The integration of the healthcare enterprise activity is expandingrapidly. I had the honor of being one of the monitors at a connectathonin January, where hundreds of vendor representatives testedinteroperability of their devices. So far, so good. Now, let’s do a reality check.

Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise has gone from a small-time operation to a major player in the healthcare interoperability game.

Like any successful relationship, technology collaboration requiresgive and take and a long-term vision. Ken Lawonn, Alegent Health SeniorVice President and CIO and a chief architect of the strategic alliancebetween Alegent Health and Siemens, shares some insight.

Guardian Technologies International has signed a collaboration andstrategic alliance agreement with Confirma, to collaborate on thedesign, development and commercialization of radiology imagingsolutions for new clinical applications.

Meditech has promoted Robert Gale to senior vice president, productdevelopment and Michelle O'Connor to the position of vice president,product development.

New legislation has been introduced to help doctors in small practicespay the steep prices that can come with implementing health informationtechnology. The bill, known as the National Health Information Incentive Act,was introduced by Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX) and Rep. Phil Gingrey (R- GA) and would offer various forms of financial assistance such asgrants, loans, and tax incentives to reduce costs faced by physicians.

Carefx Corporation has named Qi Li, MD, MBA, as vice president ofclinical strategies, a newly created position focused on evolving thecompany’s clinical workflow offerings and bridging the gap betweenevidence based medicine and information technology for the providers inhealthcare organizations.

Ann-Marie White has been named director of communications and public relations for the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).