iHealthBeat: ONC

ONC Seeks Nominations for Policy, Standards Committees

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has published a notice in the Federal Register requesting nominations by June 11 for members of the Health IT Policy and Standards committees. ONC said nominees should be knowledgeable about health IT privacy and security issues and have experience promoting the meaningful use program. Health Data Management et al.

Standards Committee Discusses Elements of NwHIN Governance

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Health IT Standards Committee recently discussed the creation of a governance structure for the Nationwide Health Information Network. Panel members talked about conditions for trusted exchange and NwHIN validated entities. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

ONC Contest Seeks Apps To Sync Ophthalmology Tools With EHR Systems

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A contest launched by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT seeks applications that could improve interoperability between ophthalmologists' examination devices and their electronic health record systems. Modern Healthcare, ONC's "Health IT Buzz."

ONC Announces the Creation of Two New Offices Within Agency

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has announced the creation of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, which will provide a clinical perspective for ONC activities, and the Office of Consumer eHealth, which aims to engage patients. Modern Healthcare et al.

GAO Seeks Nominations for Candidates To Serve on Health IT Policy Panel

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Government Accountability Office is accepting nominations for an individual to serve as a patient or consumer advocate on the federal Health IT Policy Committee, which advises the HHS secretary. Nominations are due May 25. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.

ONC Seeks Input on Governance Structure for NwHIN Exchange

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking comments from stakeholders on the establishment of a governance mechanism for the Nationwide Health Information Network. The governance structure would include rules on technical, business practice, privacy and security requirements to establish a common trust framework for the exchange. Health Data Management.

Calif. REC Helping More Than 7,700 Health Care Providers Adopt EHRs

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization has signed up more than 7,700 health care providers seeking to adopt electronic health records. It says members have earned more than $65 million in federal incentive payments. Healthcare IT News et al.

AMA, Industry Stakeholders Submit Comments on Stage 2

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the American Medical Association and 98 state and specialty medical societies sent a letter to CMS indicating that some of the proposed criteria for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program would be cumbersome for physicians to implement. Several other industry stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups also submitted comments on the proposed rules. Healthcare IT News et al.

ONC Launches Contest for Apps To Help Report Patient Safety Incidents

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is inviting developers to create health IT applications that could make it easier for health care providers to report patient safety events. Submissions are due by July 23. Health Data Management, Government Health IT.

Policy Group Mulls Proposed Stage 2 Rules for Meaningful Use

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Health IT Policy Committee discussed the proposed requirements for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. The panel weighed issues related to the proposed Stage 2 criteria on data collection and information exchange. Government Health IT, Healthcare IT News.

Organization Releases Roadmap for Health Information Exchange

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the National eHealth Collaborative released a roadmap to help stakeholders develop, implement and operate health information exchanges. The roadmap describes existing public and private health data exchange efforts and also lays out a four-phase plan designed to help health information exchange initiatives advance and become sustainable. CMIO et al.

ONC Publicly Releases Materials for Health IT Workforce Training

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released health IT training materials for the general public and higher education institutions. The materials are from ONC's community college-based health IT workforce training initiative. Health Data Management.

Mostashari Announces Winners of Competition for Heart Health Apps

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari recently announced the winners of a contest for software applications aimed at improving heart health. The first place prize of $50,000 went to THUMPr, an app that provides users with customized heart health recommendations. Modern Healthcare.

Federal Officials Outline Goals, Progress on Meaningful Use

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a recent CMS blog post, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari and CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner wrote that they have set a goal of helping 100,000 health care providers qualify for meaningful use incentive payments this year. Mostashari and Tavenner also outlined the progress that states are making in the meaningful use program. Modern Healthcare.

Are Federal Training Programs Meeting the Growing Need for a New Health IT Workforce?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Tim Andrews of Booz Allen Hamilton, Helen Figge of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and Norma Morganti of the Midwest Community College Health IT Consortium spoke with iHealthBeat about federal efforts to bolster the health IT workforce.

Experts Call for Adding Health IT Training to Educational Programs

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Health Affairs article, experts identify ways to integrate health IT-related training into medical education and professional development programs. For example, the authors recommend integrating health IT-related questions into medical licensing board exams. CMIO.

ONC Releases Latest Version of Connect Software for NwHIN

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released Connect version 3.3, the latest version of its open-source software that lets organizations exchange patient data through the Nationwide Health Information Network. Government Health IT, Health Data Management.

