While all are attention has been on the final rule release, the world has continued to go on. Here are a few things that you might have missed.
This week, ONC David Blumenthal and Director of CMS’ Office of e-Health Standards and Services Tony Trenkle, appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee to testify on the recently released final rules. Blumenthal defended the rules as an approach both “ambitious and achievable”. He also reminded everyone that these are stage 1 of 3 sets of objectives and measures that will build and expand to complete meaningful use by 2015. For more details read Mary Mosquera’s article in Government Health IT.
Last week, IBM announced they will invest $100 million for development of innovative evidence-based delivery systems for health care professionals and insurance companies. The project will incorporate IBM Research division scientist and technologists along with hiring 100 new stakeholders to collaborate on the project. For more details see Bloomberg Businessweek.
The FCC is expanding their internet subsidies and Health IT will get $400 million. The money will help subsidize the creation of public and non-profit broadband networks serving rural communities. This in turn will help hospitals and physicians in these areas integrate EHR systems. Read Dana Blankenhorn’s recap on the subject.
A new survey conducted by Embarcadero Technologies shows EHR implementations are the top priority among healthcare IT professionals, with 85% indicating that they are either in the midst of an EHR project or plan to start one within the next 18 months. Nearly 60% of those surveyed said they are already in the process of implementing an EHR system and 25% are planning to within the next 6 to 18 months. See more results in the CMIO.
On July 1, HHS launched its newest website, healthcare.govto help consumers navigate today’s healthcare. Read more about the site in a previous post.
Have a good weekend.