Health Datapalooza: How Open Data is Improving Your Health Care

Have you ever stopped to think about the data that drives the activity tracker you use, the health app you rely on, or the health information you find online? Most of us don’t think about “health data” on a daily basis, but it’s really pretty powerful, and what you see now is just the beginning.

The 2015 Health Datapalooza (#hdpalooza), taking place May 31 to June 3 in Washington, D.C., will provide an exciting glimpse of what’s happening and what’s ahead in the world of health data.  Many of the themes this year are focused on data-powered ways to improve services and quality of care, offer more choices, and improve access to information for health care providers and consumers, including one’s own medical information.

The Health Datapalooza began as a small conversation about how HHS could launch its Health Data Initiative (located at HealthData.gov today).  In its sixth year, it’s now a key conference, bringing together over 2,000 data experts, technology developers, entrepreneurs, policy makers, health care system leaders and community advocates.  

Dr. Karen DeSalvo (HHS/ONC) (right) and Dwayne Spradlin, former CEO of the Health Data Consortium (left) announce Dave Vockell, CEO of software company Lyfechannel, as first place winner of the 2014 Code-a-Palooza Challenge at the 2014 Health Datapalooza.

The event is anticipated to be better and bolder with the convergence of some key elements, including more open health data than ever before; expanding interest and deeper investments in health care innovations; and a growing number of creative, impactful ideas to improve health and the health care experience.

Join Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell and other HHS leaders for an exploration of how health data can be used to understand some of the most complex problems in health care and social services.  Find out how health innovators are creating the solutions that can improve our health. 

We can’t wait to learn about the creative ideas the health data enthusiasts out there are dreaming up to help us build a better, smarter and healthier health care system.  Who knows, you might be using one of their data-driven innovations sooner than you think.

Check out a detailed agenda for the Health Datapalooza and register to attend today!   Or simply, follow the conversation on twitter (#hdpalooza) and stay tuned for follow up from the event.