iHealthBeat: ONC

ONC Committees OK Health IT Comparison Tool Recommendations

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 18:28:00 Z

The Health IT Policy and Standards committees have sent recommendations for a national health IT comparison tool to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. The recommendations, which were drafted by the Certified Technology Comparison Task Force, were approved after they were amended to include an ONC-conducted feasibility analysis. Clinical Innovation & Technology.

Slavitt, DeSalvo Clarify Upcoming Changes to Meaningful Use

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 17:27:00 Z

Yesterday, acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt and National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo offered more details about the upcoming changes to the meaningful use program. Among other things, they noted that the transition will take some time and that current regulations -- such as Stage 3 -- remain in effect. EHR Intelligence et al.

Opinion: Increased Focus on Health IT Could Help Achieve Triple Aim

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 18:56:00 Z

In a blog post, three health IT experts make several recommendations "to capitalize on the considerable momentum generated by the HITECH Act and translate its investment into better patient experiences, better population health and lower costs." Commonwealth Fund Blog.

CMS, ONC Seek Input on Certification of EHRs Used for Reporting

Mon, 04 Jan 2016 16:49:00 Z

CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT have issued a request for information seeking feedback on ways to strengthen the testing and certification of electronic health records used for reporting quality measures under federal programs, such as the meaningful use program. Health Data Management et al.

ONC Releases Final Version of 2016 Interoperability Advisory

Wed, 23 Dec 2015 17:17:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released the final version of its 2016 Interoperability Standards Advisory. The advisory includes more details, updates the six characteristics for each standard and aims to help realize the nation's "delivery system reform vision." Clinical Innovation & Technology et al.

Senator Will No Longer Block DeSalvo, Other Obama Health Nominees

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 18:23:00 Z

Sen. Ben Sasse will no longer try to block President Obama's nominees for various health-related positions because HHS has provided him with more information on the closures of cooperative health plans created under the Affordable Care Act. National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo, who has been nominated to become assistant secretary for health at HHS, was among the Obama administration nominees affected. The Hill's "Floor Action."

Report Finds 'Mixed Progress' Among Beacon Community Programs

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 17:28:00 Z

A new report from the National Opinion Research Center finds that Beacon Communities have had mixed progress on health IT use and quality measures. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has funded 17 Beacon Communities nationwide to help health care providers use electronic health records and health information exchange in their communities. FierceHealthIT, NORC report.

AHA, CHIME Comment on Final Rule for Stage 3 of Meaningful Use

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 17:48:00 Z

Comments on CMS' final rule for Stage 3 of the meaningful use program are due today, and several groups have filed their letters. For example, the American Hospital Association and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives are urging CMS to delay Stage 3 until 2019. Politico's "Morning eHealth" et al.

DeSalvo Details Goal To Achieve HIE Interoperability in 2016

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 19:03:00 Z

Speaking at a Bipartisan Policy Center event yesterday, National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo said her agency aims to connect the country's health information exchanges by the end of 2016. The goal is part of a larger effort to achieve nationwide interoperability. Health Data Management, EHR Intelligence.

ONC Finds Two-Factor Authentication Adoption Up Among Hospitals

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 18:03:00 Z

An Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT data brief based on an annual American Hospital Association survey finds that the percentage of hospitals and health systems with two-factor authentication capabilities increased by 53% between 2010 and 2014. However, adoption rates varied significantly by hospital type and state. FierceHealthIT et al.

ONC Task Force Meets To Discuss Health IT Comparison Tool

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:03:00 Z

The newly created Certified Technology Comparison Task Force held its first meeting to outline its work plan and future goals. The task force is charged with recommending ways to create a new tool to upgrade the Certified Health IT Product List maintained by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. FierceEMR et al.

Report Recommends Integrating Personal Health Records Into HIEs

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 18:59:00 Z

A report submitted to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT by vendor Venesco recommends that health information exchanges incorporate personal health records into their service offerings. The report outlines strategies for doing so, including determining desired functionalities. FierceEMR, Venesco report.

