Here is a story about whether metadata standards should be a part of the Stage Two requirements for Meaningful Use.

The quick headline on metadata is that this involves 'tagging' data so it can be referenced in multiple ways.  The idea will make the growing pile of healthcare data more valuable in the transformation of the industry.  It is a good thing.

But as the warning from the advisory group points out, this is a very complicated step that has to come way late in the process or we could have a mess on our hands.

A vision of the value of metadata is good and our continuing to press to that end is important.  But the road is long.  A lot of patience and hard work lies between here and there.

As we have said repeatedly, we believe in the power of HIT to help transform the industry.  We've seen it work in many other industries.  But while individual organizations can experience gain and improvement early, industry-wide transformation comes late, when enough pieces of the new infrastructure are in place to reach a tipping point.

Have a sandwich.  We're going to be here for a while.