IT plays critical role in health care reform

Health information technology and electronic health records (EHRs) underpin many of the provisions in the comprehensive health reform legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the president.

FCC claims a role in health IT policy

The Federal Communications Commission released its National Broadband Plan last week, and lo and behold, there was a big section that highlighted health information technology and telehealth applications.

St. Louis firm aids in largest DOD medical training consolidation

World Wide Technology Inc. will assist in the largest consolidation of military medical training in Defense Department history, thanks to a two-year, $27 million contract for technical and supply chain assistance.

HHS plans to award health care innovation task orders

The Agency for Health Research Quality anticipates awarding up to 15 contracts totaling $4.5 million to improve evidence-based health care delivery, including use of health information technology.

Kaiser official defends security practices for veterans health data

Electronic data exchange safer than U.S. Mail, Kaiser official says.

Hospitals face compliance problems with HITECH Act

Hospitals are coping with new privacy and security regulations for health information technology that went into effect Feb. 17.

IBM's health exchange pilot generates extra $2M for users, study says

A health data exchange between MedVirginia and the Social Security Administration is generating extra revenue, a new report says.

SAIC to manage MHS communications, computing infrastructure

Science Applications International Corp. will provide system performance management services for the Military Health System under a five-year task order that could be worth more than $16 million if all options are exercised.

Unisys sells health IT unit to Molina Healthcare

Unisys Corp. said it has agreed to sell its health information management unit that supports state Medicaid programs to Molina Healthcare Inc.

Harvard Pilgrim to support FDA monitoring efforts

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has won a contract from the FDA to set up a prototype of a national monitoring system for drug and device safety that will collect automated data from providers and insurers.

SAIC infuses VA blood bank with tech support

Science Applications International Corp. will provide technical support to the Veterans Affairs Department under a five-year award that could be worth as much as $14 million.

HHS pumps $60M into research on health IT adoption

HHS officials today announced a new program with $60 million for research on overcoming the barriers to adoption of electronic health records.

Vangent hastens access to DOD medical records

Vangent Inc. will make it easier for Defense Department health care providers to access patient records and other data through a $20 million contract. The DOD award calls for Vangent to build an integrated single sign-on and context management capability throughout the Military Health System.

CMS awards health IT planning grants to states

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services handed out $17 million in matching funds to seven states and one territory for preparations for handling health IT payments from the economic stimulus law.

FDA readies new data systems for drug safety

The Food and Drug Administration will expand its tracking of drug safety once the drugs enter the marketplace, according to a new report.

HHS puts up $235M for health IT

The Health and Human Services Department will fund 15 communities to demonstrate the use of digital health records.

Harris buys Patriot to expand federal health IT offerings

Harris Corp. has acquired privately held Patriot Technologies LLC, a provider of health care information technology, imaging and enterprise software solutions primarily to the Veterans Affairs Department.

HHS names Nitor Group for NHIN bridge contract

HHS has hired Nitor Group on a bridge contract to help prepare for a series of competitive task orders for the Nationwide Health Information Network by year's end.

HHS to award health-data network contracts by year's end

HHS is planning to award a series of competitive contracts for the Nationwide Health Information Network later this year.

GE Healthcare to provide swine flu updates to CDC

GE Healthcare said it will provide swine flu and seasonal flu updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under a sole source contract.