Policy Committee Task Force Unveils Interoperability Suggestions

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 18:17:00 Z

The Health IT Policy Committee's interoperability task force has developed four recommendations for Congress to help overcome barriers to widespread health data exchange. Among other things, the task force suggests financial incentives be tied to interoperability. Health Data Management.

Groups Submit Comments on ONC's Interoperability Advisory

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 18:16:00 Z

Some groups have called on the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to add more detail to its 2016 Interoperability Standards Advisory. For example, the American Hospital Association says ONC should provide more detail about the six characteristics used to determine whether a standard is "best available." FierceEMR et al.

AMA, MedStar Health Develop Joint EHR Usability Framework

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:07:00 Z

The American Medical Association and MedStar Health have developed a joint framework to determine usability among electronic health record systems. The framework determined the highest-scoring EHR vendors were Allscripts and McKesson, while the lowest-scoring EHR vendor was eClinicalWorks. EHR Intelligence, Clinical Innovation & Technology.

DeSalvo's Nomination for New HHS Position Could Be Held Up

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:29:00 Z

Sen. Ben Sasse says he will block confirmation of all HHS nominees until the Obama administration explains why eight of the 23 cooperative health plans established under the Affordable Care Act have closed. Sasse's plan could put National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo's nomination to become assistant secretary for health at HHS in jeopardy. FierceHealthIT et al.

Interoperability Efforts Require More 'Urgency,' AAFP Says

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:58:00 Z

In response to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's 10-year nationwide, interoperability roadmap, the American Academy of Family Physicians in a letter argues that ONC must show more urgency in achieving interoperability, noting that physicians cannot wait until 2024. FierceHealthIT, Clinical Innovation & Technology.

CMS, ONC Unveil Final Rules for Meaningful Use, EHR Certification

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 18:28:00 Z

CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT have released the final rules for Stage 3 of the meaningful use program, modifications for 2015 through 2017 and the 2015 Edition Health IT Certification Criteria. CMS also announced a 60-day public comment period to address lingering concerns from stakeholders. Health Data Management et al.

ONC Releases Final Version of 10-Year Interoperability Roadmap

Wed, 07 Oct 2015 17:39:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released its final 10-year nationwide interoperability roadmap and set a goal of sending, receiving, finding and using basic data by 2017. While the report has received support from several health IT organizations, some say it could be more detailed. Modern Healthcare et al.

White House Official: Health IT Can Give Doctors 'Super Powers'

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 12:35:00 Z

White House Chief Data Scientist D.J. Patil says that health IT should bolster physicians and help patients, rather than replace providers with computers. To achieve a strong health IT infrastructure, Patil says the industry needs "an ecosystem that really fosters innovation." Clinical Innovation & Technology, FedScoop.

ONC To Develop Framework for Using Patient-Generated Data

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:31:00 Z

At the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's annual Consumer Health IT Summit last week, National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo announced that ONC over the next two years will develop a policy framework to develop best practices for using patient-generated data in research and care delivery. FierceHealthIT et al.

ONC Seeks Comments on Draft Interoperability Standards Advisory

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 16:49:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has unveiled the draft 2016 Interoperability Standards Advisory, which will be open for public comment through Nov. 5. The latest version features changes in content and organization. FierceHealthIT, Draft advisory.

IOM Calls for Better Use of Health IT To Reduce Diagnostic Errors

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:30:00 Z

The Institute of Medicine is calling for improved use of health IT to reduce diagnostic errors, which it says will affect nearly all U.S. residents at some point in their lives. For example, IOM suggests that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT require vendors by 2018 to comply with interoperability standards. Health Data Management et al.

Community Programs Awarded $1M in Grants To Support Data Sharing

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 17:14:00 Z

Ten community programs will receive a total of $1 million in federal funding to support data sharing among providers who are not eligible for meaningful use incentive payments. According to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the new funding aims to "complement" other recent data exchange efforts. EHR Intelligence, "Health IT Buzz."

ONC Releases Final Version of Five-Year Health IT Strategic Plan

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:16:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's final Federal Health IT Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2020 focuses on patient-centered data and care, rather than providers and electronic health record adoption. Industry groups expressed support for the plan but noted the importance of improving interoperability. Modern Healthcare et al.

