Stay ahead of the headlines

Feb 24, 2025·Health System CIO

Sutter Health is revamping its integration strategy by adopting a holistic approach that prioritizes technology, personnel, and processes over simple IT system mergers. Chief Integration Officer Jacki Monson underscores the necessity of creating a seamless operational ecosystem during mergers and acquisitions, focusing on aligning culture, security, and governance standards to maintain cybersecurity across all entities. Given recent cyberattacks on healthcare organizations, Sutter Health is prioritizing cybersecurity to address vulnerabilities before advancing with IT integration, especially with hospitals that may still use paper records or varying EHR platforms. Furthermore, Sutter Health is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiencies and patient care, using AI to expedite data analysis during the integration due diligence process.

Jan 29, 2025·Healthcare IT News

MetroHealth in Cleveland has taken significant strides to improve patient care by addressing the challenges of fragmented imaging data systems. Dr. David Kaelber, chief health informatics officer, highlighted the initiative's focus on making imaging data universally accessible to all stakeholders, including patients. To facilitate this, the health system has implemented a vendor-neutral archive and a universal viewer that consolidate imaging from various specialties into a single platform, allowing seamless access through electronic health records. Additionally, patients can now view their imaging results via the Epic MyChart portal, promoting transparency and encouraging active engagement in their healthcare.

Dec 11, 2024·HealthIT.gov

The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement™ (TEFCA™) has released a new standard operating procedure (SOP) aimed at strengthening trust among organizations involved in health information exchanges. Developed with insights from Micky Tripathi and Mariann Yeager, this SOP focuses on the vetting process for organizations participating in specific "Exchange Purposes," particularly under the "TEFCA Required Treatment." This new vetting process is crucial as it requires automated disclosures, highlighting the need for a higher trust level among participants. By establishing a transparent framework, the SOP seeks to ensure that only qualified entities can engage in this exchange, thereby enhancing the integrity of the network.

Dec 1, 2024·DC Journal

The backlog in Social Security disability eligibility determinations poses a significant challenge for vulnerable Americans, often leading to financial hardships and unpaid medical expenses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) had over 1.1 million pending claims as of 2022, with many applicants potentially dying before their claims are processed. Effective solutions involve enhancing interoperability between electronic health records (EHRs) and the SSA, as many EHR systems currently encounter difficulties in directly transmitting medical documentation, delaying the evaluation process. While systems like Epic have demonstrated the potential to expedite these exchanges, allowing for faster processing times, less than 15 percent of necessary medical records are transmitted electronically, indicating a reliance on slower and more costly methods like mail or fax that could be addressed through initiatives like the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA).

Nov 4, 2024·HealthIT.gov

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT recently marked its 20th anniversary by reflecting on advancements in health information technology. The celebration included a blog series examining progress in key areas such as interoperability, e-prescribing, and patient access to information. Interoperability has improved significantly, with 70% of hospitals participating in electronic data exchange, up from 23% in 2014, although data integration challenges persist. E-prescribing usage has reached 92% among prescribers, enhancing prescription accuracy and safety, particularly for controlled substances, while highlighting a need for more consistent adoption across healthcare settings.

Oct 15, 2024·Healthcare IT News

The EHR Association has expressed serious concerns about the proposed HTI-2 rules aimed at enhancing electronic health information accessibility and interoperability. In a letter, the organization, which represents 29 members, warned that the regulations could pose challenges for IT developers and healthcare providers, potentially disrupting the current health IT landscape. Key issues include a projected 12% reduction in certified health IT solutions that may disproportionately impact smaller healthcare organizations, along with financial implications such as increased costs for providers due to a likely 11% decrease in health IT developers. The EHRA calls for modifications to the rules to mitigate these potential disruptions.

Oct 8, 2024·HealthIT.gov

Significant investments have improved the digital infrastructure of the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in EHRs and interoperability, writes Micky Tripathi, Acting Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the HHS. However, reports of potential legal violations related to information sharing raise concerns about data exchange efficacy. The 21st Century Cures Act mandates the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) for certified EHRs to enhance data accessibility. While more than 96% of hospitals and 78% of physician offices utilize certified EHRs with standardized FHIR APIs, challenges remain, including difficulties in accessing API documentation, high fees from certified developers, and hurdles in connecting with providers. The primary barriers to progress seem to be behavioral rather than technological, highlighting the need for better support and resources for API users.

Oct 7, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Particle Health has filed a lawsuit against Epic Systems in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accusing the company of monopolistic practices that restrict access to U.S. medical records and limit competition. The lawsuit alleges that Epic is using its dominant position to hinder access to patient data, particularly affecting Particle's payer software platform designed for health plans. Despite the claims, Epic has dismissed the lawsuit as unfounded. Founded in 2018, Particle Health is focused on improving healthcare interoperability through a data exchange platform and is a participant in the nationwide Carequality network.

Sep 26, 2024·HealthSystemCIO.com

The article discusses the importance of a strategic approach to enterprise imaging in healthcare systems as organizations increasingly adopt digital solutions. It emphasizes the ongoing challenges of integrating disparate systems, ensuring interoperability, and maintaining data security. A successful imaging strategy must encompass not just technology but also the workflows that support clinical decision-making. The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing diagnostic accuracy is highlighted, with a cautionary note about the need for careful implementation to complement human expertise. Ultimately, the focus is on continuous improvement and collaboration among stakeholders to optimize imaging practices in healthcare.

