I disagree that it's off topic. Patrick's email/article gave an example of how easy and valuable it can be to automate something within a doctor's office, then added this:

"Many things are easy for software companies in a way that they just aren't for non-software companies... doctor's offices don't think of APIs for the same reason that developers think that free soda is a wonderful thing to treat your employees to."

I read that as encouraging developers to look at doctor offices as a valuable market without warning them about the importance of HIPAA/HITECH compliance. And I believe that can get folks into trouble if they aren't careful.

Perhaps I should have simply phrased it that way instead. Thanks for the feedback. I deleted my prior message and I'll email Patrick with my concern.