WASHINGTON, D.C.–An Executive Order signed by President Bush late last month will promote federally led efforts to implement more transparent and high-quality healthcare.

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the Defense Department, the Veterans Affairs Dept. and the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program reportedly will be required to compile information about the quality and cost of care they pay for and share that information with their customers and each other.

The Order directs the agencies to: use information systems that "talk" to each other; enact programs that measure quality of care and develop those measures with the private sector and other government agencies; offer transparency of pricing information; and identify practices that promote quality and efficiency of care.