Authors of Health Affairs Study Reply to Mostashari's Criticism

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The authors of a Health Affairs study -- which suggested that electronic health records could encourage doctors to order imaging tests more often -- have responded to criticism from National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari. The authors wrote that some of Mostashari's assertions are "mistaken." Boston Globe's "White Coat Notes," Health Affairs' "Health Affairs Blog."

Comment Period Officially Opens for Proposed Rules on Stage 2

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT officially published in the Federal Register the two proposed rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program, kicking off a 60-day public comment period. Stakeholders can submit comments on the two proposed rules through the federal government's Regulations.gov website. Health Data Management, Government Health IT.

ONC Seeking Input on Ways To Secure Health Data on Mobile Devices

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has announced that it is seeking public input on the use of mobile devices by health care professionals, as well as best practices for ensuring the privacy and security of health information on such devices. CMIO et al.

National Coordinators Discuss Meaningful Use, Other Health IT Issues

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Health Affairs interview with former National Coordinator for Health IT David Brailer, current National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said he expects 40% of primary care providers to have a basic electronic health record system in place by the end of this year. FierceHealthIT, Health Affairs.

Mostashari Slams Study Linking EHRs With More Imaging Orders

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During today's Health IT Policy Committee meeting, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari criticized a Health Affairs study finding that doctors using electronic health records order imaging tests more often than those using paper records. Mostashari said the study overreached by suggesting that the meaningful use program might not yield cost savings. Healthcare Informatics et al.

CMS Seeks Feedback on Potential Clinical Quality Measures for Stage 2

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As it works to finalize clinical quality reporting measures for Stage 2 of the meaningful use incentive program, CMS is seeking public input on 125 potential clinical quality measures for physicians and 49 potential clinical quality measures for hospitals. Government Health IT.

Stage 2 Proposed Rule Emphasizes Encryption of Health Information

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A proposed rule for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program does not require the encryption of health data but calls for health care providers to assess the appropriateness of encryption when conducting security risk analyses. InformationWeek, Health Data Management.

ONC Releases Stage 2 Proposed Rule on Certification of EHRs

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released its proposed rule on the standards and criteria for the certification of electronic health records under Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. The proposed rule accompanies the recently released proposed rule on Stage 2 requirements for health care providers. Government Health IT et al.

Stakeholders React to Proposed Rule on Meaningful Use Stage 2

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Several health care industry groups have issued statements on the newly released proposed rule for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. Although many organizations praised the Stage 2 criteria, others cautioned that more work is needed. The Stage 2 rules will undergo a 60-day public comment period after their publication in the Federal Register. FierceHealthIT et al.

ONC, HHS Officials Announce Winners of Health App Contests

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and Health 2.0 have named the winners of a contest for apps based on the popHealth framework. HHS also named the winners of a contest for Facebook apps on disaster preparedness. Modern Healthcare et al.

Experts Discuss Health IT Progress, Need To Train Medical Coders

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari discussed progress in the health IT industry. Others discussed the need to train and retain medical coders. Health Data Management et al.

Mostashari: Stage 2 Rules Offer Flexibility, Push Interoperability

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's conference, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said the proposed regulations for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program offer new flexibility and emphasize the importance of interoperability. Federal officials published a proposed rule on the Stage 2 requirements today. Health Data Management et al.

HIMSS12: No Big Surprises in Proposed Stage 2 Meaningful Use Rules

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Federal officials touted increased flexibility and fewer regulatory burdens when discussing the proposed rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use incentive program. Still, stakeholders say that meeting the Stage 2 requirements could be an uphill battle.

Proposed Stage 2 Regulations To Be Posted Online Tomorrow

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a Wednesday session at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference in Las Vegas, federal officials offered a "sneak peek" of the proposed regulations for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. The rules were sent to the Office of the Federal Register today and are scheduled to be posted online tomorrow. Modern Healthcare et al.

HIMSS12: Providers Report Meaningful Use Progress, New Barriers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey released at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference shows significant progress in health IT adoption, as well as shifting barriers. Meanwhile, officials talked about the effect of the 2012 election and the importance of consumer engagement.

Agencies Announce Plan To Train Students for Rural Health IT Positions

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Resources and Services Administration and the Labor Department have announced an agreement to train community and technical college students for rural health IT jobs. The agreement does not authorize funding for the initiative. Modern Healthcare.