Report: HITECH Act Boosts EHR Use but Misses Overall Goals

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:21:00 Z

A new report published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation finds that the HITECH Act has significantly increased health IT adoption but that overall it has missed its "ambitious" goal of establishing "a highly effective and efficient health care system enabled by the advanced use of" health IT. Healthcare IT News et al.

Senate Committee Chair Calls for Delay of Meaningful Use Stage 3

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:33:00 Z

Yesterday, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Lamar Alexander called for Stage 3 of the meaningful use program to be delayed until Jan. 1, 2017, and for the program modifications for 2015 through 2017 to be quickly implemented. Senators also heard testimony from three witnesses on ways to improve patient access to data. Modern Healthcare et al.

ONC Launches Online Form To File Complaints About Certified EHRs

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 17:18:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator has unveiled a new online form that individuals can use to lodge formal complaints about the functionality and usability of their certified electronic health records and other health IT products. ONC says the form will improve its ability to "triage, track, route and respond" to health IT complaints. Healthcare IT News et al.

'Gag Clauses' Common in EHR Contracts, Investigation Finds

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:21:00 Z

A Politico investigation finds many electronic health record vendors include language in their contracts that can prevent providers from publicly sharing information on software glitches and performance problems. Vendors say the so-called "gag clauses" help protect intellectual property from competitors and are rarely used. Politico.

Interoperability Task Force Calls for Summit To Synchronize Efforts

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 17:16:00 Z

The Health IT Policy Committee's interoperability task force has recommended convening a summit on health information exchange to ensure stakeholders are on the "same page" as they work toward the goals outlined in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's interoperability roadmap. Health Data Management et al.

Some Certified EHR Vendors Fail To Meet ONC Requirements

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:46:00 Z

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that some electronic health record vendors that are certified under the meaningful use program are not following the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's usability testing and design requirements. Health Data Management et al.

ONC Revokes Certification of Two EHR Products Over Noncompliance

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 17:13:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has decertified two versions of Platinum Health Information System's electronic health record for failing to comply with routine surveillance requests, meaning the EHR products no longer can be used to attest to the meaningful use program. Users can seek hardship exemptions as they transition to new EHR systems. Becker's Health IT & CIO Review et al.

Few Providers Confident in ONC's 10-Year Interoperability Goal

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:21:00 Z

A new survey by document management company Scrypt finds that just 17% of providers are confident the health care industry will meet the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's goal of achieving full interoperability in 10 years. Healthcare IT News et al.

ONC Announces $38M in Grants To Bolster Use of Health IT

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:21:00 Z

Today, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT unveiled three new grant programs that provide a total of $38 million to 20 health care entities to advance the use of health IT. The two-year grant programs target health data exchange, population health management and workforce training. FierceHealthIT, HHS release.

ONC Releases Roadmap To Form National Health IT Safety Center

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 16:46:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released the Health IT Safety Center Roadmap, which calls for the creation of a national center to promote health IT safety. The center would work to foster collaboration and advance adverse event identification and reporting, among other goals. Healthcare Informatics et al.

Eligible Hospitals Can Attest to First Year of Meaningful Use in 2015

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 17:41:00 Z

Under a recent CMS rule change, eligible hospitals participating in the Medicare meaningful use program for the first time will be able to attest starting this summer. Previously, such participants had been required to wait until January 2016 to attest to the program. AHA News et al.

Task Force: Feedback Mixed on ONC's Interoperability Advisory

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 17:20:00 Z

The Health IT Standards Committee's Interoperability Standards Advisory Task Force reports it has received mixed feedback on the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's interoperability standards advisory. While commenters called for strong security and privacy standards, there was a lack of consensus on what those standards should look like or how they would be used. FierceEMR.

House Committee OKs Funding Bill With Health IT Implications

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:14:00 Z

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a $153 billion fiscal year 2016 spending bill for HHS and the departments of Labor and Education that includes funding cuts to several health IT-related agencies. The vote marks the first time in six years that the committee has advanced a spending bill for the departments. MedPage Today et al.

