The Department of Health and Human Services is taking a big step toward connecting health information technology systems to the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN). And it's free!

Instead of waiting for connectivity to happen at its own speed, HHS is making software available to technology systems to connect with NHIN. It's the first step toward encouraging public and private organizations to connect with the NHIN. The free software is called "Connect."

President Obama has pledged to develop an electronic health record system as a way to hold down costs and make medical care more focused and efficient. NHIN would be the bridge for the electronic exchange of health data. The strategy for electronic records includes tying NHIN with health information exchanges, integrated delivery networks, pharmacies, government health facilities, laboratories, doctors, hospitals and private payers into a "network of networks."

If this sounds like a big job, it definitely is. But ultimately, it will allow a patient at any facility to get information to doctors electronically, and to another facility where the patient may be treated as well.

For more on e-health records:
- check out this Federal Computer Weekly article