Experts Discuss ICD-10 Delay, Stage 2 of Meaningful Use

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the first day of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference in Las Vegas, representatives of two health IT groups called for health care providers to continue working toward ICD-10 implementation. Also at the conference, experts discussed Stage 2 of the meaningful use program, health IT usability and other issues. Government Health IT et al.

Sebelius: Hospital EHR Adoption Nearly Doubled Over Two Years

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During an event in Kansas City, Missouri, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the number of hospitals using electronic health records has more than doubled from 16% in 2009 to 35% in 2011. Sebelius also said new CMS data show that $3.12 billion in EHR incentive payments have been distributed through the meaningful use program. Kansas City Star, HHS release.

Obama's FY 2013 Budget Plan Boosts ONC Funds, Cuts HHS' OCR Spending

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

President Obama's proposed fiscal year 2013 budget would increase the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's budget by 8% to $66 million. The proposal also includes a 5% cut in spending for HHS' Office for Civil Rights, which enforces HIPAA. GovInfoSecurity.

CSC Offers Lessons From Meaningful Use Stage 1, Predictions for Stage 2

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Computer Sciences Corporation report looks at lessons learned from Stage 1 of the meaningful use program. The report predicts that Stage 2 criteria will be more stringent, with Stage 1 menu options becoming requirements under Stage 2. Health Data Management, CSC report.

Mostashari Says Health Information Exchange Will Ramp Up This Year

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During this week's Health IT Policy Committee meeting, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said he expects the use of health data exchanges to grow in 2012, partly because health IT systems are becoming more interoperable. Healthcare IT News.

Beacon Communities Launch Texting Program To Assess Diabetes Risk

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Three Beacon communities are launching text messaging campaigns aimed at helping people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Participants will receive customized texts to help them manage and improve their health. Healthcare Informatics, Government Health IT.

Mostashari Outlines His Predictions for Health IT Developments in 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a recent blog post, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari wrote that 2012 will be "the year in which health IT truly comes of age." He also predicted that at least 100,000 health care providers will receive meaningful use incentive payments by the end of this year. CMIO et al.

ONC Announces Three Challenges for Health-Related Applications

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking applications that would help individuals with disabilities access their electronic health record data, help patients schedule follow-up appointments and improve the health of commuters. Health Data Management et al.

Health IT Proponent Chopra Steps Down as Country's First CTO

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the White House announced that U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra is stepping down from his post. During his tenure, Chopra advocated for greater use of health IT and improved government transparency by making more data available online. Politico et al.

HHS Initiative To Develop Best Practices for Mobile Device Use

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and the HHS Office for Civil Rights are rolling out a project to develop best practices for mobile device use in health care settings. The initiative will build on existing HIPAA rules and will focus on privacy and security best practices. Results will be shared with industry stakeholders. Government Health IT et al.

Q4 2011 Saw Surge of Federal Health IT Activity

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The last quarter of 2011 included numerous important federal health IT developments, including the Institute of Medicine's release of a report on patient safety and health IT and HHS' changes to the meaningful use incentive program timeline.

Providers Rely on Small Number of Vendors for Incentive Pay

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Eligible professionals used electronic health record products from 217 different vendors to qualify for meaningful use incentive payments, but the top five vendors were used by 54% of providers, according to a database from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. Seventy-five percent of hospitals used EHR products from the top five hospital EHR vendors. Modern Healthcare.

Mostashari Discusses Challenges Facing ONC, Data Privacy Protection

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In an interview with HealthLeaders Media, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari discussed the challenges that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will face in 2012, as well as efforts to protect the privacy of patient data. HealthLeaders Media.

CMS: $2.5B in Meaningful Use Payments Distributed So Far

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During yesterday's Health IT Policy Committee meeting, CMS officials announced that $2.5 billion in meaningful use incentive payments had been distributed as of December 2011. National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari also announced the creation of a public use file with de-identified data from meaningful use attestations. Modern Healthcare, Government Health IT.

ONC Launches Video Challenge To Engage Consumers in Health IT

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is inviting consumers to submit videos on how they plan to use health IT tools -- such as online patient portals -- to accomplish their health-related New Year's resolutions. Modern Healthcare, Healthcare Informatics.

