05/23/2013
Many hospitals and other health care providers are turning to data breach insurance as the number of reported security incidents in the health care sector grows. Data breach policies allow health care organizations to transfer risk, according to experts. by John Moore, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
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
05/06/2013
A number of important federal health IT developments took place during the first quarter of 2013, such as CMS releasing a request for information on ways to accelerate electronic health information exchange and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT unveiling a consumer engagement plan. by Helen R. Pfister, Susan R. Ingargiola and Christine D. Chang, Manatt Health Solutions
04/29/2013
Recent studies show growing dissatisfaction among physicians with their electronic health record systems. Experts say the rapid adoption of EHRs in response to the federal government's EHR incentive program may have exacerbated some of the usability issues. by Ken Terry, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
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
04/15/2013
Drug-drug interaction alert systems can be a boon for medication safety improvement. However, recent studies have found override rates as high as 95%. Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT-sponsored research shows that paring down alerts could reduce the "noise" factor. by Bonnie Darves, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
04/08/2013
HHS is seeking feedback on ways to accelerate electronic health information exchange within the health care industry. One of the policy changes HHS is considering is requiring health care providers to engage in electronic HIE in order to participate in Medicare. by Helen R. Pfister and Susan R. Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
04/02/2013
What does a successful prototype of a cancer care database mean for the future of medicine? Experts say the effort could bring the concept of a rapid learning health system to life by allowing health providers to tap into the collective experience of millions of patients to inform care delivery. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/21/2013
A comprehensive analysis of the 50 states and the District of Columbia finds that telehealth laws and reimbursement policies generally are not keeping up with the technology. Still, even telehealth proponents are cautioning states not to move too quickly. by Rebecca Vesely, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
03/14/2013
The growing use of electronic health records means that many organizations have more data to work with than ever before. Health care industry executives see great potential in data analytics, but the increasing use of such tools also raises significant security concerns. by John Moore, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
03/08/2013
National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said "health care is broken." But he pointed to the progress made through the meaningful use program as proof that the system can change. To realize a health care system that provides better and safer care at a lower cost, he said data and incentives will matter. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/07/2013
Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner and National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari touted the benefits of the meaningful use program and stressed the importance of health IT in care delivery reform. Meanwhile, a new request for information highlights the administration's plans to boost health information exchange. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/06/2013
The big news at Tuesday's Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference was CMS' confirmation that cuts under budget sequestration will hit Medicare meaningful use payments beginning April 1. Meanwhile, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will see its budget cut from $60 million to $57 million under the sequester. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/05/2013
Ochsner Health System CEO Warner Thomas said health care should mimic the efficiencies that have been created in the airline, banking and retail industries. Meanwhile, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society released two new surveys and Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT officials tackled tough questions during a town hall session. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
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