FROM THE FOUNDATION

HIT Adoption Among California Dentists

What's the level of interest among California dentists in adopting health information technology, such as electronic dental health records, and how many are already making use of such systems? This snapshot of survey data provides some answers.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Call for Applications

This project will support clinics in providing remote diabetic retinopathy screenings to patients by funding retinal cameras, software, and expert consultation from the UCB School of Optometry. Applications are being accepted now through October 2010.

Revisiting the HITECH Act, One Year Later

A new report examines the progress implementing the U.S. government's multi-billion-dollar effort to jump-start adoption of information technology tools in the health care industry. Recommendations for further action by the White House and Congress are included.

You are not currently logged in - please login or register to view further items and sign up for the daily email update.
You are not currently logged in - please login or register to view further items and sign up for the daily email update.
You are not currently logged in - please login or register to view further items and sign up for the daily email update.

Health Plans

  • News
  • Features
  • Multimedia

08/26/2010

HHS Launches Website Search Widget To Find Affordable Health Plans

HHS has launched a new interactive widget on its HealthCare.gov website designed to help consumers find the most suitable health insurance plan for them. The widget can be embedded in websites to send users to the insurance site. Government Health IT, Federal Computer Week.

08/19/2010

ONC: States' Common Data Elements To Aid Insurance Exchanges

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.

08/17/2010

Panel: Federal Agencies Can Serve as Models for Insurance Exchanges

Last week, the Health IT Policy Committee's enrollment work group recommended that states model their forthcoming health insurance exchanges on existing electronic systems that federal agencies use to verify personal income, citizenship and legal residence. Government Health IT.

08/17/2010

States Aim To Monitor Insurers by Leveraging Technology, Web Tools

Yesterday, HHS announced $46 million in grants to help states strengthen their ability to regulate health insurance rate increases. Some states plan to use the funds to upgrade existing technology or create new interactive Web tools for consumers. Modern Healthcare et al.

08/06/2010

Health Care Providers, Insurers Lay Out Plans To Boost EHR Use

On Thursday, a number of health care providers, insurance groups and licensure organizations discussed plans to increase the use of electronic health records nationwide. Federal health care officials noted that achieving "meaningful use" of EHRs will take a sustained, coordinated effort from both the private sector and the national government. CQ HealthBeat et al.

08/03/2010

Popularity of Physician Rating Websites Likely To Grow Amid Concerns

Health insurance companies and other stakeholders are increasingly putting physician rating information online. While consumers are gaining access to more information, some analysts are concerned that rating systems are not entirely accurate. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.

08/02/2010

Panel: Physicians Must Understand Patients' Bond With Their Phones

Doctors looking to use mobile phones to reach out to patients face several obstacles, including lack of standards and the need to align interests of various stakeholders, according to a panel at the World Congress Summit on mHealth. Computerworld, PC World.

07/30/2010

HHS Will Provide $51 Million To Establish Insurance Exchanges

HHS has made available $51 million to assist in the creation of statewide health insurance exchanges that will allow consumers to compare various health plans online. The health reform law stipulates that states must implement such exchanges by 2014. States have the option of constructing their own exchanges or collaborating on regional systems. CQ HealthBeat et al.

07/29/2010

Oregon Hospitals Using Telemedicine Networks To Expand Services

Oregon hospitals are expanding their telemedicine networks to help patients living in rural areas gain access to specialists. Health care providers hope the networks will help to reduce costs and alleviate an expected physician shortage. Oregonian.

07/27/2010

More Insurers Open to Remote-Monitoring for Care of Heart Patients

Several insurers plan to adopt wireless reporting technology to help heart patients and their health care providers monitor patients' conditions to prevent problems that could require costly hospitalizations. Wall Street Journal.

07/07/2010

Conn. AG, Health Net Reach Settlement Over Medical Data Breach

Health Net will pay Connecticut $250,000 and provide nearly 500,000 residents with identity theft and credit monitoring services after the insurer lost a hard drive in 2009. The company also will take action to prevent future data breaches. Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal et al.

07/01/2010

Federal Government Launches Website on Health Care Options

Consumers can use the HealthCare.gov website to obtain tailored information on public and private health insurance plans based on their age, job status, income and ZIP code. The site also offers information on preventive services and allows residents to apply for the new high-risk insurance pools established under the federal health reform law. Washington Post et al.

06/28/2010

Real-Time Claims Processing Slow To Catch on in United States

Adoption of so-called "real-time claims adjudication" has been slow in the U.S. The process involves a physician office sending an electronic claim, and an insurer returning a payment commitment -- all before the patient's appointment is over. New York Times.

06/25/2010

Utah Health Department Unveils Database on State Health Care Trends

Utah's health department has unveiled the All Payers Database, a state database intended to track health care trends that might help policymakers, health care providers and consumers make more informed decisions about health care. KTSU, Salt Lake Tribune.

06/24/2010

California Insurer Says Website Breach Might Have Affected 230,000

Anthem Blue Cross of California is alerting members about the possible breach of a company website that allows users to track the status of their insurance applications. The insurer is offering identity protection services to affected members. Orange County Register.

Click to register for iHealthBeat