The new era in healthcare is both driven by data and shaped by it-a fact that brings its own set of challenges around data reporting that is unprecedented in the history of healthcare in this country. In this month's cover story (page 8), Editor-in-Chief Mark Hagland presents the overall picture of data reporting requirements, as well as case studies of pioneering provider organizations that are moving forward into healthcare future organized around the industry's new accountability agenda.

At a time when the rapid expansion of computing hardware options is opening up new possibilities of patient engagement and productivity, CIOs must make sure that their selections are the right fit for their organization's needs. In the article beginning on page 18, Managing Editor John DeGaspari examines how they are weighing their options against workflow issues, infrastructure requirements, and budgetary constraints.

Meanwhile, Associate Editor Jennifer Prestigiacomo presents a timely story of interest to any hospital system that has embarked on the challenging path to becoming a paperless enterprise. Beginning on page 25, she profiles the latest provider organizations that have reached HIMSS Analytics Stage 7-an objective measure of progress toward EMR implementation.

Also in this issue, the first steps along the road to meaningful use means getting the fundamentals right. On page 31, contributors Judy Murphy, R.N., vice-president information services at Aurora Health Care, and Bob Schwyn, associate principal and meaningful use practical lead for Aspen Advisors, offer pragmatic advice for meeting MU requirements and qualifying for incentives.

In addition, two articles explore the evolution of health information exchanges. In this month's HIE Perspective on page 36, Senior Contributing Editor David Raths looks at a novel approach taken by the state of Nebraska that will enable behavioral healthcare providers-which have been left on the sidelines in nascent HIEs-to share patient information with each other. In the Financial Perspective on page 38, Jennifer Prestigiacomo reports on a study, conducted by Humana Inc. and the Wisconsin Health Information Exchange, that puts a hard dollar amount-$29 per ED visit-of the savings that can be gained by integrating HIE within the clinician workflow.

Healthcare Informatics 2011 December;28(12):04