Meaningful Use Bill To Exempt Ambulatory Surgical Centers Advances

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 17:08:00 Z

Yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee advanced a bill that would exclude patient encounters at ambulatory surgical centers from the meaningful use program until the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT develops electronic health record certification standards for the facilities. Politico's "Morning eHealth" et al.

ONC-Funded Report Finds Providers' HIE Needs Have Evolved

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 17:37:00 Z

A new Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT-funded report examines providers' experiences with health information exchange in six states. The report finds providers' HIE needs have evolved from connecting disparate electronic health record systems to seeking "actionable" data at the point of care. FierceEMR et al.

House Panel Passes Budget Cuts for Health IT-Related Agencies

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:12:00 Z

A House Appropriations Subcommittee has approved a draft funding measure for fiscal year 2016 that would not increase funding for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and would eliminate funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. AHA News et al.

Study Finds EHR Vendors' User-Centered Design Practices Vary

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 17:00:00 Z

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association finds that electronic health record vendors' user-centered design practices vary. According to the researchers, the findings suggest EHR certification requirements might need to be modified. FierceEMR, JAMIA.

ONC Finds Disparities in Accessibility, Use of Health IT in 2013

Thu, 04 Jun 2015 17:28:00 Z

An Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT data brief based on a 2013 survey reveals disparities in the accessibility and use of health IT. For example, the data brief shows individuals' use of health IT varied by race, income and education. Health Data Management, ONC data brief.

ONC: EHR Adoption Not Associated With Patients' Security Concerns

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 18:03:00 Z

A new data brief from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT finds that a majority of U.S. residents want their providers to use an electronic health record system and to electronically share their health data despite privacy and security concerns. According to ONC, the findings show EHR adoption is not associated with patients' privacy and security concerns. FierceEMR et al.

Health Care Groups Offer Changes to CMS' Proposed Stage 3 Rule

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:50:00 Z

Several stakeholder groups are urging CMS to modify its proposed rule for Stage 3 of the meaningful use program and delay finalization of the rule until current issues with the program are addressed. Meanwhile, the American Hospital Association urged the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to increase transparency and the reliability of certified health IT. Clinical Innovation & Technology et al.

Groups Comment on Various Meaningful Use Program Proposals

Thu, 28 May 2015 17:02:00 Z

Stakeholders have submitted comments on three recently proposed rules related to the meaningful use program. Several groups said they supported the proposals and offered recommendations to enhance the program, while others urged changes to Stage 3 of the meaningful use program. EHR Intelligence et al.

ONC Announces Plans To Sunset Standards Committee Work Groups

Wed, 20 May 2015 18:15:00 Z

Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT officials have announced plans to replace the Health IT Standards Committee's permanent work groups with time-limited task forces. Committee members raised concerns about the plan, but an ONC official urged members to show patience. Healthcare Informatics, "Health IT Buzz."

ONC Announces Winning Partnerships in Market R&D Pilot Challenge

Tue, 12 May 2015 15:40:00 Z

Six innovator-host teams have won the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's inaugural Market R&D Pilot Challenge, which aims to connect startups and health care organizations. The winners will begin testing their products at their host sites in August. Health Data Management, "Health IT Buzz."

Federal Government Invested $1B To Address Rural Health IT Needs

Thu, 07 May 2015 17:17:00 Z

In a blog post, federal officials tout a 2011 initiative that has helped connect rural health systems in 13 states with about $1 billion in federal funding to improve their use of health IT. The loans and grants have helped rural facilities adopt electronic health records and bolster telehealth services, among other things. FierceHealthIT et al.

DeSalvo Nominated To Officially Serve as HHS Assistant Secretary

Thu, 07 May 2015 16:56:00 Z

Yesterday, President Obama nominated National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo to serve as HHS assistant secretary. If the nomination is confirmed by the Senate, DeSalvo would step down from her role at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. Health Data Management et al.

