Lay of the land

The annual HIMSS conference always serves as a great barometer of the top concerns in the health IT arena. Coming on the heels of important federal government actions like the release of the proposed rule for Meaningful Use Stage 3 and the ONC’s report to Congress on information blocking in EHRs, the conference hosted much debate about the current and future state of the industry.

The report examines allegations that some providers and developers are engaging in information blocking—knowingly and unreasonably interfering with the exchange or use of electronic health information. While ONC does not have the authority to regulate prices, it could decertify EHR systems that intentionally block data sharing. But, doing so would wrongly penalize customers.

The report does not identify specific providers or developers but said ONC received 60 unsolicited complaints about potential information blocking in 2014 alone. “We are becoming increasingly concerned about these practices, which devalue taxpayer investments in health IT and are fundamentally incompatible with efforts to transform the nation’s health system.”

The CommonWell Health Alliance quickly responded with several updates during HIMSS15 on greater efforts to expand interoperability and increased capacity to do so.

Meanwhile, a panel of ONC leaders defended the requirements included in the Stage 3 Proposed rule. DeSalvo also said the proposed rule has led to great dialogue. “We want to bring people to the table. This is the time for comment. This is much more than technology. There are so many great stories about how people access their information. When it starts to work, it works great.” She also said they remain focused on outcomes but are thinking through the tools and cultural change that will bring everybody in.

However, criticism of Meaningful Use wasn't hard to find in sessions and in the exhibit hall. 

There is sure to be much more to come.

Beth Walsh

Clinical Innovation + Technology editor