05/13/2013
There is growing evidence that blogging about illness and treatment can be beneficial for patients. Large medical institutions have taken note and are incorporating blogging into their treatment offerings. by Lisa Zamosky, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
05/02/2013
Patients' active, thoughtful self-care and investigation online should not only be commended, it should be celebrated, integrated and prioritized. There is a new set of responsibilities unfolding for physicians, and care cannot and will not be limited to 15 minute-visits in the office. By Wendy Sue Swanson
04/22/2013
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking public input on how to update the consumer e-health-related sections of its Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. Stakeholders have until May 9 to offer comments on various topics through ONC's new "Planning Room" website. by Helen R. Pfister and Susan R. Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
02/25/2013
Physician rating websites haven't caught on with the public in the same way that online restaurant and hotel review sites have, nor are they well regarded by physicians. Still, experts see a future in which doctors' performance will increasingly be subject to evaluation in online forums for the public to see. by Lisa Zamosky, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
01/29/2013
A new study finds that teenagers are reluctant to share health information via social media. Online patient networks can help patients become more engaged in their own care and provide support from patients with similar diseases, but for teens to get on board, the tools need to be better tailored to their needs and wants. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
12/11/2012
One of the Health IT Policy Committee's proposed recommendations for Stage 3 of the meaningful use incentive program would require participating health care providers to electronically accept patient-generated health information in an effort to increase patient engagement in health care. by Helen R. Pfister and Susan R. Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
12/07/2012
Family caregivers outpace all other groups in their use of the Internet to seek health care information. Caregivers' high rate of online activity is fueling the development of new online tools aimed at helping caregivers navigate the requirements of their complicated, and often personally taxing, role. by Lisa Zamosky, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
11/06/2012
Emerging technologies offer opportunities for new and innovative strategies that will transform the way health care institutions and professionals communicate with their patients and with the rest of the care team. By Christina Thielst
10/23/2012
A number of important health IT developments took place in the third quarter of 2012. For example, CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released the final rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program, and the Government Accountability Office published a Medicare incentive payment report. by Helen R. Pfister, Susan R. Ingargiola and Christine D. Chang, Manatt Health Solutions
10/12/2012
At the 6th annual Health 2.0 Conference, speakers stressed the importance of making health care data meaningful, accessible and actionable, while adhering to regulatory requirements, supporting evidence-based medicine and satisfying providers, patients and payers. by Rebecca Vesely, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
10/09/2012
Over the last several years, patients have been advocating for greater access to their health data. The Blue Button project is helping to enable that access in both the public and private sectors. Further, it has opened up radical new opportunities for third-party applications. By Regina Holliday
09/17/2012
A group of women suffering from a rare disease used social media to turn clinical research on its head, persuading researchers to take up their cause and initiate studies to shed light on a rare and potentially deadly illness that remains poorly understood. by Lisa Zamosky, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
09/11/2012
Public and private efforts are underway to educate the public about the benefits of health IT and access to their electronic health data. However, ultimately, physicians and nurses will be the most effective sales force for consumer health IT. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn
08/09/2012
The federal government is undertaking initiatives aimed at helping patients understand their rights to access their health information. According to recent research, patients with electronic access to their medical information are more engaged in their health care. by Helen Pfister and Susan Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
06/26/2012
Patients increasingly are taking a more active role in their own health care and going online to obtain health information. Yet, several new studies suggest that many patients are afraid to discuss what they've learned online or to ask pointed questions during a medical consultation. by Lisa Zamosky, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter