Aja Brooks | February 4, 2016
At ONC, we hear all of the time that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) makes it difficult, if not impossible, to move electronic health data when and where it is needed for patient care and health. This is a misconception, but unfortunately one that is widespread. This blog series and accompanying fact sheets aim to correct this misunderstanding so that health information is more often available when and where it is needed.
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Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo | January 11, 2016
In order to effectively manage their health, individuals need to be able to access and use their health information when, where, and how they want, including sending it to the people and tools helping them become or stay healthy – neighbors, friends, relatives, health care providers who are treating or consulting with the individual, or even third-party software tools used for self-management. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) governs the privacy of individuals’ protected health information (PHI) and when and how that information can be shared.
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Steven Posnack | December 22, 2015
Today, ONC released the 2016 Interoperability Standards Advisory (ISA)—a coordinated catalog of existing and emerging standards and implementation specifications developed and used to meet specific interoperability needs. In short, the advisory provides a single resource for those looking for federally recognized, national interoperability standards and guidance.
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Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo | October 6, 2015
This is a unique time in health care. Scientific and technological advancements made by you, our partners across the health industry, have been rapidly transforming health and health care in the nation. More than 3 million individuals have accessed their electronic health information using ONC’s Blue Button tool. Today, over three-quarters of eligible providers and nine-in-ten eligible hospitals have received incentive payments for adopting and meaningfully using certified health IT compared with less than 15% before the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs started.
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Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo | January 30, 2015