I realize it's been quite a while since I taught - or was in school myself - but I'm distressed…
Morning Headlines 12/22/16
CMS releases EHR Incentive Program performance statistics stating that 98 percent of eligible hospitals and CAHs successfully demonstrated meaningful use, but noting that there are about 171,000 Medicare eligible providers subject to a downward payment adjustment in 2017.
McKesson, Change Healthcare get antitrust clearance for IT deal
The proposed merger between McKesson’s technology business and Nashville-based Change Healthcare receives approval from the US Justice Department.
Interoperability Standards Advisory
ONC publishes its 2017 Interoperability Standards Advisory.
9 Healthcare Tech Trends in "The New Year of Uncertainty", Black Book Survey Results
Black Book releases results from a health IT-related survey of hospital executives, finding broad consensus that IT budgets will stagnate in the coming year.
IT budgets at a number of mid-sized and large health systems have already been pulled back. A mid-size health system in the pacific northwest put a “freeze” on all new contracts until they have more clarity from Pres Elect Trump on future of ACA. Several other large health systems have shared with us that they have put all major capital projects on hold.
My sense is that 2017 will be a challenging year for companies that sell product/service that come from health systems capital budget. However, operating budgets will remain steady.
Time to adjust.
ONC’s Director of Public Affairs and Communications Meghan Roh joins Epic as director of public affairs. I don’t know if this is a newly created position, but it’s interesting that Epic is hiring someone with quite a bit of political and government experience.
Is it just me or is this a conflict of interest? This is a VERY typical move for government types, like ONC CMS HHS folks that set EHR MACRA etc rules, to then jump ship and join industries like Epic?
This nauseates me as a front line provider. I think this activity wrong and pervasive. Its like Epic and others want political access to maintain their business model by insider information, moves and “job” selling for those that come out of government leadership roles.
I find it wrong…very wrong.