FAQs for WIRE Clients
Learn more about what WIRE is and how it may improve your access to care.
What is the Wisconsin Information Referral Exchange (WIRE)?
WIRE is a helpful and safe set of tools managed by the United Way of Wisconsin. It builds on 211 Wisconsin's trusted data and knowledge to provide more connections, break down technical barriers, and support care providers. This helps make it easier for people in Wisconsin to get the services they need.
How does WIRE support access to care & services?
WIRE helps people get the care they need in easier ways. Here’s how it works:
- Connect Care Providers: WIRE can link doctors and other care providers to help them work together, and/or provide access to the 211 Community Resource Directory, Wisconsin's most comprehensive directory of free and low cost services.
- Simplify Access: WIRE makes it easier for people to get help.
- Share Information: Care teams can see important details about a person.
- Provide Updates: Care teams can see if someone got the help they needed.
What personal information is shared through WIRE? Who has access to it?
A WIRE profile serves as a digital record that contains essential information about an individual. Here’s a breakdown:
Profile Creation: When someone agrees to share their information with a WIRE partner (for instance, by calling 2-1-1), a WIRE profile is established.
A WIRE profile includes:
- Basic Details: This covers fundamental information like the person’s name, date of birth, and preferred language.
- Contact Info: WIRE keeps track of their phone number and email.
- Needs and Referrals: WIRE notes down the person’s identified needs and any services they might require.
Growing Over Time: WIRE partners add more details to the profile as the person gives permission. This can include information from phone calls, visits, or other forms of assistance.
- Sometimes, there’s data about assessments or screenings the person has undergone.
- WIRE also can capture details about the care team supporting the individual.
Access Control: Only authorized WIRE personnel (such as system administrators) and trusted community partners can view the profile. They commit to using this information solely to enhance care and guide people toward appropriate services.
In summary, a WIRE profile acts like a confidential repository of valuable information, ensuring better care and smoother navigation through services.
How is my personal information protected?
WIRE partners sign legal agreements that require them to only use WIRE client and referral information to provide people with better care and help them navigate services. Re-use or re-selling of any WIRE data is expressly prohibited.
WIRE’s core technical infrastructure is supported by Visionlink , which allows WIRE to provide a fully HIPAA-compliant environment and maintain compliance with national data security standards.
Please also see the WIRE privacy policy.
When is a person’s consent needed in order to share their information through WIRE?
Always!
Individuals have the power to decide what information of theirs, if any, is shared with WIRE partners – a person will be asked for their consent to share information about each new interaction whenever they speak with a WIRE partner. A person may decide that a particular call, visit, or referral is not something they would like shared with WIRE and can decline to share that information at any time.
How can someone change their consent to share information with WIRE?
If a person has previously consented to sharing their information with WIRE but wants to revoke that consent, they can complete the form located here. The WIRE team will follow up to ensure that appropriate action is taken.
Additional Questions?
If you are an individual who wants to learn more about WIRE and how your personal information is protected or used to connect you to services, please fill out this contact form.
If you are an organization or professional who would like to learn more about WIRE services and opportunities for partnership, please fill out the WIRE Interest Form located here.
