Category: HIE

Although the successful exchange of health data has been a struggle in most U.S. regions, a commitment to the free flowing of information on a patient’s history—regardless of what local healthcare facility they have been at—has helped spur health information exchange (HIE) in the Midwest. Although the successful exchange of health data has been a…

In terms of healthcare technology, behavioral health has long taken a back seat to physical health. In Arizona, however, a recently launched HIE is looking to put that notion to bed. Last April, two health IT vendors—the Horsham, Pa.-based NextGen Healthcare Information Systems and its sister company, Mirth, based in Costa Mesa, Calif.—announced the launch…

By giving up as executive director of Inland Empire HIE, Richard Swafford, Ph.D. is the latest example that those aiming to create regional and statewide health information exchanges (HIE) are doing yeoman’s work. As Swafford said, “HIE is hard.” Richard Swafford, Ph.D. is the latest example that those aiming to create regional and statewide health…

I have now been a Federal Employee for a couple of months, the first time since I mustered out of the Army in 1983.  Having spent all of my professional life in areas other than the federal government, I had previously viewed government’s work with suspicion and skepticism. The challenges I faced as my career…

The percentage of hospitals electronically exchanging health information with health-care providers outside their IT network has steadily increased since the establishment of the federal State Health Information Exchange Program, according to a data brief released by the ONC last week. Health IT Policy Update – April 20, 2015 Federal Affairs 90-Day Reporting Period, Changes to…

For any woman, a diagnosis of breast cancer can be frightening. But as Rita Wilson’s recent experience shows, engaging with the keystone of the diagnosis – the pathology report – can be critical in achieving good outcomes. Informed by rigorous scientific processes, training and team discussion, pathology reports identify a diagnosis, help indicate the right…

0 It’s the end of the road for HIMSS15 and a hectic week in general for health IT followers. How do you put the craziness into words? I think one HIE thought leader did a good job of doing just that. Alas, we’ve reached the end of another year of HIMSSanity. So long Chicago. I’d…

By John Halamka The daytime temperatures are in the 60’s and the evening temperatures are in the 40’s. The heated buckets in the barn can finally be retired. The heated bases for the poultry waterers and stock pond can be unplugged. The chance of frost will continue until late May, but the daily sub-freezing temperatures…

Advancing secure and interoperable exchange is a core component of the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 2015-2020 and the focus of the Nationwide Interoperability Roadmap. A key goal of both plans is to increase interoperable exchange of health information across the care continuum, and advance better care, spending health care dollars more wisely, and a…

I think this has been the case the past couple years. The Tuesday of HIMSS seems to always be my day of social media. This year was no different. This was highlighted by a meetup that Shahid Shah and myself did at the HIMSS spot. At first I wasn’t sure if anyone would show for…