The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has acquired Government Health IT magazine and its Web site, Webinars and educational conferences from 1105 Media Inc.
The acquisition, announced Monday, was effective Jan. 1. Financial details were not released. Government Health IT has 30,000 subscribers.
H. Stephen Lieber, HIMSS' president and CEO, said the acquisition reflects the organization's strategic goals.
"The federal sector is a major player in healthcare, not only in setting policy, but also as the largest payer and one of the largest providers of healthcare," Lieber said. "By expanding our publishing and educational efforts with this suite of Government Health IT media products, HIMSS and our members will have a direct line of communication with this very important sector."
Healthcare IT News publishes in partnership with HIMSS, and the HIMSS Insider appears in the print publication each month. While the HIMSS Insider is produced by the staff of HIMSS, HIMSS exercises no control over the editorial content of Healthcare IT News.
HIMSS represents more than 20,000 individual members and 350 corporate members. The organization is focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of healthcare information technology.
The acquisition of Government Health IT is a logical step for HIMSSS, Lieber said. He listed three reasons:
- New information and publishing opportunities: Print publications, online media and events are at the heart of HIMSS' initiatives, while the government's role in health IT policy directly relates to the society's mission.
- Resource for information and knowledge in Washington, D.C.: HIMSS has an established presence in the Beltway and enhances its outreach to the federal health sector through the magazine and other government health IT information avenues.
- Expanded outreach to federal health sector: With the expected expansion of government activity in healthcare IT, HIMSS can help ensure federal agencies know what is happening with health IT adoption and legislation.
"HIMSS provides the perfect environment in which Government Health IT can prosper and grow," said Neal Vitale, president and CEO of 1105 Media. He said is proud to have launched the brand and taken it to its current level.
Fran Perveiler, HIMSS' vice president of communications, is managing the Government Health IT magazine and its staff, according to HIMSS. Perveiler is coordinating activities with content experts and government relations staff in HIMSS' Arlington, Va. office.
Paul McCloskey will continue as editor of Government Health IT magazine. Reporter Nancy Ferris retired at the end of 2008.
The magazine will function as an independent trade publication focused on news. HIMSS will explore the staffing needs of the magazine and related acquisitions, including the annual Government Health IT conference, which HIMSS will host in June 2009.
