Cybersecurity

CMS considers contractors for identifier program

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering using contractors to operate a national system for assigning health providers unique identifying numbers.

People

HHS to industry: Help assess health IT networks

HHS has asked industry to help conduct a nationwide analysis of health information exchange infrastructures.

Digital Government

SSA seeks more access to NHIN

The agency is considering having providers use the Nationwide Health Information Network to submit medical records that help SSA determine applicants' eligibility for federal disability payments.

People

CMS to spend $905M on IT systems support

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will develop IT systems to monitor incentive payments to doctors and hospitals.

People

Health care reform tied to IT

Health care reform won't be complete without adopting health IT, the national coordinator for health IT says.

People

Health IT group wants incentives for EHRs

A health IT organization wants the Obama administration to take an incremental approach in implementing the economic stimulus law concerning electronic health records.

Cybersecurity

HHS releases guidance on securing electronic health data

The department issues guidelines on encryption and destruction to protect sensitive personal health records.

Modernization

Federal 100 winner: Mary Laureno

Laureno directed the successful deployment of the Next Generation Desktop program, which has reduced costs and improved service for the government's Medicare call center.

Modernization

Federal 100 winner: Chris Worrall

Worrall led the development of an online program used to fill drug prescriptions of uninsured people affected by major disasters.

People

Obama names Sebelius as HHS secretary

Kansas governor would oversee health information technology as part of reforming health care.

Modernization

IT, health care would get more under budget

The Health and Human Services Department would get money to increase techology, research and program integrity under the HHS $76.8 billion request.

People

GAO adds drug safety programs to high-risk list

The FDA program's management weaknesses are aggravated by soaring demand, older computer systems and a lack of clear decision-making processes, auditors report.

People

A high-tech answer to health care frare fraud

Data analysis aids in finding abuses of Medicare’s rapid payment system.