05/15/2013
Congress needs to be sure to consider the positives of health IT when considering reductions in health care spending. Thanks to the contributions of electronic health records, care quality and safety are improving, while medical errors are being reduced. By John Halamka and John P. Hoyt
05/06/2013
A number of important federal health IT developments took place during the first quarter of 2013, such as CMS releasing a request for information on ways to accelerate electronic health information exchange and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT unveiling a consumer engagement plan. by Helen R. Pfister, Susan R. Ingargiola and Christine D. Chang, Manatt Health Solutions
04/22/2013
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking public input on how to update the consumer e-health-related sections of its Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. Stakeholders have until May 9 to offer comments on various topics through ONC's new "Planning Room" website. by Helen R. Pfister and Susan R. Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
04/08/2013
HHS is seeking feedback on ways to accelerate electronic health information exchange within the health care industry. One of the policy changes HHS is considering is requiring health care providers to engage in electronic HIE in order to participate in Medicare. by Helen R. Pfister and Susan R. Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
03/21/2013
A comprehensive analysis of the 50 states and the District of Columbia finds that telehealth laws and reimbursement policies generally are not keeping up with the technology. Still, even telehealth proponents are cautioning states not to move too quickly. by Rebecca Vesely, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
03/08/2013
National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said "health care is broken." But he pointed to the progress made through the meaningful use program as proof that the system can change. To realize a health care system that provides better and safer care at a lower cost, he said data and incentives will matter. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/07/2013
Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner and National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari touted the benefits of the meaningful use program and stressed the importance of health IT in care delivery reform. Meanwhile, a new request for information highlights the administration's plans to boost health information exchange. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/06/2013
The big news at Tuesday's Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference was CMS' confirmation that cuts under budget sequestration will hit Medicare meaningful use payments beginning April 1. Meanwhile, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will see its budget cut from $60 million to $57 million under the sequester. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
02/27/2013
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's annual conference kicks off in New Orleans on March 3. Patient engagement, mobile health, government leaders, clinical and business intelligence and easier conference navigation top my list of things to watch at HIMSS13. By Carla Smith
01/24/2013
Telemedicine adoption is poised to make significant strides in 2013. It's time for federal and state governments to play catch-up with the private sector by either supporting the use of telemedicine or -- at least -- by ceasing to be a roadblock in its deployment. By Jonathan Linkous
01/22/2013
There were a number of important federal health IT developments in the fourth quarter of 2012, from the unveiling of a draft health IT safety plan to the request for comment on proposed criteria for Stage 3 of the meaningful use program to an interim final rule to make changes under Stage 2 of the EHR Incentive Programs. by Helen R. Pfister, Susan R. Ingargiola and Christine D. Chang, Manatt Health Solutions
01/03/2013
With 2012 now behind us, we asked 11 leaders in the health IT field to reflect on the progress and missed opportunities of the past year, as well as their hopes for health IT in 2013. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
12/13/2012
In 2013, health IT will be shaped by federal legislation, economic market realities and patient engagement. If patients are not put in the center in terms of design, the promise of health IT will be limited and the potential return on substantial investments in a time of national fiscal austerity will fall flat. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn
11/15/2012
Now that the 2012 elections are behind us, doctors and hospitals can move forward with implementing electronic health records, as well as the health IT-related provisions included in the Affordable Care Act. Ultimately, the meaningful use of health IT will result in improved patient care. By Dave Roberts
10/02/2012
Although both President Obama and GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney have voiced support for health IT efforts, there are some key differences in their strategies for health IT policy. The industry has been left to speculate on how the election might affect federal health IT initiatives. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor