2014 WEDI Board Candidate Perspective Questions
(Must be submitted to WEDI no later than Friday, September 14, 2013)
Name Chris Apgar, CISSP
Company Oregon & SW Washington Healthcare, Privacy & Security Forum
Question #1
How can WEDI broaden its impact in the healthcare industry over the next three years?
WEDI needs to continue to expand its reach beyond the DC area. With the effective
date for many of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act just around the corner, most
of the related activity is occurring at the state and regional level. This includes state
HIXs, public and private HIEs, the expansion of the ACO model and so forth.
Expending more energy outside of the Capitol will increase WEDI’s industry penetration,
its influence and likely increase paying WEDI membership.
There is a fair possibility clinical and administrative data exchange will merge starting in
five to ten years because of the efficiencies of moving to one data exchange model
versus the current environment where clinical and administrative data is exchanged
utilizing different standards, exchange patterns and networks. WEDI needs to continue
expanding its presence and its contributions in the area of clinical data exchange to
continue to remain a viable organization and to influence efforts to standardize a
combined exchange of data.
There are a number of areas WEDI may focus in the next three years. It is important to
fully scope what any involvement will be, be reasonably certain membership and staff
are available to address launched or proposed initiatives and reasonably address any
on-going commitment following the launch of any initiative. Influence is tied to
expectations. The more the industry relies on WEDI for leadership, knowledge and so
forth, the broader the influence. Also, at the end of the day WEDI is known for its
strengths as an industry leader in what can be called core WEDI strengths or activities.
It is important to not neglect the foundation that has already been built.
September 2, 2013
2014 WEDI Board Candidate Perspective Questions – Apgar
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Question #2
How do you believe your service on the WEDI Board will help to advance the mission of
the organization?
I have and will continue to have a strong presence at the regional level through the
Regional Affiliate I’m associated with and as a leader in the areas of healthcare privacy
and security. I believe my strengths and my ability to engage entities at the regional
and national level will assist WEDI broaden its influence in the healthcare industry. I
bring a perspective to the board that is in a number of ways unique. I represent a small
non-profit that has been assisting the healthcare industry in Oregon and SW
Washington since 2000. I am also the CEO of a small business. I bring a focus that is
often outside what has been WEDI board members’ focus and I am in a position to
represent smaller covered entities and business associates that make up a significant
part of what is the healthcare industry in the US.
Question #3
What do you believe are the three largest challenges that WEDI will face over the next 5
years?
1. HIE Expansion: There is no mandated standard around HIE entities that have been
launched over the past decade. Also, the expansion of the ACO model brings with it
a significant need to share patient clinical data real time between traditional health
care entities and entities that have not been seen as having a significant role in the
health care industry such as non-emergent transportation, community supports and
so forth. WEDI has limited penetration in this area and a successful move to
standardized HIE will be critical to a real growth in quality and efficient health care.
2. Successful ICD 10 Conversion: Data standards have been a significant strength of
WEDI over the years. WEDI has spent significant resources in assisting the industry
plan for the conversion from ICD 9 to ICD 10. If WEDI falters in this area as a leader
and a knowledge holder, it will likely have an adverse impact on WEDI’s
effectiveness and impact in the healthcare industry. It will be important for WEDI to
expend additional resources over the next two years to provide that leadership and
education to the industry as the conversion is made and beyond as WEDI members
continue to make needed adjustments following the October 2014 compliance
deadline.
3. Industry Penetration: There are a number of entities attempting to influence the
healthcare industry and extract funding to pay for outreach, leadership activities and
education. WEDI is in a unique position because of its statutory obligation as an
advisor to the US Department of Health and Human Services. WEDI needs to
continue to leverage that position, look for ways to expand partnerships and be “the
best game in town.” In areas that are and will be focused on by the WEDI
organization, WEDI stands to lose membership and influence if planning is lacking,
expertise is lacking, leadership is lacking and other areas that are perceived of
influence. WEDI needs to continue to sell itself as a viable entity in today and
tomorrow’s healthcare industry.
September 2, 2013
2014 WEDI Board Candidate Perspective Questions – Apgar
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** Please limit your responses to no more than 500 words for each question and be as
concise as possible.
Please submit your answers to:
WEDI
c/o Nominating Committee
1984 Isaac Newton Square, Suite 304
Reston, VA 20191
E-mail: saustin@wedi.org
September 2, 2013
2014 WEDI Board Candidate Perspective Questions – Apgar
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