Knowledge Center
WEDI Statement on Confirmation of Dr. Tom Price as HHS Secretary
February 14, 2017
Appointment serves as opportunity to advance health information technology issues
RESTON, Va. — February 14, 2017 — The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI), the nation’s leading nonprofit authority on the use of health IT to create efficiencies in healthcare information exchange and a trusted advisor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), released the following statement regarding the confirmation of Dr. Tom Price as the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. The statement is to be attributed to Charles W. Stellar, president and CEO of WEDI.
“WEDI congratulates Dr. Tom Price on his confirmation as the next HHS Secretary. Dr. Price is the first practicing physician to hold the position of HHS Secretary since Dr. Louis W. Sullivan was confirmed from 1989-1993. At that time, Dr. Sullivan created WEDI as a vehicle to bring the healthcare industry together in a collaborative environment to identify and promote opportunities to simplify administrative processes through use of electronic standards. Dr. Price brings to his position a comprehensive knowledge of health information technology and a thorough understanding of the policy development process. These skills will be critical as we assert that significant work still remains before the industry achieves full optimization of health IT for both clinical and administrative purposes. We look forward to working closely with Secretary Price and his leadership team to advance the efficient and effective use of health IT to improve the nation’s healthcare delivery system.”
About WEDI
The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) is the leading authority on the use of health IT to improve healthcare information exchange in order to enhance the quality of care, improve efficiency, and reduce costs of our nation’s healthcare system. WEDI was formed in 1991 by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and was designated in the 1996 HIPAA legislation as an advisor to HHS. WEDI’s membership includes a broad coalition of organizations, including: hospitals, providers, health plans, vendors, government agencies, consumers, not-for-profit organizations, and standards development organizations. To learn more, visit www.wedi.org and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.