which will ultimately allow providers to electronically share health information such as lab results, radiology reports and discharge summaries.

The Hawaii Health Information Exchange is the nonprofit organization developing the network. Executive Director Christine Sakuda says electronic exchange of patient information between providers can significantly reduce errors, decrease duplicative procedures and increase efficiency.