From the ONC Desk

Portrait of Dr. Farzad Mostashari

Proposed ACO Rule A Change for Delivery System Transformation

Dr. Farzad Mostashari | April 1, 2011

Yesterday’s release of the notice of proposed rulemaking for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) is another reminder of the synergies to be found in the meaningful use of health information technology (health IT) and delivery system transformation. Because health IT tools are an essential foundation to support the kinds of coordinated, patient-centered, and accountable care envisioned by the ACO program, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and the Centers for Medicare &

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Portrait of David Hunt

HHS to Launch Workgroup to Help Eliminate Health Disparities

David Hunt | March 31, 2011

Despite continued advances in heath care and technology, racial and ethnic minorities continue to have higher rates of disease, disability, and premature death than non-minorities. In response to this discrepancy, HHS is preparing to launch the National Partnership for Action, which will be the first HHS national plan to eliminate health disparities—persistent gaps between the health status of minorities and non-minorities. Health information technology (HIT) is a critical aspect of this plan. 

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Portrait of Dr. David Blumenthal

ONC Seeks Comment on the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 2011-2015

Dr. David Blumenthal | March 25, 2011

Providing strategic leadership to public and private sector efforts to improve health and health care through the use of information and technology is a key responsibility of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The Federal Health IT Strategic Plan (“the Plan”) [PDF – 1 MB] is an important tool for guiding national efforts and investments in health IT over the next several years. 

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Portrait of Patricia Dombrowski

Getting to Know Your Community College Consortium: Part 1, Region A

Patricia Dombrowski | March 23, 2011

Providers will need an increased workforce of skilled health IT specialists as they transition to electronic health records (EHRs).
That’s why the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) created the Community College Consortia to Educate Health Information Professionals Program, which is a part of ONC’s Health IT Workforce Development Program.

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