The Department of Health and Human Services reported an uptick in insurance enrollees late last month—with 2.1 million individuals signed on and another 3.9 million qualified for Medicaid. As the program takes effect, some consumers are still struggling to sign up while insurance exchanges scramble to process new enrollees and handle inevitable glitches.

Healthcare spending growth remained at a near-record low for the fourth consecutive year, according to a report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Office of the Actuary.

Healthcare providers are increasingly using digital documentation in Medicare review programs, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights issued a proposed rule relaxing certain HIPAA regulations that ultimately would serve to tighten gun background checks.

The mHealth Regulatory Coalition is urging Congress to hold off on passing legislation further regulating health IT until the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act workgroup releases its report.

2013 was a big year on every front impacting health IT. From changes in leadership to changes in timelines to concerns about readiness, Meaningful Use, ICD-10 and more continue to drive health IT efforts.

Individuals and organizations across the country and industry are praising the choice of Karen DeSalvo, MD, MPH, MSc, as the new head of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.

It’s been a big week for health IT with the Department of Health & Human Services announcing the next leader of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.