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The Department of Health and Human Services’ investigation unit and health IT offices are stepping up enforcement of information blocking committed by providers, health IT developers and health information exchanges, the department announced Wednesday. The news comes as Trump’s HHS is trying to improve the flow of patient health information by securing voluntary commitments by 60 major healthcare and tech companies to advance interoperability.
Over 50 organizations are calling on Congress to act now to hold the healthcare industry accountable and provide relief to millions of Americans facing high and rising healthcare costs. This is stated in a press release from Families USA, a non-partisan advocate for healthcare consumers, which sent a letter to Congress along with 56 other organizations.
A federal rule enabling real-time access to prescription drug pricing, coverage details and prior authorization requirements is set to take effect Oct. 1. The regulation, finalized in July as part of the CMS Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System final rule, will require healthcare providers to use certified health IT systems to electronically submit prior authorization requests, check real-time prescription drug pricing during patient encounters and share electronic prescription data with pharmacies and insurers.
Cybersecurity is no longer a function managed in the IT department’s back office. It’s a front-line brand issue, with real implications for patient satisfaction and loyalty. That means providers need to rethink how they talk about security. It’s no longer enough to be secure; you must communicate security clearly.
Physicians are facing rising workloads, shrinking support staff and declining reimbursement — resulting in a burnout crisis and threatening the sustainability of independent practices. Experts say urgent Medicare payment reforms are needed to prevent further consolidation, as well as preserve access to care.
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