Group Looks to Hasten the Road to Interoperability

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole and George Mitchell. The organization’s mission is to”combine politically-balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach.” In 2008 the Center launched the Health Project as a first step in developing a bipartisan approach to meet the demands of health reform challenges. The Health Project is led by former Senate Majority Leaders Tom Daschle and Dr. Bill Frist.

Yesterday the Center hosted a bipartisan briefing:  Accelerating Electronic Health Information Sharing to Improve Quality and Reduce Costs in Health Care. The event highlighted innovation and collaboration in the private sector and across states to promote and accelerate the sharing of electronic health information. Also included in the day’s event was discussion related to the sharing requirements included in Stage 2 Meaningful Use.

Led by Frist and ONC Farzad Mostashari, the event brought together public policy figures, healthcare leaders and stakeholders to discuss two companion reports released as part of the event.

1. Results of a survey of practicing clinicians regarding priority electronic health information needs for transitions of care, included in a report released by Doctors Helping Doctors Transform Health Care in collaboration with the Bipartisan Policy Center. Download the report.
2. Bipartisan Policy Center findings and recommendations for accelerating the electronic sharing of information across physician practices, hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, and patients, to support clinical decision-making and coordinated, accountable, patient-centered care shown to reduce costs and improve quality. Download the report.

The day’s discussion centering on health information exchange looked at ideas and proposals to hasten interoperability. Check out the full agenda. You can also watch and listen to the entire event on the BPC website. And make sure to follow BPC on Twitter @BPC_Bipartisan.