The Health Story Project, an alliance that has supported the development of standards for a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) that can be shared, has become part of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), according to a recent announcement at the National Health IT Week HIMSS Policy Summit press conference.
Today, most electronic patient records and health information exchanges (HIEs) operate on a small percentage of the available information. Starting as an independent alliance of healthcare vendors, providers and associations, the Project pooled resources in a rapid-development initiative with eight specifications balloted through Health Level Seven (HL7), and then, initiated the harmonization of this work in the joint Health Story, HL7, IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise), and ONC (the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology) consolidation that led to the “Consolidated CDA (C-CDA),” which is at the core of Stage 2 of meaningful use.
In 2014, the Project team plans to work towards widespread use of existing, basic information standards to fill the gaps in meaningful use, working with clinicians looking to make a successful transition to the EHR. In addition, future plans include efforts to increase awareness of the connection between payment reform, cost reduction, affordable care, new delivery models, and their dependence on access to a complete record.
“Welcoming the Health Story Project enables HIMSS to advance our cause by improving the completeness and interoperability of electronic health records,” said Carla Smith, executive vice president of HIMSS, who made the announcement. “The Health Story Project welcomes new participants into this important work."
