HIT: CMS VistA program could aid bigger players

ComputerWorld examines the possible impact of the much-talked-about CMS program which will offer small to midsize physician practices access to VistA, the open-source electronic health records software developed by the Veteran's Administration. Reaction to the government's announcement so far has been mixed, ranging from polite skepticism about the program's impact, particularly from health IT veterans, to enthusiastic praise from open-source supporters pleased that the government is finally getting involved in an open-source project.

Another school of thought argues that even if the program isn't a total success, it can't hurt. Anything which pushes physicians towards embracing electronic medical records will make life easier for larger players with more ambitious plans.

- see this story from ComputerWorld

PLUS: When AOL founder Steve Case announced plans earlier this year to focus his energies on exploring the synergies between healthcare and technology, some wondered if a major health IT play would follow. For now, the answer is no. Yesterday, Case announced a $20 million investment in a distributor of Yoga and Pilates videos. Story

ALSO: The San Francisco Chronicle profiles the Health Buddy, a device from Health Hero Network designed to remotely monitor the condition of chronically ill patients. Story

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