Heathcare policy and regulation
Health information technology policy and regulation encompass guidelines, standards and laws designed to govern the use, management, exchange and protection of electronic health information. Read how federal, state and local rulemaking ensures data privacy, improves healthcare outcomes, enhances system efficiency, and maintains data security.
Top Stories
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Feature
24 Oct 2024
Healthcare provider tips to avoid information blocking
Enforcement of the information blocking rule is underway, with a final rule from HHS and CMS outlining significant penalties for healthcare providers. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2024
ASTP highlights ongoing issues with information blocking
Despite prohibition of information blocking in April 2021, issues with the access, exchange and use of electronic health information (EHI) persist across the care continuum. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2024
What is an electronic health record (EHR)?
An electronic health record (EHR) is an individual's official health document that's shared among multiple facilities and agencies. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2024
Tripathi: Behavior is biggest health data exchange barrier
With hundreds of information blocking complaints reported to ASTP/ONC, the agency is ramping up oversight and enforcement efforts to address health data exchange barriers. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Oct 2024
What is PHI (protected or personal health information)?
Protected health information (PHI), also referred to as 'personal health information,' is the demographic information, medical histories, test and laboratory results, physical and mental health conditions, insurance information and other data that a healthcare professional collects to identify an individual and determine appropriate care. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Sep 2024
What is HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) Act of 2009?
The HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) Act of 2009 is legislation that was created to stimulate the adoption of electronic health records (EHR) and the supporting technology in the United States. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2024
What is pay for performance (P4P)?
Pay for performance (P4P) in healthcare is a payment model where hospitals, physicians and other healthcare workers are given financial incentives for meeting performance objectives. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2024
Key challenges for the California Data Exchange Framework
While California's Data Exchange Framework (DxF) aims to enhance statewide data sharing, success hinges on integrating community-based organizations and focusing on specific use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Aug 2024
What is ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification)?
The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, also known simply as ICD-9-CM, is the U.S. healthcare system's adaptation of the World Health Organization's (WHO) ICD-9 standard list of six-character alphanumeric codes to describe medical diagnoses and procedures and to track diseases and mortality. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2024
HHS proposed rule seeks to align health IT investments
The proposed rule, which is available for public comment until October 8, 2024, would require HHS contractors to use certified health IT to promote interoperability. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jul 2024
HHS reorganizes for coordination across health data policy
The HHS reorganization aims to improve coordination for strategy and policy across health data, cybersecurity, AI and technology as digital health transformation progresses. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2024
HHS releases HTI-2 proposed rule for interoperability
HHS's HTI-2 proposed rule aims to improve health data interoperability with new certification criteria and updates to information blocking regulations. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2024
HHS establishes provider information blocking disincentives
A new HHS final rule outlines information blocking disincentives for healthcare providers across several CMS programs, including the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2024
personally identifiable information (PII)
Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that could potentially identify a specific individual. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jun 2024
ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification)
The ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification) is a system used by physicians and other healthcare providers to classify and code all diagnoses, symptoms and procedures related to inpatient and outpatient medical care in the United States. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
electronic protected health information (ePHI)
Electronic protected health information (ePHI) is protected health information that is produced, saved, transferred or received in an electronic form. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Feb 2024
ICD-10-PCS (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System)
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) is an American adaptation of the World Health Organization's ICD-10 system, tailored for procedural coding in inpatient and hospital settings. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2024
ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision)
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), is a global standard for classifying and coding mortality and morbidity data. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2024
