2024 WEDI National Conference

Agenda at Glance (subject to change)

MAKING YOUR TRAVEL PLANS? BE SURE TO STAY WITH US UNTIL THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 17 (2:30PM EASTERN) FOR OUR CLOSING NETWORKING EVENT WITH SNACKS & RAFFLES PRIZES!!!!

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) is proud to announce its annual national conference, taking place from October 15-17 at the American University's Washington College of Law in Washington, DC. Join us for an engaging and insightful conference on Health IT Advancements, where we delve into the pivotal topics shaping the future of healthcare technology. This premier event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss and explore the latest developments affecting the industry. Our comprehensive agenda will cover a range of critical issues, ensuring that attendees gain valuable knowledge and practical solutions to advance their practices and organizations.

This premier event will feature an impressive lineup of educational sessions that focus on critical updates from federal health care agencies (CMS, ONC, OCR, etc.), the latest on prior authorization implementation by payers and providers, and the evolving landscape of data exchange and security threats.

Attendees will gain insights into the standards development process, implementation of best practices, and emerging trends in health care interoperability and transactions. Join industry leaders, federal policymakers, and subject matter experts for an invaluable opportunity to stay ahead in the dynamic field of health IT.

Additional topics include (but not limited to):

• The Emergence of AI in Health Care IT
• Data Interoperability’s Role in Value Based Care
• Updates from NCVHS’s Subcommittee on Standards
• Leveraging Data Standards and Data Exchange to support Health Equity

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! WEDI Welcomes back Dr. Micky Tripathi, PhD, Assistant Secretary of Technology Policy/ National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Dr. Tripathi leads the formulation of the federal health IT strategy and coordinates federal health IT policies, standards, programs, and investments.  Mr. Tripathi has over 20 years of experience across the health IT landscape.

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! We are looking forward to hearing from Jon Blum, Principal Deputy Administrator, Chief Operating Officer at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Jon oversees CMS’s program policy planning and implementation and day-to-day operations of the entire agency. CMS’s programs provide health coverage to more than 150 million individuals, spending more than $1.7 trillion in annual benefits with an annual operating budget of more than $7 billion.

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! We are looking forward to having Karen Ignagni, Chief Executive Officer of the EmblemHealth family of companies. EmblemHealth is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health insurers, serving over three million people in New York City and the tristate area. During her tenure as CEO and President, Ms. Ignagni has led an unprecedented modernization effort with a relentless focus on the customer experience. EmblemHealth’s growth and expansion of services has led to many accolades for her leadership in the health care industry, earning recognition by leading publications including The New York Times, City & State, Modern Healthcare, Crain’s, National Journal, Time magazine, and Fortune magazine 

Additionally, WEDI National Conference is honored to have the following subject matter experts serve on our conference faculty (more to be announced soon)

• Ashley Thompson, SVP for Public Policy and Development, American Hospital Association
• Anna Hyde, Vice President of Advocacy and Access, Arthritis Foundation
• Lori Prestesater, SVP of Health Solutions, American Medical Association
• Timothy Noonan, Deputy Director for Health Information Privacy, Data and Cybersecurity, HHS Office for Civil Rights
• Brooke McSwain, Senior National Policy Research Analyst, American Heart Association
• Michael Phillips, Director of Technology Strategy and Partnerships, AARP
• Mark Friedberg, Senior Vice President, Performance Measurement and Improvement at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
• Standards Development Organization Panel with HL7, X12, CORE and NCPDP
• Tammy Banks and Steven Wagner, Co-Chairs, NCVHS Subcommittee on Standards
• Anna Taylor, Associate VP of Population Health and Value Based Care, MultiCare Connected Care
• Hans Buitendijk,  EHRA Executive Committee, Senior Director, Interoperability Strategy, Oracle Health
• Margaret Weiker, VP, Standards Development, NCPDP
• Cathy Sheppard, CEO, X12
• Charles Jaffe, MD, CEO HL7
• Denny Brennan, Executive Director, Massachusetts Health Data Consortium
• Tammy Weaver, Vice President, Masterfile Products
• Lesley Berkeyheiser, Co-Chair, WEDI Privacy & Security Workgroup, Senior Assessor, DirectTrust
• Mark Scrimshire, Chief Interoperability Officer, Onyx Health
• Greg Garcia, Executive Director, Cyber Security, Health Sector Coordinating Council
• Vanessa Candelora, Co-Lead, HL7 Da Vinci Project Patient Cost Transparency, Sr Consultant, Point-of-Care Partners
• Lee Barrett, Commission Executive Director, DirectTrust
• Bezawit Sumner, Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Director of Security and Compliance, CRISP Shared Services
• Norm Thurston, PhD, Executive Director, National Association of Health Data Organizations
• Kyle Russell, CEO, Virginia Health Information
• Janice Bourgault, Senior Consultant, Freedman Healthcare
• Indira Konduri, Deputy Director and UDI program Lead, Center for Device and Radiological Health, US Food & Drug Administration
• Deborah Fellhauer, RN, BSN, Policy Analyst, US Food & Drug Administration
• Elissa Dines, Director, Division of Consumer Protection Policy Consumer Support Group, CMS
• Emily Ames, Health Insurance Specialist, Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, CMS
• Pamela Grosze (PNC Bank) and Pat Wijtyk (Cognizant), Co-Chairs, WEDI Remittance Advice & Payment Workgroup
• Robert Bowman, Principal, Interoperability and Standards, CAQH
• Semira Singh, Director, Population Health Informatics, Providence
• Steve Berkow, Senior Advisor, Value-Based Markets, InterSystems

