02/12/2013
Experts say that the number of physicians who use patient portals could skyrocket in the next few years, in part because of meaningful use incentive program requirements. The increase in adoption of such technology could have a significant effect on health care. by Ken Terry, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
02/04/2013
In its draft health IT patient safety plan, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has proposed leveraging the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's voluntary adverse event reporting system. by Helen R. Pfister and Susan R. Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
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
01/22/2013
There were a number of important federal health IT developments in the fourth quarter of 2012, from the unveiling of a draft health IT safety plan to the request for comment on proposed criteria for Stage 3 of the meaningful use program to an interim final rule to make changes under Stage 2 of the EHR Incentive Programs. by Helen R. Pfister, Susan R. Ingargiola and Christine D. Chang, Manatt Health Solutions
01/14/2013
Even with health IT advances and the march toward computerized provider order entry, health care facilities still struggle with the process of medication reconciliation. However, hospitals, with IT companies' help, are beginning to make headway -- if slowly. by Bonnie Darves, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
01/08/2013
Patient safety concerns are being raised about caregivers becoming distracted by smartphones and mobile devices. Several health systems and provider associations are leading the way in establishing policies to address the issue. by Rebecca Vesely, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
01/03/2013
With 2012 now behind us, we asked 11 leaders in the health IT field to reflect on the progress and missed opportunities of the past year, as well as their hopes for health IT in 2013. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
12/17/2012
Health care IT managers and industry consultants say their top health IT security resolutions for 2013 will be continuing the focus on encryption, bolstering mobile and wireless security, collaborating more on business continuity, considering cyber security and keeping an eye on the essentials. by John Moore, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
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
11/29/2012
Rural hospital officials in California's Central Valley said patients are benefiting from stroke specialists in Sacramento diagnosing and recommending treatment through a maturing, growing telehealth network. by Alice Daniel, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
11/19/2012
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has taken steps to introduce some uniformity on "meaningful choice" in health information exchanges' use of patients' personal health data, but many issues still must be resolved. by Ken Terry, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
11/12/2012
Use of personal health records is expected to increase with Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. However, comparing PHR privacy policies remains challenging. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's Model Privacy Notice was designed to address the problem, but vendor adoption has been extremely limited. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
10/29/2012
Government agencies, academic institutions and private firms increasingly are turning to virtual patient platforms and technologies to reduce the risks and costs associated with clinical trials for prescription drugs and medical devices. by Bonnie Darves, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
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