Safeguards Needed for Generative AI EHR Data Summarization
A viewpoint published in JAMA notes that EHR data summarization LLMs could perpetuate bias, underscoring the need for FDA oversight. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2024
CMS Releases Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule
The CMS final rule requires impacted payers to implement an HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) API to automate the prior authorization process between providers and payers. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2024
ONC Final Rule Updates Health IT Certification for Interoperability
The final rule updates the baseline version of the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) standard to Version 3 for the ONC Health IT Certification Program. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2023
GAO Appoints New Members to Health IT Advisory Committee
GAO added five new health IT leaders to the committee, including Lee Fleisher, MD, former chief medical officer and director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality at CMS. Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2023
ONC Finalizes Rule to Drive Health IT Interoperability, AI Transparency
The final rule adopts USCDI Version 3 as the new baseline standard within the ONC Health IT Certification Program to advance health IT interoperability. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2023
ONC Launches New USCDI+ Platform to Drive Data Harmonization
According to ONC officials, the platform provides an enhanced user experience compared to previous USCDI+ data collection and review tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Aug 2023
How NCQA is Driving Health Equity Through Inclusive HEDIS Measures
NCQA recently removed gendered language from several HEDIS measures to drive care access and health equity for LGBTQ+ individuals. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2023
ONC Adds 20 New Data Elements to USCDI v4 to Drive Interoperability
Based on stakeholder feedback, ONC added a data element to USCDI v4 that aims to improve the interoperability of allergen information. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2023
Oklahoma Governor Rejects Proposed Rule Changes for Statewide HIE
Healthcare providers across the state have argued that a statewide health information exchange (HIE) would be a violation of patient privacy. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2023
EHR Documentation Time Dips After CMS E/M Coding Changes
While EHR documentation time has decreased since CMS changed its E/M coding requirements in 2021, the degree of reduction is less than CMS estimated. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2023
VA Executives Call for Modifications to House EHR Reform Proposals
If passed, the EHR Modernization Improvement Act would prevent VA from implementing its new EHR at additional facilities without sign-off from senior clinicians. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2023
Senate Republicans Introduce VA EHRM Standardization, Accountability Act
The VA EHRM Standardization and Accountability Act would create a rigorous list of requirements the agency must meet before further implementation. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2023
Senate Democrats Plan to Introduce Legislation for VA EHRM Program Overhaul
The bill aims to restructure, enhance, and strengthen the VA EHRM program while mandating aggressive reporting to Congress to increase oversight. Continue Reading
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News
24 Mar 2023
Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Revamp VA EHRM Management
The IT Modernization Improvement Act would require VA to contract for an independent assessment of four IT programs, including the EHRM. Continue Reading
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News
10 Mar 2023
Biden’s 2024 Fiscal Budget Request Seeks $1.9B for VA EHR Modernization
The fiscal 2024 budget request asks Congress for additional funding to support the troubled VA EHR modernization project. Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2023
House Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Amend VA EHR Modernization Program
The VA EHR Modernization Improvement Act would require senior clinician sign-off for VA to implement the Oracle Cerner EHR platform at additional facilities. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2023
EHNAC Announces Finalized 2023 Health IT Accreditation Criteria
The new health IT accreditation criteria include updates to the EHNAC ePrescribing accreditation program (ePAP-EHN). Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2022
HHS Proposes New Data Standards for Electronic Health Data Sharing
The proposed data standards aim to create a consistent framework to support the needs for electronic health data sharing, including healthcare claims, prior authorization transactions, and signatures. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2022
GAO Appoints 7 Members to Health IT Advisory Committee Â
The new members of the Health IT Advisory Committee include experts in prescription drug monitoring data exchange and patient management of health data. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2022
ONC Outlines Health IT Certification Tips for 2015 Edition Cures Update
While ONC Health IT Certification Program participation is voluntary, not complying with the 2015 Edition Cures Update can negatively affect end users’ ability to meet other HHS requirements. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2022
ONC Announces LEAP in Health IT Awardees Centered on Health Equity
AllianceChicago is piloting a health IT project with community partners to use HL7 FHIR to better address SDOH for individuals experiencing homelessness. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2022
