06/18/2010
I believe the final "meaningful use" regulations will get it more right than wrong and most hospitals and physicians will recognize that. But if not, we must be prepared to move to Plan B. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
04/19/2010
The new health care reform law includes a health IT grant program for long-term care facilities, but the funding allocated for this program is paltry at best. In addition, the reform law includes other provisions that could undermine economic support for health IT altogether. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
01/26/2010
Health IT policymakers in the White House and at HHS, ONC and CMS should be exploring how to leverage health IT policy and funding to achieve broader health care reform objectives in the wake of the political shake-up in Massachusetts. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
12/23/2009
A focus on innovation, information collection and funding for health IT adoption may be the best long-term gifts in a season of giving and getting for health care IT. Some wish lists will be fulfilled, some may be disappointed and others will be surprised. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
10/02/2009
FDA will likely play an increasingly important role in regulating health IT, and it's important for Health 2.0 entrepreneurs and champions to participate in FDA's efforts. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
07/08/2009
If we are to have real health care reform, more is required than what was accomplished in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Congress should establish an advanced research projects agency for health care. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
04/02/2009
In his new role leading the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, David Blumenthal faces several challenges, including provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that might allow some physicians to fall through the funding cracks. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
12/12/2008
President-elect Barack Obama's agenda for technology is impressive and exciting. Combined with the 111th Congress' plans for health care reform, there is a cause for optimism about the next phase in digitizing our health care system. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
09/15/2008
When it comes to understanding and promoting the value and potential of health IT, Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama gets it and Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain doesn't. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
07/01/2008
A recent report by the Congressional Budget Office lays bare the questions that lawmakers will raise when considering health IT legislation: Is spending on health IT going to generate results? To win support, proponents of health IT likely will have to show how it can help control rising medical costs. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
11/13/2007
The federal government continues to struggle to find a balance between its twin goals of health care transparency and protecting privacy. Regardless, the information-driven health movement will continue to drive forward -- with or without data from the federal government. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
09/07/2007
When it comes to health care information, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt has the challenge of reconciling his desire for transparency with maintaining HHS' interest in keeping physician information private. However, as a result of a recent court case, Leavitt will be forced to choose between these two competing interests. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
07/18/2007
There's a lot about the Wired for Healthcare Quality Act to like, plus a few things that need to be revisited. While lawmakers are considering several health IT bills, the Wired Act could have the most potential this year. An earlier version of the bill gathered enough support to pass the Senate. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
05/21/2007
Recent activity by the IRS and the Government Accountability Office are proof that the federal government is taking steps to promote physician adoption of health IT and to address health care quality. However, are these plans ready for prime time? By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.
03/12/2007
The untimely demise of the Santa Barbara County Care Data Exchange raises questions about the models for long-term viability of care data exchanges. Bruce Fried examines some of the issues that plagued the SBCCDE and finds that building a long-lasting care data exchange is always harder than it looks. By Bruce Merlin Fried, Esq.