Experts to discuss impact of health information technology on pediatric practice

David Blumenthal, MD, will discuss the impact of health information technology on pediatric practice during a "Pediatrics for the 21st Century" symposium at 1 p.m. PT Friday, Oct. 1, as part of the National Conference and Exhibition of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in San Francisco.

Dr. Blumenthal is the national coordinator for Health Information Technology (HIT) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. His keynote speech, "National Initiatives to Promote Health Information Technology," presents information about the implementation of a nationwide, interoperable, privacy-protected health information technology infrastructure.

The symposium also includes a panel of four experts in the implementation of health information technology (HIT) in pediatric practices. The panel will discuss the meaningful use rule, using HIT to improve communications, and the role HIT plays in improving health care quality and in maintenance of certification. The symposium is from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT

As a complement to this year's Peds-21 symposium, the AAP will feature "The Office of The Future" exhibit in the AAP Resource Center in the Moscone Center. The interactive exhibit displays the latest health care technologies and features a "Future Faces" kid-friendly activity zone.