Health Innovation

ONC Explains Who Isn’t Covered by HIPAA

By William A. Hyman – Discussions of HIPAA and HIPAA violations are common in these pages, and are of course important for those subject to the requirements and wrath of HIPAA. I have also heard that “What about HIPAA?” is a question that can kill an app developer’s bid for funding.

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Criminal HIPAA Charges for Respiratory Therapist

By Bob Grant – A former respiratory therapist was convicted of wrongly accessing individually identifiable health information by a federal jury on June 23 of this year. The charges claimed that the therapist was using the information to seek, obtain, or use intravenous drugs.



Fraud Takedown: Same Old Song, Expanding Dance

By Matt Fisher – It seems as though multiple times per year the Department of Justice, HHS, or some other enforcement agency announces the largest sweep or takedown of health care related fraud. A joint Department of Justice and HHS announcement on June 22, 2016 is the latest example.


‘Digital Health’ Not Just For Well-Heeled Fitness Fiends

By Barbara Feder Ostrov – When we hear the phrase “digital health,” we might think about our Fitbit, the healthy eating app on our smartphone, or maybe a new way to email our doctor. But Fitbits aren’t particularly useful if you’re homeless, and the nutrition app won’t mean much to someone who struggles to pay for groceries.


8 Things About Healthcare Analytics That May Surprise You, Part 1 of 2

By Lisa English – Yes, the terms “big data” and “analytics” are buzzwords, but they clearly highlight a shift toward data-driven decision-making with a real measurable impact on outcomes in many different industries. Savvy digital marketers now mine your digital breadcrumb trail to offer you more of what you like and attempt to discern what you need before you are aware of it yourself.



Innovation Through Collaboration

By Frank Fortner – Beth Israel Deaconess Healthcare CIO, Dr. John Halamka, recently spoke in an interview with Jonathan Bush about Meaningful Use having accomplished its initial purpose and offered his thoughts on how we get back to innovation. He said, “It got us to adoption. We moved from paper to electronic to basic electronic functionality that is good enough. But now it’s time to let loose the market for innovation.” I’ll just say what everyone else is probably thinking … amen!