Health Information Exchange (HIE)
The Ebola cases in the United States, despite their limited numbers, have generated considerable discussion and anxiety. But the focus on EHRs in these discussions does not recognize more prominent health IT needs when it comes potential outbreaks, nor the ways we have yet to meet most of these needs with incentives and infrastructure.
In a bid to drive better quality, wider access and improved care coordination through health information technology, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has launched a new investment initiative for accountable care organizations taking part in the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
The overarching message delivered to joint HIT Policy and Standards Committees by the JASON task force on Oct. 15: The government should "act with urgency" to encourage and motivate the healthcare industry, using whatever mechanisms available, to fuel interoperability through meaningful use.
The Federal Trade Commission has some news for health IT vendors whose zeal for competitive marketshare outweighs their willingness to share data: They're watching, and will step in where necessary.
ONC chief Karen DeSalvo, MD, promised an audience of AHIMA members that the government would act "fast into interoperability." She drew applause when she added, "We cannot wait for 10 years to get this done."
Thirteen of the nation's major healthcare systems are one step closer to interoperability, after they are now able to electronically share health records with disparate EHRs upon signing on to the country's largest health information network.
Most accountable care organizations have health information technology in place to improve quality and lower costs, but many say difficulties with data exchange are keeping them from reaching their potential.
The 86th AHIMA Convention & Exhibit, Sept. 27-Oct. 2 in San Diego, promises to offer its biggest technology splash yet. IT will be featured in ways big and small throughout the event.
Texas Health is hardly the only hospital or health network that struggles to convince the CEO, CFO or other board members just how critical funding security initiatives and technologies really is, but it did use a unique approach to get their attention.
You might say the CIO and IT team at Harrisburg Medical Center are hands on. When it came to tackling the toughest piece of meaningful use Stage 2, they added a staff member to connect with patients at home.