08/26/2010
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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'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
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.