Interoperability

Portrait of Steven Posnack

Our Next Chapter for Standards and Technology: Introducing the ONC Tech Lab

Steven Posnack | February 23, 2016

The health IT landscape has changed considerably since the HITECH Act. The Nationwide Interoperability Roadmap is now front and center and we’re in a period of transition prompted by MACRA. We have also seen exciting and impactful industry work take shape like the development of HL7® FHIR® and the Argonaut Project. To continue to ensure that our work is aligned and connected to these changes, we will be working with you to adapt and evolve ONC’s standards and technology work processes.

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Portrait of Aja Brooks

The Real HIPAA Supports Interoperability

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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Portrait of Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo

When and Where You Need It Most: Your Rights to Access and Transmit Your Health Information

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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Portrait of Dr. Karen B. DeSalvo

Connecting Health and Care for the Nation: A Shared Nationwide Interoperability Roadmap – Version 1.0

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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