Senators Question Ability of EHRs To Support Personalized Medicine

Wed, 06 May 2015 17:27:00 Z

During a Senate committee hearing yesterday, National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo said that electronic health records and health IT are "foundational" to President Obama's Precision Medicine initiative. However, lawmakers questioned whether EHRs are ready to support such research, given the lack of interoperability. Health Data Management et al.

HIMSS, EHRA Applaud ONC's 2015 Interoperability Advisory

Tue, 05 May 2015 17:25:00 Z

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and HIMSS' Electronic Health Record Association generally support ONC's 2015 Interoperability Standards Advisory, but suggest including new security features and other interoperability standards. FierceHealthIT, Politico's "Morning eHealth."

ONC: Health IT Adoption, Use Has Improved Patient Safety

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 17:44:00 Z

Citing various studies, an Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT issue brief argues that increased health IT adoption has improved patient safety over the last 15 years. ONC officials in a blog post say the evidence suggests that well-designed health IT has done more good than harm. Health IT Analytics, "Health IT Buzz."

DeSalvo Identifies Three Key 'Pathways' To Achieving Interoperability

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 17:22:00 Z

National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo writes that she is "optimistic" about the future of health IT, noting that the industry must do three things to continue progress toward interoperability, including "standardizing standards," clarifying data privacy and security expectations and incentivizing the use of electronic health data. Health Affairs.

Opinion Piece, Editorial Slam Data Blocking, Lack of Interoperability

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 17:43:00 Z

A Modern Healthcare opinion piece argues that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT must do more to bar stakeholders from restricting access to and the sharing of health data. Meanwhile, a New York Times editorial suggests that the federal government could implement new laws and regulations to stop "information blocking." Modern Healthcare, New York Times.

CMS Calls for Health IT Adoption in Skilled Nursing Facilities Proposal

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 18:22:00 Z

A new rule proposed by CMS this week that would increase Medicare payments to skilled nursing facilities also encourages the adoption of health data exchange technologies. However, the proposed rule currently does not set requirements or provide much assistance beyond guidance documents for doing so. Health Data Management et al.

75% of Hospitals Had a Basic EHR System in 2014, ONC Data Show

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 18:21:00 Z

A new data brief from the Office of the National Coordinator shows that about 75% of hospitals in 2014 had a basic electronic health record system, up from 59% in 2013 and an eightfold increase from 2008. Meanwhile, nearly all hospitals last year had adopted some form of certified EHR technology. FierceHealthIT et al.

HIMSS15: Federal Health Officials 'Optimistic' About Future of Health IT

Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:00:00 Z

National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo and acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt are "optimistic" about leveraging health IT to improve care and reduce costs. They also discussed the importance of interoperability and Congress' increased interest in health IT policy.

Experts Discuss Meaningful Use Changes, Shortcomings at HIMSS15

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 18:19:00 Z

At the HIMSS15 conference this week, health IT stakeholders have discussed the effects of the meaningful use program and health IT. For example, one stakeholder criticized the program for creating new problems, while others said health IT would help address challenges as they arise. EHR Intelligence et al.

ONC Will Continue To Seek Funding for Health IT Safety Center

Thu, 16 Apr 2015 17:36:00 Z

A proposed Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT Safety Center is unlikely to open earlier than 2017, as it lacks funding, according to ONC officials. A roadmap clarifying the center's objectives is expected to be released in the coming months. Politico's "Morning eHealth," Health Data Management.

ONC's Data Blocking Report Spurs Mixed Reaction on Enforcement

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:53:00 Z

Several health IT stakeholder groups have expressed support for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's report on health information blocking. Some groups say ONC needs more enforcement authority to address the issue, while other groups argue that the agency should take a hands-off approach and let the market solve the problem. Modern Healthcare et al.

DeSalvo Announces $1M in Grants for Health Data Exchange Efforts

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:44:00 Z

Through the Community Interoperability and Health Information Exchange Program, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT plans to award $1 million in grants to improve health data exchange efforts at community and state levels. The application is open through June 15. Clinical Information & Technology et al.

ONC Emphasizes Interoperability in IT Privacy, Security Guide Update

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:50:00 Z

Today, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released an updated version of its Guide to Privacy and Security of Electronic Health Information. The update is part of ONC's goal of explaining how security regulations can improve interoperability and includes information on HIPAA rules and the meaningful use program. FierceHealthIT, "Health IT Buzz."

