> The Kansas Health Information Network (KHIN) has launched Direct messaging capabilities for providers throughout the state through Health Information Service Protocol transactions, KHIN and Nashville, Tenn.-based health information exchange vendor ICA announced this week. More than 1,400 physicians and 2,000 total participants now will be able to exchange health information using Direct protocols. Announcement
> McLean, Va.-based Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) will acquire Westfield, Ind.-based maxIT Healthcare, the largest private independent healthcare IT consulting company in North America for $473 million, SAIC announced this week. MaxIT Healthcare has helped more than 600 hospitals, healthcare facilities, providers and accountable care organizations throughout the continent with IT strategy and planning and electronic health record implementation. The acquisition creates the nation's largest commercial consulting practice in EHR implementation and optimization services, according to SAIC. Announcement
> A new health technology accelerator geared toward driving innovation that will benefit nonprofit health and human services agencies--dubbed Center4--will launch this fall, New York-based FEGS Health & Human Services and its subsidiary technology solutions company, All Sector Technology, announced this week. The accelerator will provide investment, mentorship and space for innovators aiming to repurpose current health IT products for the nonprofit health and human services sector. Announcement
> HIMSS Analytics announced this week that the 7th Edition of its "Essentials of the U.S. Hospital IT Market" report is now available. The new edition includes a new chapter on laboratory, as well as tools to improve industry trend forecasts. Announcement
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