Just a short few weeks since the ONC named the first three ATCBs for certifying EHR technology, CCHIT and Drummond have given the thumbs up to the first of those EHRs. Look for the ONC’s promised page of Certified Technology soon.
The ONC also named the final two Regional Extension Centers to make it a total of 62 centers. On opposite coasts, one will service NH and the other Orange county in CA.
Staying with the ONC, check out the FAQ pages they just published. The pages cover ONC regulations, standards and certification final rule and the temporary certification program.
ONC Blumenthal testified last week for the subcommittee of the House Science and Technology committee. The hearing on September 30th for subcommittee on Technology & Innovation was Standards for Health IT: Meaningful Use and Beyond. Blumenthal began his remarks saying, “the HITECH Act represents an historic and unparalleled investment in HIT, lays the groundwork necessary to pursue the President’s goals related to improved health care quality and efficiency, and will help transform the way health care is both practiced and delivered.” Read his full testimony on the committee’s website.
It appears there are a few inconsistencies in the CMS final rule. Tony Trenkle, the director of CMS’ Office of e-Health Standards and Services reported at the HIT Policy Committee’s MU workgroup September meeting. CMS plans to publish on their web site a detailed guidance for EPs to meet quality measures and obtain incentive payments. He said this should help clarify issues and help the Policy committee in planning for recommendations for the next stages of meaningful use.
KLAS, a leading research firm that provides reviews and reports on vendors of healthcare information technology announced their eighth annual clinical market share report. The report focuses on EHR vendor systems targeting hospitals with over 200 beds. The report also states 2009 sales of those systems doubled and they credit ARRA for the boost in sales. In those sales, Cerner and Epic took home 70 percent of the new purchases. Read more details in their press release.
And for the Health-Care IT category, the Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award winner is… Connect. This software was developed by more than 20 federal agencies led by a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The technology enables enables health-care providers to exchange health information electronically. Read all the winners and runner ups in all 17 categories.
Finally a couple of short takes. Check out HIMSS new State Dashboard that identifies the HIT initiatives around the US. And HHS launched HealthCare.gov on Facebook. It offers Facebook users a new tool to understand and stay informed about the Affordable Care Act. Check it out.
That’s it for now, have a good week.