ONC Unveils Blue Button Plus In Preparation For Stage 2 MU

The Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) has released the initial specifications for a rebranding of its Automated Blue Button Initiative, now known as Blue Button+.  With upgraded features intended to help providers meet the patient engagement requirements built into Stage 2 Meaningful Use, Blue Button+ allows providers to integrate EHR information into the system in order for patients to view, download, and transmit the data.

In a webinar held on January 16, the ONC announced the availability of a technical implementation guide for developers, allowing them to begin building tools to integrate the new version of the successful Blue Button program into their patient portals.  Blue Button+ will also be able to combine insurance data, multiple physician records, and pharmacy information into a single, comprehensive record that patients can access, print, and share with whomever they choose...