Portland to Host Inaugural NW HIMSS Technology Conference

Online, October 20, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Oregon and Washington Chapters of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) today announced registration is now open for the Inaugural NW HIMSS Technology Conference to take place at the Governor Hotel in Portland, Oregon on Monday, November 14 - 1 pm - 7pm; Tuesday November 15 - 7am - 1pm.

With the theme of "Connected Communities of Care," the conference's goal is to educate attendees to learn how technology is advancing the healthcare reform movement toward accountability across the public, private, provider, payer, and patient communities, and will bring together health professionals to share their experiences, ideas, plans and breakthrough technologies.

"The Pacific Northwest is home to many of the world leaders in both technology development and use," said Ernest Hood, Senior Research Director at The Advisory Board Company and Washington HIMSS Chapter President. "This is a rare chance for us North-Westerners to see the latest health care technology on display in one place close to home!"

Keynote speakers at the conference will include Jack Friedman, Chief Executive Officer, Providence Health Plans who will kick off the conference by giving the audience a keynote on an Insurance company leader's perspective on health care.

Brian DeVore Director of Industry Affairs from Intel Corporation will be giving a presentation discussing Intel's use of an employer-designed Medical Neighborhood which is helping to drive improved care and lower community costs in Oregon.

Dr. Alan Bates, Oregon State Senator and Practicing Physician will round out the keynote line-up with an overview of Oregon's Health Insurance Exchange, which provides apples to apples comparison of health plans, portability to consumers and leverages group rates for small businesses.

"This is the first time the Oregon and Washington HIMSS chapters have come together for a joint conference," said Tom Finnerty, Senior Healthcare Account Manager and Oregon HIMSS President. "This is a great time to meet and interact with our neighboring state's health professionals."

This conference also gives you the chance to hear from business, clinical and technology experts about the current state and future road map of delivering health care in the Northwest. Breakout sessions focusing on Clinical/Quality, Technology and Business healthcare topics will also be offered, giving attendees a deeper look into new trends in Health IT.

Registration for the conference is $125 for HIMSS members, $175 for non-members, and $50 for students.

Sponsor and Exhibitor opportunities are still available.
Discounted Hotel Rates are available through entering rate code 10010601777