The ONC deserves credit for tackling this complicated ecosystem, and the rewards and impacts could be monumental, so let’s make sure we get it right.
NYeC Executive Director Valerie Grey reflects on the transformation of health records from paper-based to electronic, and how the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) might impact existing health information exchanges (HIEs)—
With the development of a Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), the federal government is pursuing ambitious health information exchange at the national level. If effective, this commendable effort could significantly improve the healthcare of individuals and communities. But if the national framework is not implemented thoughtfully, it could uproot and upend existing successful health information exchanges (HIEs) and networks (HINs) – counter to Congress’ intent of the 21st Century Cures Act.