In February 2009, the federal government passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) providing much needed support to an industry that has struggled in a financially challenging landscape. The federal government is projected to spend at least $300 million in support of health information exchange (HIE) activities in 2009 and 2010. While it is uncertain the impact of future funding, ARRA has helped energize the field in recent months. In addition, the new phrase “meaningful use” puts a strong emphasis on the ability of providers to exchange information in order to receive incentives from the federal government through Medicare and Medicaid payments.
However, the concern of sustainability and participation continue to plague HIEs at the local, regional, and state levels. What capabilities are of value and will attract participants and contributors of health information? All of these concerns have created many approaches and solutions to address the HIE environment.
What do you think will attract the provider and payor communities to want to participate in your area HIE and what capabilities do you think patients and the general healthcare community would want to see in their HIE?
Tell us what you think. Add a comment here…
