Office of Public Health, Immunization Program

   Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions About LINKS

 Q.	Is Information in LINKS confidential?
A.	Yes.  State law defines all information in LINKS is confidential.

Q.	 What do I need on my computer to use LINKS?
A.	You will need access to the Internet either through your network or a dial-up modem.  You will also need Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher installed on each computer that you plan to use.  It is recommended that your computer should have the following specifications: Windows 95,98, NT; Processor: Pentium 100MHz; RAM: 32 MB; and Modem: 28.8.

Q.	I s it safe to transmit information over the Internet?
A.	Yes.  LINKS has several layers of security to protect information that is transmitted to and from the system.  The information you send to LINKS is at least as secure as the electronic billing information that your practice already transmits on a regular basis.

Q.	Do I have to get consent from the parent to share the record with LINKS?
A.	No.  The state law authorizing the development of LINKS does not require you to obtain consent.  The LINKS staff prepared posters and brochures to inform parents of the registry and why information is submitted to the registry.  These are available from the LINKS website address https://linksweb.oph.dhh.louisiana.gov or contact (504) 838-5300.  State law requires you to use these signs or brochures to help inform parents.

Q.	Do I treat information in LINKS just like a regular record?
A.	Yes.  Treat it as the same standard as any medical record, providing it the same protections that you would with any confidential record.

Q.	Can I obtain a LINKS record for children that are new to my care?
A.	Yes.  You can search for new patients when you have the information from the parent.

Q.	Can a parent get the child immunized and refuse to share the record with LINKS?
A.	No.  The parent can refuse to let their child’s information be shared with other providers, however.  If the parent decides not to let their child’s information be shared, you can still report that information and you and the local health unit will still be able to view that information.

Q.	Why should I use the LINKS reminder/recall feature?
A.	How many times have you heard your patients say “My vet and my dentist send me reminder notices—why can’t my doctor send them when my child needs more shots?”  Now you can!  Reminder notices have been proven to raise childhood immunization rates.  Provide this feature and help your patients, your practice and your community by immunizing children at the earliest possible opportunity and controlling vaccine preventable diseases.

Q.	Will I receive regular feedback regarding the data I submit to LINKS?
A.	Yes.  LINKS has a special feedback module that has been designed to automatically email you reports concerning data that has been sent from your office to the registry.  The registry feedback module automates feedback from the registry to the clinics and the state Immunization Program staff.  You will not need to request these reports as they will be sent automatically to you when you begin submitting data to the registry.