Mostashari Offers List of Top 10 Health IT Developments in 2011

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a "Health IT Buzz" blog post, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari describes the top 10 most notable health IT developments in 2011. His top developments include an increase in the number of certified electronic health record products and the expansion of health IT workforce training programs. Becker's Hospital Review, Health Data Management.

2012: Time for Action on Health Privacy

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

With the start of the new year, it's time to break that pattern of too much talk and not enough action. The federal government must take big, concrete steps to implement a comprehensive privacy and security policy and technology framework to govern electronic health information exchange.

Blumenthal Discusses Short-Term, Long-Term Success of HITECH Act

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a two-part perspective piece for the New England Journal of Medicine, former National Coordinator for Health IT David Blumenthal discussed metrics for evaluating the short- and long-term success of the meaningful use program. Becker's Hospital Review, MedPage Today.

ONC Plans Dashboard To Assess Progress of Health IT Grants

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is creating a new online dashboard to gather and evaluate data on the effectiveness of health IT-related grants. ONC says the data will allow the agency to evaluate health IT adoption at the state and national levels and verify the integrity of payments made to grant recipients. Health Data Management et al.

A Meaningful 2012 for Health IT for Providers, Vendors and Consumers

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Although political uncertainties might affect health IT in the long term, in 2012 health care providers will continue to make progress in electronic health record adoption, and consumers and caregivers will demand more in terms of access to health information and health IT savvy physicians.

Axial Exchange Takes First Prize in HHS' Patient Safety Contest

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Axial Exchange has won the top prize in HHS' "Ensuring Safe Transitions" contest with a Web application that lets health care providers, emergency responders and health plans use various devices to share patient treatment data. Health Data Management, Healthcare IT News.

Rule Outlines Process for Disciplining Group That Accredits EHR Certifiers

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has published a final rule on the process for disciplining the organization that accredits certifiers of electronic health records. Under the rule, an accreditor can be removed from the permanent program if it commits certain violations. Health Data Management et al.

New ONC Initiative Tackles Data Segmenting in HIE

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In an effort to overcome existing obstacles, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT recently began a new Data Segmentation Initiative to develop standards to electronically tag and separate sensitive health information.

ONC Touts Progress on Health IT; CMS Official Outlines New Contest

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During a summit in Washington, D.C., officials from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT said the country is making progress toward widespread health IT adoption. Also at the summit, a CMS official detailed the agency's new innovation challenge. CNN Money et al.

More Than 100K Doctors Working With Regional IT Extension Centers

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, HHS announced that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has reached its goal for regional extension centers to help 100,000 primary care providers adopt electronic health records and meet meaningful use criteria. Government Health IT et al.

Standards Panel Seeks Feedback From Those Using NwHIN Exchange

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Health IT Standards Committee is seeking input from entities with experience implementing standards for the Nationwide Health Information Network. The panel is interested in which standards have been implemented and why. Government Health IT.

Policy Panel Starts Discussing Stage 3 of Meaningful Use

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

This week, the Health IT Policy Committee started discussing Stage 3 of the meaningful use program. Committee members said the panel has learned from experiences with stages 1 and 2 of the program. Some panel members cautioned against creating requirements that could overburden health care providers who are participating in other federal health care initiatives. Healthcare IT News.

ONC To Launch Survey, Educational Effort on EHR Privacy, Security

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is planning an initiative to collect consumer input on the privacy and security of electronic health records. ONC also is launching a campaign to educate the public about EHR privacy and security. Modern Healthcare et al.

ONC Delays Permanent Program for Accrediting EHR Certifiers

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is postponing by six months the launch of a permanent program to accredit the certifiers of electronic health records. ONC said the delay is necessary because of a lack of accredited EHR certifiers. The new launch date is expected to coincide with the release of the Stage 2 meaningful use criteria. Government Health IT et al.

ONC To Seek Consumer Input on Using Mobile Tools for Health Data

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT plans to seek public comment on a proposal to expand an educational campaign's data collection effort to gauge public interest in using mobile devices to communicate personal health information. Modern Healthcare.

Mostashari Urges Health Care Providers To Move Forward in Adopting IT

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari is urging health care providers to move ahead with achieving meaningful use, developing accountable care organizations and transitioning to ICD-10 code sets, despite industry concerns. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

ONC Appoints New Deputy Coordinator for Programs and Policy

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari announced that Judy Murphy will serve as the new deputy national coordinator for programs and policy at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. She starts her new role on Dec. 5. Health Data Management et al.

