HIMSS12: HIE and Enabling Interoperability

The big news out of HIMSS12 in Las Vegas last week was the release of Stage 2 Meaningful Use regulations. It will take some time for stakeholders to carefully examine what they need to do going forward, including being able to do greater and more complex transactions for securely sharing patient information. For now, let’s take a look at how health information exchange was viewed by various leaders and speakers at HIMSS12.

Doug Fridsma, MD, director of the Office of Standards and Interoperability and acting director of the Office of the Chief Scientist at the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), gave an overview of successful federal efforts delivering interoperability solutions and support. ONC has created a standards and operability framework that represents the Nationwide Health Information Network, built a portfolio of usable services that Fridsma called building blocks, and will enforce compliance to the standards.

Fridsma emphasized that the road to interoperability truly is a journey that is to be shared by all stakeholders. It’s a journey taken incrementally, as well. He acknowledged the bumps in the road, but noted that we are going forward and making progress...