Janet Dillione
CEO, Health Services, Siemens Healthcare


Since the signing of the HITECH Act of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Siemens has embarked on a proactive customer education campaign via webcasts and live events. In response to customer inquiries, we have provided explanations on: the complexities of the legislation; the HIT stimulus payout estimates; and timelines to help ensure our customers understand the complete ARRA picture as we await the forthcoming details associated with meaningful use and certification.

Siemens has been very active in efforts contributing to the work of defining “meaningful use” both with the Department of Health and Human Services and with industry trade groups. We have done this by submitting our own proposed definition to ONC following the recent meaningful use testimonies provided to the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics, as well as through our contributions to key industry groups who have also submitted suggested definitions, including HIMSS and the HIMSS Electronic Health Record Association.

We are also extremely pleased to report that our own Charlene Underwood, FHIMSS, director of Government & Industry Affairs for Health Services, has recently been appointed to the Meaningful Use Workgroup, one of three Workgroups – Meaningful Use, Certification/Adoption, and Information Exchange – chartered by the newly formed HIT Policy Committee (HITPC). Charlene has an extensive history of industry leadership and collaboration and we are certain she will not only contribute substantive insight to this Workgroup, but also thoughtfully represent the voice of our customers in these very key discussions. All three Workgroups are expected to present at the next HITPC meeting in mid-June, and we will surely keep you abreast of the activities of these Workgroups as initiatives solidify.

Be sure to visit our Executive Gateway often for the latest ARRA information and updates from Siemens. This site should serve as your primary source for HITECH-related material and activities. I also point your attention to our next ARRA webcast on June 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. George Hickman, vice president and CIO, Albany Medical Center will join Siemens experts for a discussion on meaningful use preparations and recommendations. You may register for this webcast via the Executive Gateway link above.

We look forward to deepening our customer partnerships during these historic times.