Chicago Area Immunization Campaign
I-CARE
Immunization Registry
for Healthcare Providers
What happened to TOTS (Tracking Our Toddlers’ Shots)?
What are the benefits of I-CARE?
What kind of equipment is needed to operate I-CARE?
Will I-CARE protect my patients’ confidentiality?
Does a patient need to consent to I-CARE?
As a healthcare provider, how do I get more information about enrolling in
I-CARE?
The Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE) is a web-based immunization registry from the Illinois Department of Public Health. I-CARE collects vaccination information and helps ensure correct and timely immunizations across the lifespan. The registry is free to all healthcare providers in Illinois.
What happened
to TOTS (Tracking Our Toddlers’
Shots)?
TOTS, previously Illinois’ immunization registry, is no longer supported. TOTS has been fully replaced by I-CARE.
What are the benefits of I-CARE?
I-CARE helps healthcare providers electronically document, track and report their patient’s immunizations in a timely and effective manner. Participation in the registry is completely voluntary and free.
Some of the benefits of I-CARE:
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Easily prints out immunization records on the school physical form
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Analyzes immunization records and indicates when doses are due
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Helps prevent missed immunization opportunities
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Helps reduce over immunization
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Information can be accessed from any computer with internet
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Reduces paperwork
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Links to immunization websites for up-to-date information
What kind of equipment is needed to operate I-CARE?
I-CARE is a web-based registry, so only a computer with internet is needed. No program system needs to be downloaded onto the computer, and no separate computer is needed to run the program.
Will I-CARE protect my patients’ confidentiality?
Yes, I-CARE is designed to protect patient confidentiality. Open access to the registry is not allowed and only registered users have access to the data. I-CARE is compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
Does a patient need to consent to I-CARE?
Yes, a parent or guardian must consent in order to be included in the registry. Pamphlets explaining I-CARE to patients are available through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). In order to take full advantage of all the benefits of the registry, healthcare providers and their patients must participate in I-CARE.
As a healthcare provider, how do I get more information about enrolling in I-CARE?
For more information about enrolling in I-CARE, contact any Registry Staff Personnel at 217/785-1455 or dph.icare@illinois.gov.
If you are a health care provider in Illinois, you may:
1) Go to www.idphnet.com and click on “Sign up now”
2) Agree to the terms and conditions
3) Completely fill out your contact information
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Username must be lower case first initial and complete last name (example: mponce or mponce1 if username is already taken)
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Password needs to be 8 characters long with at least one number and one letter in the password
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Write down username and password in a safe location, since IDPH will not be able to retrieve that information.
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Check the I-CARE/Immunization Registry box as the reason to request access to the restricted application
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Under PRA email, look for your organization. If your organization is not listed click on “IDPH / ICARE”.
4) After you submit your information on-line, print and sign two copies.
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One copy will be for your personal file.
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The other copy will be submitted to your PRA if you have one, or fax the copy to I-CARE at 217/524-0967.
5) Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive information about a user training.