Welcome to the Health IT Buzz Blog
Learn more about HHS’s Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
A Reminder from the HHS Office of the Inspector General about Information Blocking and the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute
Daniel Levinson | October 6, 2015
This week, the Department marks “National Health IT Week” 2015. In connection with the Department’s efforts, my office has issued a new OIG Alert entitled “OIG Policy Reminder: Information Blocking and the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute”.
Health IT has become a critical part of the health care system and offers opportunities to improve patient care, make practice management more efficient, and improve public health. We also know that we must be vigilant in ensuring that health IT is used to achieve these benefits and not as a tool to facilitate health care fraud.
Consumer Engagement Harnessing Consumer Engagement for Better Health, Better Care and Lower Cost
Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo | October 1, 2015
Today, ONC joins hundreds of providers, consumers, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and federal and private sector partners to celebrate advancements in consumer engagement through health IT at its premier consumer event: the Fifth Annual Consumer Health IT Summit (#consumersummit15). We have a lot of success to celebrate, a lot of exciting developments to share with one another, and yes, -a lot of work still to do.
Read Full Post.
Health Innovation A Presidential Innovation Fellow’s View on APIs, Patient Empowerment, and Improving Health Outcomes
Gajen Sunthara | September 25, 2015
For the past year, I have been honored to serve my country as a Presidential Innovation Fellow (PIF) with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). As my PIF journey comes to an end, I wanted to provide a brief recap of my work and its potential for the future.
Read Full Post.
Privacy and Security Shining a Light on Secure Health Big Data and Digital Privacy
Kathryn Marchesini | September 24, 2015
Through the proliferation of software applications and mobile technology, the amount of identifiable health information being collected, analyzed, and used is growing exponentially. As the volume, velocity, and variety of such information activities continue to grow, ONC is looking at how to protect that information from potential risks that may arise from unknown and inappropriate use.
Read Full Post.
ONC Publishes Final Federal Health IT Strategic Plan 2015-2020
Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo | September 21, 2015
Most people that use GPS navigation apps aren’t concerned with the backend development, the standards used, or whether the app is interoperable with other data sources – people just want to arrive at their destination quickly and safely. Similarly, when faced with critical health care choices, having the information and tools to help individuals, providers, and communities safely arrive at their health destinations should be as efficient and accessible as a GPS. Health information technology (IT) is the key to getting us where we want to go – allowing for seamless use of information and technology to overcome challenges and make decisions.
Read Full Post.