ONC Launches ‘Health IT Buzz Blog,’ second blog on ONC site
“Continuing Our Conversation about Health IT… A New ONC Blog Kicks Off”
David Blumenthal, MD, MPP, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology launched a second blog, Health IT Buzz Blog, on the Web site of the Office of National Coordinator (ONC) on November 23, 2009. Blumenthal starts his first post “There are lots of great ideas about how to use health IT and exchange electronic health information to improve outcomes and reduce costs in our health care system,” and emphasizes the need for ONC to listen through multiple channels, from the HIT Policy and Standards Committees and their public meetings, casual conversations and emails, and though the new blog. In addition ONC will use the blog to address a whole range of issues from meaningful use to privacy and security.

Wanting to “engage” the full range of stakeholders Blumenthal concludes “We want to hear from citizens, patients, health professionals, managers, policymakers, technology enthusiasts and technology skeptics.We can’t succeed unless we understand the wishes and concerns of the many constituencies we serve.  So join us.  Let us know what’s on your mind.  Read and learn with us.  We look forward to hearing what you have to say. ”

On October 28, 2009, ONC launched the Federal Advisory Committee Blog to encourage dialog with the Standards and Policy Committees, which formally are known as Federal Advisory Committees. The initial impetus was to gather feedback for the Adoption/Implementation Workgroup of the HIT Standards Committee. The Policy and Standards Committees report to the ONC, and Dr. Blumenthal serves as chair of the Policy Committee as well as head of the ONC.

Health IT Buzz Blog:  http://healthit.hhs.gov/blog/onc
Federal Advisory Committee Blog: http://healthit.hhs.gov/blog/faca

We’ll be watching how these blogs develop their own missions and personalities, and encourage your participation as well as active input and feedback from ONC.