For a number of years the IHE USA has conducted an annual “connectathon” in Chicago. The latest is scheduled for early next year. So, it came as a surprise to a number of people in the industry when the IHE USA and ICSA released a joint announcement on the certification initiative (http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2012/icsa-labs-and-ihe-usa-team-up.html). The announcement relays the IHE’s intent to hold the connectathon, and at the same time have ICSA conduct registration and certification of vendor products. Normally, certification would be a good thing, but there are a number of curiosities about the announcement and ensuing process:
I am not alone in questioning the process. David Clunie, a well-respected physician intimately involved in the process made a number of points in his recent blog (http://dclunie.blogspot.com/2012/12/will-certification-kill-ihe-connectathon.html). David expressed concern with the cost of the certification process, and is critical of the lack of communication within the IHE community prior to the announcement. He also weighs the merits of self-certification that has worked so well, and calls into question the financial motives for ICSA Lab’s involvement.
So, as I said, on the surface it seems like a reasonable thing, but perhaps it is the optics of the way it has been handled to date. The IHE USA and ICSA Labs would be wise to take these questions to heart and provide further clarification on their certification initiative. A proper explanation of the value proposition of such certification will go a long way toward alleviating industry concerns.
As usual, your comments are welcomed!