Healthcare IT Under Stress

In a recent article by CIO, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is having a tough year. For example, ONC went through five coordinators since it began in 2003. Also, over the last six months, ONC has lost five key officials.

Mark Hagland of Healthcare Informatics points out that “Without some kind of remedial backstopping… massive numbers of hospitals and physicians will face penalties after 2017”. Additionally, he expresses that ONC remains "essentially adrift" without a full-time leader. Meaningful Use faces an "impaired" present and an uncertain future, with the requirements for stage 3 (set to begin in 2017) largely undefined.

In order for healthcare to change, it has to work for it. As healthcare takes a stride toward modernity, leaders should demand a strong, confident voice in their corner.

Summary by MedicalGroups.com

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