Federal Health IT Activity Heats Up in Q3 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

There were numerous federal health IT developments during the third quarter of 2011. For example, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released its final health IT strategic plan, and President Obama proclaimed a week in September as National Health IT Week.

Private Sector Steps Up Training Efforts To Boost U.S. Health Care IT Workforce

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Helen Figge of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Bill Rudman of the American Health Information Management Association and Alice Hill of Dice.com spoke with iHealthBeat about private-sector efforts to help support and boost the country's health IT workforce.

ONC Adds New Senior Leadership Position To Handle Daily Operations

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has created a new position of principal deputy. The position is charged with overseeing day-to-day operations, decision making and staff management. Government Health IT.

ONC, Health 2.0 Launch Challenge To Develop PopHealth Applications

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and Health 2.0 have teamed up for a contest inviting developers to use the open-source popHealth framework to create applications to help health providers address disparities and engage with patients. Government Health IT.

The Next Five Years in Health IT: ONC's Plan for the Future

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The recently released Federal Health IT Strategic Plan outlines the federal government's goals for using health IT to improve health care over the next five years. The plan incorporates policy priorities included in the HITECH Act and the health reform law.

ONC Awards Contract for Creation of Electronic Patient Consent System

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has awarded a contract worth more than $1.2 million to APP Design to develop an electronic tool that would help patients decide whether to consent to the sharing of their health data. Modern Healthcare, Healthcare IT News.

Mostashari: Panel Should Push Forward on Exchange Standards

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari recently urged the Health IT Standards Committee to push forward on releasing national standards to facilitate health data exchange. The standards panel also unveiled a subcommittee report with recommendations for health data exchange standards, services and policies. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.

ONC Seeks To Increase Consumer Engagement in Health IT Initiatives

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During this week's Health 2.0 Conference, officials said the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT plans to focus more on consumer engagement in health IT. Officials said ONC aims to make it easier for patients to access and use their health data. HealthLeaders Media.

Data Take Center Stage at Health 2.0 Conference

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

As efforts to get consumers actively involved in health IT mature, the focus at the Fifth Annual Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco showed an evolutionary shift away from getting the conversation started and toward deciding what to talk about.

Groups Urge ONC Not To Include Metadata Standards in Stage 2

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the American Hospital Association have sent letters asking the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT not to include metadata standards in Stage 2 meaningful use criteria. Modern Healthcare et al.

ONC Releases Final Version of Federal Health IT Strategic Plan

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released the final version of its Federal Health IT Strategic Plan for 2011 through 2015 after receiving about 240 comments on a draft version of the plan. In the final plan, ONC calls for the creation of a task force to develop an updated approach to certain privacy and security issues. Modern Healthcare, Government Health IT.

ONC Aims To Improve Consumer Engagement With E-Health Program

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is creating the Consumer e-Health Program to help boost individuals' engagement with their health care. The program will focus in the areas of patient access, action and attitude. Becker's Hospital Review, ONC's "Health IT Buzz."

Obama Proclaims Health IT Week; Sebelius Gives Meaningful Use Update

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

President Obama has proclaimed that Sept. 11 through Sept. 16 will be federally recognized as National Health IT Week. Meanwhile, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has offered an update on the meaningful use program. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

ONC Launches New Website Offering Health IT Resources

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has launched its new HealthIT.gov website, which aims to provide information on health IT issues to patients and health care providers. The new website will connect users to various resources, such as information about the privacy of electronic health records and guidance on implementing EHR systems. Modern Healthcare.

Jury Still Out on Health IT Workforce Training Programs

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Federally funded health IT training programs have begun churning out graduates to help address the country's health IT workforce shortage. Despite the demand for skilled health IT professionals, some graduates say they have been unable to find a job.

ONC Seeks Comment on Plan To Reduce Disparities in Health IT

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is accepting public comment on draft recommendations designed to help reduce disparities in health IT use. The recommendations outline various steps and strategies policymakers could take to curb health IT disparities as they work to implement the goals of the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. Health Data Management et al.

Building Public Trust in Electronic Health Information Exchange

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The privacy and security "Tiger Team" has been prolific in its issuance of recommendations on everything from patient consent to authentication. The group's recommendations are likely to factor strongly into the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's privacy- and security-related policymaking.

ONC Plans Two Pilots To Test Recommendations on Metadata Standards

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will launch two pilot programs to test recommendations on certain metadata standards for health information exchange. Metadata standards could become part of the requirements for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. Modern Healthcare et al.