CMS Proposes Rule To Shorten 2015 MU Reporting Period

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:45:00 Z

CMS has proposed a rule that would shorten Medicare and Medicaid meaningful use attestation to a 90-day period in 2015 and better align Stage 1 and Stage 2 program requirements with those recently proposed for Stage 3. Stakeholders generally have praised the shortened reporting period. Modern Healthcare et al.

ONC Slams EHR Vendors, Health Providers for 'Information Blocking'

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 17:04:00 Z

An Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT report lists several complaints regarding efforts by health IT vendors and health care providers to block information sharing. The report details actions ONC and other agencies can take to address the problem. Wall Street Journal et al.

Patients Confident About Privacy, but Have Data-Sharing Concerns

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:38:00 Z

A study by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT finds that about three out of four U.S. adults are somewhat or very confident in the privacy and security of their health data. However, a majority are concerned about the exchange of their health data among providers. FierceEMR.

WEDI Says ONC Roadmap Should 'Better Reflect' Realities of Health IT

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:40:00 Z

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange says that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's interoperability roadmap should "better reflect the realities, gaps, challenges and opportunities" of health IT. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission says ONC should consider how providers' and vendors' economic interests align with the benefits of interoperability. FierceHealthIT et al.

Groups Praise, Question ONC's Nationwide Interoperability Roadmap

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 17:43:00 Z

Before the public comment period closed last week, several more health IT industry groups submitted comments on the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's draft roadmap to achieve nationwide interoperability. Many groups applauded ONC for its aggressive approach, while others recommended that ONC be more realistic in its goals. Health Data Management et al.

Five Things To Watch at HIMSS15

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 10:00:00 Z

With nearly 40,000 attendees, more than 1,200 exhibitors and about 300 education programs, there's a lot to see at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's annual conference in Chicago this month.

Several Groups Submit Comments on ONC's Interoperability Roadmap

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 17:45:00 Z

The Consumer Partnership for eHealth, Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society have all submitted comments to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT on its draft nationwide interoperability roadmap. FierceHealthIT, HIMSS release.

CMS, ONC Aim To Bolster Health IT Use Among Innovation States

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 17:39:00 Z

CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT say they will work together to give participants in CMS' State Innovation Models initiative access to online tools and resources. Some resources, which will be used to help states adopt health IT infrastructure, also will be available to non-participants. FierceHealthIT et al.

ONC's New CMO Talks Meaningful Use, EHR Implementation Strategies & More

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 11:00:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's new CMO Thomas Mason discusses how the meaningful use program is working on the ground, his advice for providers just getting started with electronic health record adoption and what he hopes to accomplish in his first year in the post.

HHS Releases Proposed Rules for Stage 3 Meaningful Use

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 20:38:00 Z

On Friday, HHS released proposed rules on Stage 3 of the meaningful use program. CMS' proposed rule would align the program into a single stage by 2018 and create a 365-day reporting period for all providers. Meanwhile, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's proposed certification rule aims to better align with the agency's Interoperability Roadmap. Health Data Management et al.

Opinion: Government Intervention Will Not Fix Interoperability Issues

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 18:17:00 Z

In response to a recent article by Republican senators on HITECH Act spending, Brookings Institution fellow Niam Yaraghi writes that he agrees that the health care IT system is not performing well but argues that Congress should turn to private-sector innovators to enhance interoperability rather than government regulations and standards. Brookings Institution's "TechTank."

GOP Sens. Question HITECH Act's Effect on Care Quality, Costs

Thu, 05 Mar 2015 18:32:00 Z

A group of Republican lawmakers in a Health Affairs blog post question federal investments made under the 2009 HITECH Act. The lawmakers argue that there is "inconclusive evidence" that the HITECH Act has achieved its goals of improving care quality and increasing efficiency, while reducing costs. Health Affairs blog.