The Joint Commission Joins White House Coalition for SDOH Data Collection
The Sync for Social Needs coalition aims to support health equity by improving SDOH data collection, including nutrition information, in the EHR. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2022
EHNAC Releases 2023 Health IT Accreditation Criteria for Public Review
Healthcare stakeholders can review EHNAC’s new versions of program criteria for health IT accreditation until November 28. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
ONC Mulls Health Information Exchange Data for Patient-Centered Research
ONC plans to implement data standards, APIs, and machine learning (ML) infrastructure to leverage health information exchange data for patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) about COVID-19. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2022
EHNAC Releases New Criteria for Health IT Accreditation Programs
The updated health IT accreditation criteria was revived to align with federal regulations such as HIPAA/HITECH, 21st Century Cures Act, and TEFCA. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2022
ONC Approves New Testing Method for Standardized API Criterion
Approving a new testing method provides health IT developers with another option for testing standardized API criteria for the ONC Health IT Certification Program. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jul 2022
Guidance Needed on Information Blocking Rule Research Implications
While the information blocking rule applies to clinical research data sharing, it is unclear how organizations should negotiate the law in the context of existing regulations. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2022
ONC Announces Approved Health IT Data Standards for SVAP
The newest version of SVAP will advance ten health IT data standards that ONC said respond to industry needs. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2022
Biden Signs Law to Improve VA EHRM Program Transparency
This law will require the VA to provide Congress with periodic reports regarding EHRM program progress and costs, in hopes of increasing transparency. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2022
How ONC Can Improve Electronic Prior Authorization Data Standards
Information exchange barriers have impacted patients, caregivers, clinicians, and payers, notably in the case of prior electronic authorization, the lack of data standards has led to burden among these groups. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2022
Senate Passes Legislation for VA EHRM Program Transparency, Reporting
If signed into law, the legislation will help increase EHRM program transparency by requiring the VA secretary to submit periodic reports to Congress. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
CMS Needs Better Medicaid Data Quality to Support Health Equity
A national Medicaid survey could help improve race and ethnicity data quality to strengthen health equity efforts. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2022
ONC PHIT Workforce Program Recipients Take Strides Toward Diversity
In late 2021, the ONC Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program (PHIT Workforce Program) allotted $73 million to increase diversity within the health IT industry. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2022
Healthcare Orgs Call Congress to Remove National Patient Identifier Ban
Over 100 healthcare organizations signed a letter urging Congress to remove language in a bill that prohibits the use of federal dollars to adopt a national patient identifier standard. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Apr 2022
pharmaceutical detailing
Pharmaceutical detailing is a 1:1 marketing technique pharmaceutical companies use to educate a physician about a vendor's products, hoping that the physician will prescribe the company's products more often. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2022
AMA Applauds CMS Decision to Re-Open MIPS Application PeriodÂ
AMA noted that the CMS decision to re-open the MIPS application period will help physicians avoid a negative 2023 payment adjustment. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2022
How Health IT Design, Data Standards Can Help Boost Health Equity
Ensuring health IT developers design systems with a particular focus on health equity is critical, ONC officials noted. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2022
How Hospitals Should Approach EHR Self-Assessment, ONC SAFER Guides
Hospitals should take a multidisciplinary approach when using the ONC SAFER Guides for EHR self-assessment, an article published in JAMA noted. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2022
How ONC Ensures Certified Health IT Conformance Post Lab-Testing
Since 2017, ONC and ONC-Authorized Certification Bodies have reviewed and acted on 383 complaints regarding certified health IT products. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2022
ONC Calls for Input on Electronic Prior Authorization Data Standards
ONC has called on stakeholders to submit input related to electronic prior authorization data standards and health IT implementation specifications. Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2021
How Data Exchange Laws May Affect Information Blocking Exceptions
In a recent blog post, ONC’s Steven Posnack noted the importance of understanding the information blocking provisions in context with additional data exchange laws. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2021
ONC Shifts SVAP Timeline, Health IT Data Standards Coordination
ONC has announced changes to its SVAP timeline to better support the health IT data standards community. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2021
Should EHR Vendors Share Health IT Patient Safety Responsibility?