ONC Campaign To Stress Consumer Engagement Through Health IT

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Next month, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT plans to start a campaign that will promote health IT use to improve consumer engagement in health care. Federal officials discussed the effort during a Consumer Consortium on eHealth meeting. Government Health IT.

Network Aims To Help Beacon Communities Share Best Practices

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and two other organizations are setting up the new Beacon Evidence and Innovation Network, which aims to help Beacon communities record and exchange information about best practices in health IT. Government Health IT.

Health IT Standards Committee Weighs E-Rx, Vocabulary Guidelines

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During a meeting this week, Health IT Standards Committee members considered how to establish rules on electronic prescribing and clinical quality vocabulary to guide health care providers and vendors under Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. Government Health IT.

CMS Provides Answers for 15 More FAQs on Meaningful Use Issues

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Federal officials have posted responses to 15 more frequently asked questions about the meaningful use program, with many new FAQs relating to critical access hospitals. CMS now offers 175 FAQs on meaningful use. Health Data Management, Government Health IT.

ONC Seeks Vendor To Develop Health IT Videos for Consumers

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is searching for a vendor to design animated videos explaining the value of health IT to the public. The purpose of the videos is to help boost support and demand for health IT tools and services. Vendors interested in the project must respond to ONC's announcement by July 26. Government Health IT.

Four More States Kick Off Medicaid Incentive Programs for EHR Use

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Arizona, Connecticut, Rhode Island and West Virginia have joined 17 other states in starting Medicaid incentive payment programs for the meaningful use of electronic health records. Other states plan to launch Medicaid incentive programs this year. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.

Mostashari Supports Delay for Next Stage of Meaningful Use

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:00:00 GMT

National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari says he supports delaying Stage 2 of the meaningful use program by one year for health care providers attesting to Stage 1 this year. The delay is meant to give health care providers who attest to Stage 1 and health IT vendors more time to prepare for the next stage of the incentive payment program. Health Data Management.

ONC On Track To Release Stage 2 Rules Next Year, Mostashari Says

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During a summit on health IT in Washington, D.C., National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is on track to release the final rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program by 2012. Mostashari added that the final rules will be similar to recommendations from the Health IT Policy Committee. HealthLeaders Media et al.

Mostashari Praises First Graduates of Health IT Work Training Program

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari recently addressed the first graduates of a university-based health IT training program. In total, about 500 students are expected to graduate from nine such programs this summer. Healthcare IT News, United Press International.

ONC Collaborates With CDC, Diabetes Group on Mobile Health Initiative

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association and CDC to launch a public health campaign that will use mobile health technology to provide people with information about diabetes. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

ONC Makes Available Health IT Training Materials for Public Use

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has opened up to the public teaching materials that can serve as a framework for health IT training programs. The move aims to address an expected shortage of health IT workers. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.

Meducation Application Receives Top Honor in Health IT App Contest

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Meducation application, which provides simplified medication instructions in several languages, won first place in a federally funded health IT app contest run by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School. NextGov's "Health IT Update" et al.

ONC To Propose Rule on Metadata Standards, Seek Feedback From Public

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is planning to publish a proposed rule on the use of metadata standards. ONC chief Farzad Mostashari said his office aims to learn from other groups' experiences with metadata through feedback on the proposed rule. Government Health IT.

Mostashari Discusses Need for EHR Usability Measures, Other Issues

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In an interview, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari called for health IT stakeholders to agree on important usability measures for electronic health records. He also discussed health data exchange issues and current federal mandates. Government Health IT.

Health Groups Outline Steps To Improve Meaningful Use Efforts

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Seven health care industry groups have sent a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recommending five strategies HHS could pursue to help health care providers meet meaningful use requirements. The groups encourage HHS to reduce regulatory complexity, clarify health IT certification processes and re-evaluate the timeline for Stage 2 of meaningful use. FierceEMR et al.

Mostashari Says Better EHR Marketplace Could Help Boost Competition

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

At a conference in Washington, D.C., National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said a better marketplace for electronic health records could improve competition among vendors. Other speakers also weighed in on health IT issues. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.

ONC Blog Post Aims To Clarify Misconceptions About EHR Certification

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has published a blog post aiming to separate fact and fiction regarding electronic health record certification. The post addresses several myths and facts about EHR certification. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.