• TEFCA QHIN Panel
  • Dave Cassel, Chief Customer Officer, Health Gorilla
  • Laura McCrary, President and CEO, Konza
  • Matthew Doyle, R&D Team Lead, Epic
  • Jay Nakashima, Executive Director, eHealth Exchange

Key Sessions Will Include:

Prior Authorization Progress: Discover the latest advancements and innovative approaches in streamlining prior authorization processes to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Explore cutting-edge AI solutions that are transforming healthcare delivery, improving diagnostics, and personalizing patient care.

Data Interoperability Solutions: Learn about new data interoperability standards and technologies that are breaking down silos and facilitating seamless information exchange across healthcare systems.

Federal Government Updates: Get firsthand updates from key federal policymakers, including representatives from CMS, OCR, and ONC, on the latest regulations, initiatives, and policies impacting the Health IT landscape.

Standards in Health IT: Stay informed on the evolving standards in Health IT and understand how they are shaping the future of healthcare delivery and information management.

Emerging Technology and Patient Experience: Examine how emerging technologies and new regulations are enhancing the patient experience, from improved access to care to better health outcomes.

Data Solutions Supporting Health Equity: Discuss innovative data solutions and strategies that are promoting health equity and ensuring all patients receive the highest quality of care.

Privacy and Security Guidance: Gain insights into the latest privacy and security challenges, and receive practical guidance and best practices to protect sensitive health information in an increasingly digital world.

WEDI WORKGROUP WILL BE SPOTLIGHTED AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE!

• WEDI workgroup meetings will be held VIRTUALLY on Friday, October 11 on Zoom, and will be open to members, non-members, conference attendees and non-attendees.
• Although the virtual workgroup meetings are separate from the conference sessions being livestreamed Oct 15-17, if you register for the conference (in-person or virtual), you will automatically be granted access to the workgroup meetings as well.
• Co-Chairs will present on their workgroup's current and upcoming work products during the conference

October 11 Virtual Lineup: More Workgroups are Signing Up! Check Back Often for Updates (all times Eastern)

• Provider Information, 10:00am - 11:00am
• Payment Models, 11:00am- 12:00pm
• Genomics, 11:00am - 12:00pm
• Remittance Advice & Payment, 11:00am  -12:00pm
• Health Equity, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Privacy & Security, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
• Dental, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Who Should Attend:

• Health IT Professionals
• Healthcare Providers and Administrators
• Policy Makers
• Technology Innovators
• Data Scientists
• Privacy and Security Experts
• Patient Advocates

Why Attend:

• Engage with thought leaders and experts in the Health IT field.
• Participate in interactive sessions and panel discussions.
• Network with peers and industry professionals.
• Gain actionable insights and practical tools to enhance your organization’s Health IT strategies.
• Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory updates.

LODGING INFORMATION

We have contracted a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One Bethesda Metro Center, 7400 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD. The property is 4 miles north of American University's Washington College of Law.

Access the vibrant sights, sounds and tastes of downtown Bethesda, Maryland. Perfectly located atop the Bethesda Metro station and minutes from downtown D.C., the hotel is the ideal destination for business travelers and vacationers alike. Only a 10-minute Metro train ride to the Smithsonian's National Zoo (five stops) and a short drive to Great Falls and Rock Creek Park. Walk to the National Institutes of Health or the shops of Bethesda Row.

Click HERE for Parking and Transportation Information

Book your sleeping room through this link- https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/BETHE/G-WEDI

ROOM BLOCK EXPIRES ON SEPTEMBER 16

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of Health IT innovation and policy. Register will soon be open. Be sure to secure your spot at the National Conference on Health IT Advancements and be part of the conversation that is shaping the future of healthcare.

Interested to become an Event Sponsor or Education Partner?

Contact Bill Allder with any questions or to request a sample list of past attendees!