The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense fiscal year 2013 integrated EHR expenditure plan fell short of meeting conditions established in the 2013 appropriation act, according to the General Accounting Office.

A data breach in California compromised the Social Security numbers of about 18,000 physicians.

The biggest health IT news this week occurred during the Health IT Policy Committee as the group endorsed recommendations for Meaningful Use Stage 3, accountable care, a Health IT Safety Center and more.

No association exists between EHR adoption at hospitals and increases in coded patient acuity or Medicare payments, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

As essential healthcare hubs for patients in remote or rural areas, critical access hospitals especially benefit from health IT systems and capabilities, according to a Health IT Buzz blog post authored by Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT officials.

Eligible hospitals that have attested to Meaningful Use Stage 2 are primarily medium to large-sized; whereas eligible professionals tend to be larger physician groups in urban settings.

Stakeholders agree that Meaningful Use Stage 1 was a resounding success, but characterize MU Stage 2 as challenging and difficult, the MU Workgroup reported at the Health IT Policy Committee meeting on July 8.

Two CIOs at healthcare organizations shared experiences and insight on Meaningful Use Stage 2 attestation at the Health IT Policy Committee meeting on July 8.