CMS should require EHR vendors to conduct self-assessments on their health IT products to ensure patient safety, according to a JAMA op-ed. Continue Reading
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News
23 Aug 2021
How a 21st Century Cures 2.0 Could Support Patient Experience Data
Over 20 advocacy organizations penned a letter in support of the Cures 2.0 discussion draft which emphasizes patient experience data exchange. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jul 2021
ONC Drafts Health IT Developer Measures for EHR Reporting Program
The draft set of developer measures are for health IT certification through the Cures Act’s EHR reporting program and focus on healthcare interoperability. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2021
What Providers Should Know for CMS Interoperability Rule Compliance
CMS will enforce the CMS Interoperability and Patient Access final rule requirements starting on July 1, 2021. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2021
Few FL Medicaid Docs Stuck With Meaningful Use Attestation
After receiving the first-year meaningful use EHR incentives, most Florida Medicaid providers dropped out of the program. Continue Reading
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News
07 Apr 2021
Indian Health Service Requests Health IT Strategic Planning Aid
The Indian Health Service is requesting a partner to publish a new health IT strategic plan while it is in the midst of a health IT modernization. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2021
ONC Interoperability Rule Information Blocking Regulations Launch
Following a significant delay, ONC has officially put the 21st Century Cures Act information blocking provisions into effect. Continue Reading
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News
05 Apr 2021
Pew Urges ONC to Expand USCDI to Boost Patient Data Exchange
Pew Charitable Trusts recommended three items for ONC to improve patient data exchange and public health. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2021
EHR Data is as Effective as COVID-19 Contact Tracing Methods
Researchers found a 10.1 percent transmission risk percentage with EHR data, which was on par with traditional contact tracing methods. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2021
How ONC is Addressing EHR Clinician Burnout, Health IT Barriers
Since the passage of the HITECH Act, ONC has aimed to mitigate EHR clinician burnout and improve EHR satisfaction through regulations. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2021
athenahealth Fined $18.25M for Illegal EHR Kickback Scheme
athenahealth will pay a monumental fine after conducting three illegal marketing kickback schemes to increase EHR sales. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
API Adoption Can Accelerate Interoperability, Patient Data Exchange
API adoption can streamline patient access to data, promote the use of clinical decision support tools, and boost both interoperability and patient data exchange between providers. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2021
Micky Tripathi Named New National Coordinator for Health IT
Micky Tripathi will lead the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT under the Joe Biden administration. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2021
NQF Issues Guidelines for High EHR Data Quality, Quality Measures
The National Quality Forum responded to its initial environmental scan with its final recommendations for EHR data quality. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2021
How the ONC Interoperability Rule Could Mitigate COVID-19
Pew Charitable Trusts explained why the government needs to enforce the ONC interoperability rule to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
ONC Issues Health IT Developer Resource List for Interoperability Rule
The ONC issued three valuable resources for health IT developers to comply with the upcoming compliance dates for the interoperability rule. Continue Reading
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Quiz
28 Dec 2020
Get started on your HCISPP training with this practice quiz
Are you thinking of taking the HCISPP exam? If so, here's 10 practice questions from Sean P. Murphy's 'HCISPP All-in-One Exam Guide' to help get you started. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2020
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Dec 2018
Meaningful Use
In the context of health IT, meaningful use is a term used to define minimum U.S. government standards for electronic health records (EHR), outlining how clinical patient data should be exchanged between healthcare providers, between providers and insurers and between providers and patients. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2017
accountable care organization (ACO)
An accountable care organization (ACO) is an association of hospitals, healthcare providers and insurers in which all parties voluntarily assume financial and medical responsibility for Medicare patients. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Nov 2017
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, ACA or Obamacare)
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (more commonly referred to as the Affordable Care Act, ACA or Obamacare) is a healthcare law passed by Congress in 2010 during the administration of President Barack Obama. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2017
ONC (Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology)
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, abbreviated ONC, is an entity within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Aug 2017
MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015)
MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015) is U.S. healthcare legislation that provides a new framework for reimbursing clinicians who successfully demonstrate value over volume in patient care. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Mar 2017
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Promoting a healthy general public and sharing data about chronic diseases are main goals of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Mar 2017
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is a professional organization that promotes the business and clinical uses of electronic and paper-based medical information. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Sep 2016
meaningful use stage 3
Meaningful use stage 3 is the third phase of the federal incentive program that details requirements for the use of electronic health record systems by hospitals and eligible healthcare professionals. However, the new MACRA law will change the overall meaningful use program, which may eventually lessen stage 3's influence. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Sep 2016
US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is a cabinet-level agency in the executive branch of the federal government. Its mission is to enhance and protect the well-being of all Americans by providing effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health and social services. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2016
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the wing of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that runs healthcare reimbursement and health IT programs. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2015
HL7 (Health Level Seven International)
HL7 (Health Level Seven International) is a set of standards, formats and definitions for exchanging and developing electronic health records (EHRs). Continue Reading