Privacy might be a barrier to big data benefits.

While there are a number of possible benefits that could be realized as a result to big data in healthcare, experts are recalibrating their expectations due to privacy concerns. At a Big Data and Health event at Princeton earlier this month, the dangers of opening the floodgates of data in an under-prepared healthcare world was discussed. Fiercehealth IT covered the event and quoted Joel Reidenberg, visiting professor of computer science at Princeton and a professor at Fordham University’s School of Law, as stating “Privacy will crash big data if we don’t get it right.” 

There are preparations to be made and privacy compliance issues to be considered before healthcare can begin to fully realize the benefits of data.

What is the future of healthcare IT security?

This week, Healthcare IT News published a story that explores where healthcare IT security will be in the next three years. The discussion focuses on four areas that are influencing and challenging healthcare security:

• Cloud Storage
• Improved Authentication Systems
• Mobile Devices
• Rural Networks

In the article, industry experts discuss methods for improving security in ways that are feasible and possibly profitable. 

In the same vein, to successfully employ security measures, more general compliance needs to be enforced. We published a blog post this week that details three strategic considerations to make when enforcing security compliance – people and processes, data security over device security, and communication plans.

AHIMA makes ICD-10 deadline demands.

While the healthcare industry waits for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to announce their plans for the delayed ICD-10 deadline, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is making demands. This week, AHIMA called for CMS to announce the new deadline for ICD-10, and requested that the deadline be October 1, 2015.

Many providers who were prepared for the 2014 transition to ICD-10 are justifiably frustrated and since the delay was confirmed nearly three weeks ago, there has been no word from CMS on their plans, other than a statement published on their site,”With enactment of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, CMS is examining the implications of the ICD-10 provision and will provide guidance to providers and stakeholders soon. “

Several other organizations supported AHIMA in their demand for a new deadline. More details can be found on Healthcare IT News.