For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Denise Webb, chief information officer of Marshfield Clinic Health System and CEO of MCIS Inc., was appointed by the United States’ Government Accountability Office (GAO) as one of the 15 members for the new federal Health Information Technology Advisory Committee established in the 21st Century Cures Act.

Webb joins a group of industry experts to provide recommendations to the national coordinator for health information technology on policies, standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria relating to the implementation of a health information technology infrastructure that advances the electronic access, exchange, and use of health information.

The GAO is a legislative branch government agency that supports Congress in meeting constitutional responsibilities. Its mission is to improve performance and ensure accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people.

“I am honored, and it’s a privilege to serve on this committee. I can bring the perspective of an integrated health care delivery system that has its own IT company and develops its own health technology tools for its providers and patients,” Webb said. “I hope to make a positive impact for Wisconsin and our nation by moving the interoperability roadmap forward.”

Webb was appointed to a two-year term. Other members of the committee were given staggered one-, two-, or three-year terms.

“Denise was selected for this role because of her expertise, leadership, and vision in the field of health information technology,” said Marshfield Clinic Health System CEO Dr. Susan Turney. “Her appointment gives a powerful voice to the best interests of our patients and patients across the country. Denise will take our focus on patient-centered care and excellence of care delivery to a national level, where she can have an impact on millions of lives.”

Before joining Marshfield Clinic Health System, Webb held multiple positions in Wisconsin state government focused on the statewide adoption and use of electronic health records and information exchange, including being the statewide coordinator for health information technology. She has also served in the Air Force, where she retired as a lieutenant colonel, and has received master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and Webster University.