ConnectVirginia DIRECT Messaging comes alive

ConnectVirginia, the commonwealth’s statewide health information exchange (HIE), is now live with DIRECT Messaging. 

ConnectVirginia DIRECT Messaging allows healthcare providers to electronically share patient health information. Based on the Direct Project, DIRECT Messaging is a “push” secure messaging system where information is sent from one registered provider directly to another registered provider who is known to the sender.

“In addition to DIRECT Messaging providing a secure means to send patient information, it also helps providers meet specific meaningful use requirements by enabling the electronic exchange of patient care summaries, results and other information,” Sandy McCleaf, executive director, ConnectVirginia, stated.

DIRECT Messaging is available free of charge until April 1, 2013. After then, a monthly fee of $15 per DIRECT Messaging address will be applied ($180 per year invoiced annually).

The Richmond-based ConnectVirginia is operating under contract with the Virginia Department of Health.

Around the web

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.