Sep 24, 2024·Particle Health

Particle Health has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Epic Systems, accusing the health IT giant of using its monopoly power over electronic health records (EHRs)—which cover up to 94% of Americans—to stifle competition in the emerging payer platform market. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Epic’s anticompetitive behavior, including cutting off access to critical patient data, is harming innovation, doctors, patients, and healthcare providers. Particle Health argues that Epic’s actions are not only blocking progress in transforming inefficient healthcare processes but are also actively risking patient care, citing over 2,800 oncology patients whose treatment was compromised due to blocked clinical information. Particle seeks monetary damages and an injunction to halt Epic’s practices, highlighting the need for greater interoperability and data sharing in healthcare to improve patient outcomes.

Sep 19, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

that veterans receive the specialized care they require. The collaboration between the VA, Epic, and Oracle marks a significant step towards addressing the healthcare challenges faced by veterans, as it provides a clearer framework for understanding their specific health needs and improving service delivery across health systems.

Sep 18, 2024·healthsystemcio.com

In this interview, Barry Stein, MD, Chief Clinical Innovation Officer and CMIO at Hartford HealthCare, underscores the critical role of advanced imaging technologies in transforming healthcare by advocating for the integration of imaging systems across departments. He argues that breaking down silos between radiology and other specialties enhances patient care and leads to better diagnostic outcomes. Stein highlights challenges in implementing these solutions, such as outdated technology and the need for interoperability, and recommends strategic investments in modern imaging platforms. He also discusses the potential of artificial intelligence to improve imaging capabilities but warns that its integration should support healthcare professionals rather than replace them.

Sep 13, 2024·TechTarget

A recent KLAS report highlights that clinician needs for electronic health record (EHR) interoperability are not being adequately addressed. The study indicates that many healthcare providers experience significant challenges in data sharing and communication across different EHR systems, leading to inefficiencies in patient care. Although some technology vendors claim to support interoperability, clinicians report that the practical capabilities often fall short, emphasizing the need for more effective solutions to enhance information exchange in healthcare settings.

Sep 12, 2024·TechTarget

A recent KLAS report highlights that clinician needs for electronic health record (EHR) interoperability are not being adequately addressed. The study indicates that many healthcare providers experience significant challenges in data sharing and communication across different EHR systems, leading to inefficiencies in patient care. Although some technology vendors claim to support interoperability, clinicians report that the practical capabilities often fall short, emphasizing the need for more effective solutions to enhance information exchange in healthcare settings.

Sep 3, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Health system leaders have expressed mixed opinions about Epic's recent strategic initiatives, focusing on its new features and partnerships aimed at enhancing interoperability and user experience. While some executives appreciate the company's efforts to streamline electronic health record (EHR) capabilities and expand its services, others are concerned about the potential challenges these changes may introduce, particularly regarding implementation and integration with existing systems. The article highlights the ongoing dialogue among health leaders about the effectiveness of Epic's latest developments in addressing their operational needs.

Aug 29, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Epic Systems plans to transition all its associated hospitals and health systems to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) by the end of 2025, with full sign-up expected by 2024. This move aims to improve nationwide interoperability beyond the current 70% plateau to 100% coverage, driven by Epic's historical success with its Care Everywhere interoperability platform. TEFCA, stemming from the 21st Century Cures Act, enables secure health information exchange across different EHR systems. Epic, a Qualified Health Information Network under TEFCA, is focused on minimizing the IT burden on healthcare providers while emphasizing the operational benefits such as reduced administrative tasks. Currently, 66 health systems, including prominent institutions like Emory Healthcare and Mayo Clinic, are already operational with TEFCA, reflecting growing interest in nationwide interoperability.

Aug 21, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Epic Systems will transition its customers to the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), an initiative mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act to enhance nationwide health information interoperability, by the end of 2024. TEFCA offers a unified governance and technical standard framework, and Epic Nexus has been designated as a Qualified Health Information Network to facilitate this transition. Carequality, which currently connects a vast network of healthcare providers and is used by Epic’s community, has also announced plans to align with TEFCA. Despite past controversies over record requests, Epic assures continued support for Carequality during the transition to ensure successful interoperability.

Aug 20, 2024·Healthcare IT News

Carequality has announced plans to align its interoperability strategy with the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). This move aims to integrate Carequality's existing framework, which connects over 600,000 care providers, with the federally-led TEFCA. Epic, a prominent participant in this framework, supports the alignment and expects all its clients to use the TEFCA-based Epic Nexus by the end of 2025. The initiative is seen as a way to enhance data exchange and trust between healthcare providers while maintaining patient data security. Carequality will also implement enhancements such as better directory integrity controls and aligning policy definitions with TEFCA.

Aug 19, 2024·CNBC

Epic Systems, a major health-care software vendor, announced that patients will now be able to securely release their health data to various apps of their choosing, granting them greater control over their medical information. This development marks a significant technological advancement in the healthcare sector. Epic has been collaborating with the federal government to establish TEFCA, which sets the legal and technical standards for widespread patient data sharing.

Aug 14, 2024·SearchHealthIT

MEDITECH has launched Traverse Exchange, a nationwide interoperability network aimed at enhancing secure health information exchanges across compliant EHRs and networks. Built on its Canadian solution, the network enables real-time FHIR-based data requests to improve the transition from static documents, thereby benefiting patient-provider interactions. The solution includes tools for compiling data to offer a comprehensive view of patient health information, regardless of the EHR system used. Traverse Exchange aims to simplify data access for physicians, embedding it into their workflows, and supports TEFCA through its connectivity to the Health Gorilla QHIN. The service will be available starting Q3 2024.