MMRGlobal, Inc. (fka MMRF)

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Pharmacies to Accelerate Patient Data Exchange

Five pharmacy and grocery chains have committed to expanding and accelerating their data exchange capabilities to enable health consumers to download their prescription histories using Blue Button+ technology.

The goal, according to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, is to increase use of standardized methods to structure data for patients in machine-readable formats, enabling consumers to access their data using a variety of computing platforms. Stage 2 electronic health records meaningful use criteria also require eligible professional and hospital use of Blue Button + standards.

The chains committing to move forward or expand current use of Blue Button include Walgreens, Kroger, CVS Caremark, Rite Aid and Safeway. Three pharmacy associations also pledge to push their members to accept the technology: National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Pharmacy Health IT Collaborative and National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations.

More information on Blue Button+ is available at healthit.gov/bluebutton. http://www.healthit.gov/bluebutton

Link to article: http://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/pharmacies-to-accelerate-patient-data-exchange-47228-1.html?utm_campaign=daily-feb%2011%202014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter


Your Health Records
COMING SOON: THE BLUE BUTTON CONNECTOR

In 2014, a new tool will be available to help you find out which providers, health plans, and others offer Blue Button—a way to access your health information electronically. You’ll be able to get started compiling your medical history so you’ll have the key information you need at your fingertips. In the meantime, you can ask your health care providers or health insurance company if they offer you the ability to view online, download, and share your health information via Blue Button, or look for the Blue Button logo.