Talking the Walk: WEDI with Robert Tennant, Executive Director

In this episode of Healthcare Now Radio's 'Talking The Walk,' host Tom Testa interviews Robert Tennant, Executive Director of WEDI (Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange), to explore the organization's pivotal role in shaping U.S. health IT policy and interoperability. Tennant shares the fascinating origin story of WEDI, tracing its roots to the 1990s when it was instrumental in developing the framework for HIPAA, including the foundational reports that led to the landmark law. He emphasizes WEDI’s unique position as a neutral, consensus-driven forum that brings together diverse stakeholders—health plans, providers, vendors, standards groups, and federal agencies—to solve complex data exchange challenges. The discussion highlights WEDI’s current work on critical initiatives like the new CMS attachment rule, the interoperability and prior authorization final rules, and the launch of its Federal Policy Consultative (FPC) process to fill a regulatory gap left by the reconstituted NCVHS. Tennant also underscores WEDI’s adaptability over decades, from early EDI standards to today’s API-driven interoperability, and its commitment to education, testing platforms, and practical implementation support. The episode concludes with Tennant’s personal reflections on the value of WEDI as a collaborative, problem-solving community that fosters trust and innovation across the health IT ecosystem.