ONC Guide Aims To Improve Providers' Use of Electronic Prescribing

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 19:11:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has created a new guide to help prescribers improve their use of the electronic prescribing. ONC says about 70% of physicians send e-prescriptions, while about 90% of pharmacies have the capability to accept e-prescriptions. Becker's Health IT & CIO Review et al.

Eligible Professionals Hit With $200M in EHR Penalties

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:13:00 Z

New federal data show that about 256,000 eligible professionals are subject to Medicare payment reductions, totaling about $200 million. Most eligible professionals will see payment adjustments of less than $1,000 each. Meanwhile, the data show that 90% of eligible hospitals have achieved meaningful use. Health Data Management et al.

AHA Urges ONC To Prioritize Certain Goals in Health IT Strategic Plan

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 17:58:00 Z

The American Hospital Association is urging the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to prioritize some objectives outlined in its Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 2015-2020. AHA also recommends ONC create a website or other public forum to increase transparency on efforts to achieve health IT goals. Becker's Health IT & CIO Review et al.

ONC: 15% of Stage 2-Eligible Professionals Attest to Meaningful Use

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 19:20:00 Z

The latest data from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT show that only 15% of meaningful use Stage 2-eligible professionals have attested to the program's requirements, of which nearly half attested to Stage 1 via CMS' flexibility rule. ONC also released data on meaningful use attestation by regional extension center-enrolled eligible professionals and hospitals. Becker's Health IT & CIO Review et al.

Stakeholders Encouraged by CMS' Plan for Meaningful Use Flexibility

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:07:00 Z

Stakeholders are generally encouraged by CMS' plan to issue a rule that would update the meaningful use program to provide more flexibility in meeting program requirements. Some stakeholders say the announcement shows CMS has listened to their feedback, while others are urging the agency to issue the rule "expediently." Becker's Health IT & CIO Review et al.

HHS, ONC Announce Grants To Bolster Interoperability, Health IT

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 18:51:00 Z

Yesterday, HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell announced a two-year, $28 million grant program to increase the adoption and use of interoperable health IT tools. Meanwhile, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT announced a separate grant program to strengthen health IT at the community level and the health IT workforce. FierceHealthIT et al.

How Health Care Payment Reform and Interoperability Are Intertwined

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:48:00 Z

The health care industry could finally be ready to make real progress on interoperability, thanks in part to Medicare's recently announced value-based payment plan. Meanwhile, experts say CMS' shift to alternative payment models can't succeed without health IT interoperability.

Obama's FY 2016 Budget Plan Would Boost ONC's Funding

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 18:33:00 Z

Yesterday, President Obama unveiled his fiscal year 2016 budget proposal, which includes a funding bump for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and the Department of Veterans Affairs to advance interoperability and decrease a backlog of VA disability claims. Health Data Management et al.

Stakeholders Are Largely Positive on ONC's Interoperability Roadmap

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:41:00 Z

Health IT stakeholders are mostly positive about the Office of the National Coordinator for Heath IT's draft nationwide interoperability roadmap. However, some are voicing concerns about device-to-device interoperability and potential delays. Modern Healthcare, Politico's "Morning eHealth."

ONC Unveils Plan To Realize Basic Interoperability by 2017

Fri, 30 Jan 2015 19:04:00 Z

Today, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released a draft of its 10-year nationwide interoperability roadmap, which calls for achieving basic electronic health data interoperability by 2017. In addition, the draft outlines four short-term actions and 10 guiding principles for meeting ONC's goals. Healthcare IT News et al.

CMS To Add More Flexibility to Meaningful Use in 2015

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 19:42:00 Z

Today, CMS announced that it is considering proposals that would update the meaningful use program to give eligible providers and hospitals more flexibility, such as shortening the 2015 reporting period from one year to 90 days. The announcement was met with praise from stakeholders. Healthcare Informatics et al.

AAFP Weighs In on ONC's Health IT Strategic Plan for 2015-2020

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:41:00 Z

In a recent letter, the American Academy of Family Physicians says it "strongly support[s] the vision and mission" in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's Federal Health IT Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2020. The letter also outlines several recommendations for improving the plan. HealthCare IT News et al.

