Opinion

Opinion

Federal health care policy issues and health care reform

• Information blocking rule aims to facilitate health data exchange

  The recent information blocking rule from ONC penalizes healthcare organizations and EHR vendors that prevent patients from accessing their health data.  Continue Reading

• March to value-based healthcare results in 'payviders'

  Our columnist's research indicates that value-based care is prompting the creation of 'payviders,' but the pace is slow. Technological considerations also come into play.  Continue Reading

• Value-based healthcare is steeped in technology and policy

  Improving patient health outcomes through value-based approaches requires skills from physicians, analysis from technology pros and guidance from federal regulators.  Continue Reading

• Patient involvement in care needs a nudge from technology

  Perhaps it's been overstated that healthcare trails other industries when it comes to adopting software, but patient engagement offers a worthy way for hospitals to catch up.  Continue Reading

• Despite increased funding for precision medicine, challenges remain

  The 21st Century Cures Act provides funding for precision medicine and cancer research, but current EHR systems aren't equipped with advanced analytics or genomics data capabilities.  Continue Reading

• At ATA 2016, American Well telemedicine draws attention

  American Well is getting attention for its new telemedicine exchange while The New York Times also picked up on the development as the telehealth industry poises for growth.  Continue Reading

• Social media could lead to accountable care organization participation

  Building off providers' knowledge of social media tools could lead to more collaborative care and boost ACO participation.  Continue Reading

• National Health IT Coordinator Karen DeSalvo, M.D., in her own words

  Karen DeSalvo, the National Health IT coordinator, talks about what brought her to the ONC and how her experiences will inform her tenure there.  Continue Reading

• Healthcare trends and EHR incentives yet to fix what ails industry

  Physician EHR incentives for using health IT paved the way for new healthcare trends aimed at improving health and lowering costs.  Continue Reading

• Chief information officers under the gun of upcoming standards

  Some chief information officers are replacing their EHRs. Add that to coming regulations and the next few years will be full of health IT compliance.  Continue Reading

• ONC outlines future healthcare technology plans ahead of HIMSS 2014

  On the eve of HIMSS 2014, a federal agency's plan to make patients the center of care by 2020 looks attainable, at least to our health IT expert.  Continue Reading

• HIT Happens: Saving U.S. healthcare economics rests on data governance

  Can data governance be the missing link to solve the economic woes of U.S. healthcare? Tell me this: Would you rather bet on our CIOs, or politicians?  Continue Reading

• Digital radiology may improve accuracy, quality with peer review

  The latest digital imaging platforms increase the possibility of radiology diagnostic peer review. Is U.S. healthcare ready?  Continue Reading

• Personal health records, patient engagement and EHR meaningful use

  Pros and cons of provider-based personal health records versus emerging PHR models, and how they all could drive patient engagement.  Continue Reading