08/24/2010
The Health IT Policy Committee is supporting plans to establish a national database that would help states determine residents' eligibility for federal health care programs. The database could be used as part of states' electronic health insurance exchanges. Government Health IT.
08/19/2010
Many states use similar data for eligibility and enrollment in health and social service programs, according to an analysis from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. ONC officials said the data could be standardized for health insurance exchanges. Government Health IT.
08/16/2010
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT created a new governance group that will help develop an official set of rules for organizations participating in the Nationwide Health Information Network, as required by the 2009 HITECH Act. Government Health IT.
08/13/2010
National Government Services, a Medicare contractor, has secured a CMS contract to help prepare and process "meaningful use" incentive payments. Meanwhile, HHS has awarded contracts for work on the Nationwide Health Information Network. Government Health IT, Washington Technology.
08/12/2010
The Veterans Affairs and Defense departments have reached an agreement to assign a common personal identifier code that would follow a service member from enlistment until death. The identifier, which would be a nine- or 10-digit number, would be used in electronic health records and other military systemwide data exchanges. Federal Computer Week et al.
08/11/2010
Officials with the Arkansas Department of Health are considering proposals to expand the state's existing children's immunization registry to include adults. Such legislation would create a centralized database of residents' vaccination histories. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
08/10/2010
In a Facebook application, Novartis included "misleading" information about a leukemia drug and failed to comply with FDA regulations on advertising, the agency said in a letter to the drugmaker. The case is indicative of larger issues surrounding drug and medical advertising on social media websites, according to some advocates. CongressDaily's "Tech Daily Dose" et al.
08/04/2010
The Utah Health Information Network is the first network to be accredited by the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission. The network manages the exchange of administrative, clinical and financial data. Health Data Management et al.
07/30/2010
Multicampus hospitals will be paid as one facility for electronic health record incentives, CMS says. Meanwhile, an official from a physicians group warns that doctors could opt out of the incentive program. HealthLeaders Media, Health Data Management.
07/27/2010
A $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation is funding a project by researchers seeking to build a prototype of a new computer with special applications for physicians. National Science Foundation/U.S. News & World Report.
07/26/2010
Two health care industry trade groups are encouraging the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to adopt a global tracking system that would align health care products with electronic health records. A not-for-profit electronic tracking firm also is supporting the effort, which proponents say would boost patient safety during product recalls. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.
07/23/2010
A technology firm has launched an interactive online community designed to help health care providers better understand the new federal standards for the "meaningful use" of electronic health records. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.
07/23/2010
The World Health Organization is working with a health terminology standards group in an effort to improve the accuracy and reliability of health care classification systems. The plan involves the use of electronic health records. Healthcare IT News, E-Health Europe.
07/22/2010
Federal health officials anticipate that several organizations will be granted authority to test electronic health records through the temporary certification program. So far, 16 groups have applied to be testing and certification bodies. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has 30 days to approve an application upon receipt. Government Health IT et al.
07/20/2010
An HHS advisory panel is considering plans to establish standards for eligibility and enrollment for various federal and state health and social services programs, in order to create a successful information exchange that is easy to use for potential enrollees. Government Health IT.