Recap of Q4 2014 Federal Health IT Activity

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:00:00 Z

The fourth quarter of 2014 included a host of federal health IT activity, such as the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT releasing a strategic federal health IT plan and a draft roadmap on nationwide interoperability, as well as personnel changes within ONC.

Most Eligible Professionals Have Attested to Stage 2, CMS Says

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 18:46:00 Z

Yesterday, federal officials announced that about 60% of eligible professionals and 77% of eligible hospitals have attested to Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. The data analysis includes only providers who are able to attest to Stage 2 because they have completed two years of Stage 1 attestation. Clinical Innovation & Technology et al.

Sens. Call on GAO To Investigate State Health Data Exchanges

Tue, 13 Jan 2015 18:40:00 Z

Three Republican senators have asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate how nearly $600 million in grants from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT were used in establishing state health information exchanges. A GAO spokesperson says the review already is underway. Healthcare Informatics et al.

12 Experts Weigh In on Health IT Progress, Disappointment in 2014 & Hopes for 2015

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:00:00 Z

iHealthBeat asked 12 health IT experts to weigh in on the most significant health IT development in 2014, the biggest disappointment of the past year and how to tackle the remaining barriers to widespread health IT adoption in 2015.

Obama Signs Federal Spending Package With Health IT Implications

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:20:00 Z

President Obama has signed a continuing resolution omnibus spending bill that contains various health IT provisions, including those designed to improve electronic health record interoperability. Among other things, the package requires the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to decertify EHRs that block data sharing. AP/San Francisco Chronicle et al.

New Federal Spending Package Has Health IT Implications

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 17:09:00 Z

A spending package to fund the federal government through September 2015 does not include language to delay the ICD-10 compliance date or adjust the meaningful use program, as some groups had advocated. However, it has implications for military health IT, rural health IT and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. Politico's "Morning eHealth" et al.

Interoperability Tops Health IT Goals for Industry in 2015

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:00:00 Z

National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo, eHealth Initiative CEO Jennifer Covich Bordenick, Brian Ahier of Medicity, Tom Leary of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and American Medical Association President-elect Steven Stack spoke with iHealthBeat about the challenges for health IT in 2015.

ONC Releases Health IT Strategic Plan for 2015-2020

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 18:59:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT today released a strategic plan for federal health IT. The plan outlines five goals through 2020, including increasing the adoption and use of health IT and advancing secure and interoperable health data. Modern Healthcare et al.

JASON Offers Data Recommendations for a 'Learning Health System'

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 18:28:00 Z

A new JASON report says that in addition to electronic health record interoperability, the health care industry must incorporate data from other sources -- including patient devices and social media -- to "ensure an ongoing and transparent cycle of analysis, development, research and adoption of tools to improve health and wellness and health care delivery." Health Data Management et al.

DeSalvo Discusses Health IT Challenges, Future of ONC

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:12:00 Z

During a keynote address at the American Medical Informatics Association's annual conference, National Coordinator for Health IT Karen DeSalvo addressed challenges facing health IT, including the usability of systems. She also announced that ONC plans to release a draft of its Federal Health IT Strategic Plan in two weeks. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

ONC Unveils 10-Year Quality Improvement Vision for Health IT

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 19:29:00 Z

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released a 10-year vision report for using health IT to achieve a fully interoperable quality improvement ecosystem. The report complements ONC's roadmap for achieving interoperability. Health Data Management et al.

eHealth Initiative's 2020 Roadmap Identifies Three Priorities

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 19:19:00 Z

Yesterday, the eHealth Initiative released an initial set of priorities for its 2020 Roadmap for transforming care delivery through data exchange and health IT. The roadmap focuses on interoperability, business and clinical motivators and data access and use. Health Data Management et al.

ONC, FTC Promote 'Healthy Competition,' More Transparency in Health IT

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:00:00 Z

Jodi Daniel and Karson Mahler of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, Tara Koslov of the Federal Trade Commission and Lydia Washington of the American Health Information Management Association spoke with iHealthBeat about ONC and FTC's efforts to foster competition and innovation in health IT.