03/10/2010
The WebMD Health Exchange is intended to provide an arena for consumers to interact with health care professionals and other consumers. The service will let third parties sponsor branded discussions and exchanges on specific health care issues. Healthcare IT News.
03/08/2010
The Illinois Department of Insurance has begun posting online information about premium increases in the individual health insurance market. State officials say the move aims to provide consumers with greater transparency on the rate policies of health insurers. Chicago Tribune.
03/08/2010
Consumer Partnership for eHealth recently published consumer and employer responses to 10 common concerns about the "meaningful use" rules. Consumers generally said they do not expect the criteria to be out of reach for health care providers. Healthcare IT News.
03/04/2010
A new survey finds that many people turn to the Internet as a first source for health information before seeking guidance from physicians. The survey also noted that more people are using e-mail to communicate directly with their doctors. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report.
03/04/2010
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has added immunizations and heart conditions as quality measures to an online tool that compares physician performances and treatment costs. Thus far, BlueCross members have viewed the tool around 50,000 times. Tennesseean.
02/26/2010
Surgeon General Regina Benjamin announced a deal with Microsoft to integrate the My Family Health Portrait online health history tool with the software firm's HealthVault platform. The partnership aims to help consumers share health data with physicians. Modern Healthcare et al.
02/25/2010
A recent survey from the Medical Group Management Association found that doctors are unhappy with many aspects of CMS' Physician Quality Reporting Initiative. CMS officials say they are working to address such concerns and improve the program. HealthLeaders Media.
02/19/2010
Proponents say "smart cards" could help the U.S. boost health care efficiency and reduce medical costs. Countries such as France and Taiwan already use smart cards to store health records, insurance information, prescription histories and other patient data. Newsweek.
02/19/2010
CDC has unveiled a new surveillance system designed to help the agency track and analyze adverse events related to blood transfusions. The system, called the Hemovigilance Module, will be part of the agency's Internet-based National Healthcare Safety Network. Medical facilities will be able to access the system at no cost. Modern Healthcare, United Press International.
02/18/2010
A recent computer system glitch in Montana caused some children to face difficulty obtaining prescription drugs. The problem occurred after the state implemented a new program that combined its Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program rolls. Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
02/17/2010
A new survey examining 14 government agencies' Web sites ranked HHS' National Mental Health Information Center site among the most transparent. The survey by ForeSee Results linked online transparency efforts to trust in government agencies. NextGov.
02/12/2010
The social networking site aims to encourage California adolescents to take advantage of health services under Medicaid and the state's Children's Health Insurance Program. The UCLA School of Public Health is working with the insurer Health Net on the project. Payers & Providers.
02/11/2010
The Department of Veterans Affairs' new IT Dashboard will allow the public to track the cost, performance and schedule of the agency's IT projects, including health IT initiatives. The data show that the agency has earned high marks for its Master Patient Index. Information Week.
02/11/2010
A new Manhattan Research report shows that the Internet has a greater influence on consumers' health decisions and behaviors than print, television or radio. However, the report notes that health care professionals still have the biggest impact on consumer health decisions. Healthcare IT News.
02/11/2010
America's Health Insurance Plans and the BlueCross BlueShield Association are teaming up for a New Jersey pilot program that will help physicians check patient coverage and track claims. Five of the state's major insurers will offer data through the Web portal. New York Times.