Adopting and building a standards-based infrastructure to support a nationwide EMR platform certainly seems to me to be a priority for any successful IT outcome. I'm interested in learning more about what the EMR evangelists are proposing. I’ve just read an undated (I hated undated material) HHS press release that talks about the adoption of ICD-10 code sets, but I haven’t come across any communication protocol recommendations – it’s early in my research.

The EMR stimulus deserves better than a patched up, remake of an outdated infrastructure that’s doomed to fail. I’d recommend starting from scratch with a 21st century platform. I’m certain that this country’s best and brightest IT minds would be up to the challenge.

I can be reached at rfragola@dmintro.com