11/15/2012
Now that the 2012 elections are behind us, doctors and hospitals can move forward with implementing electronic health records, as well as the health IT-related provisions included in the Affordable Care Act. Ultimately, the meaningful use of health IT will result in improved patient care. By Dave Roberts
10/25/2012
The final rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use incentive program reinforce the federal government's unwavering commitment to ensure widespread adoption of certified electronic health record technology. By Robin Raiford
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
10/09/2012
Over the last several years, patients have been advocating for greater access to their health data. The Blue Button project is helping to enable that access in both the public and private sectors. Further, it has opened up radical new opportunities for third-party applications. By Regina Holliday
10/02/2012
Although both President Obama and GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney have voiced support for health IT efforts, there are some key differences in their strategies for health IT policy. The industry has been left to speculate on how the election might affect federal health IT initiatives. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
09/11/2012
Public and private efforts are underway to educate the public about the benefits of health IT and access to their electronic health data. However, ultimately, physicians and nurses will be the most effective sales force for consumer health IT. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn
08/20/2012
The Direct secure clinical messaging protocol is attracting attention throughout the country. Observers say that what appears to be the most elementary form of health information exchange could actually have a big effect. by Ken Terry, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter
08/15/2012
At a recent conference hosted by the eHealth Initiative, experts touted the importance of data and analytics in health care. However, they also discussed their current limitations and challenges, highlighting how far the industry still has to go to fully realize the benefits. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
08/09/2012
The federal government is undertaking initiatives aimed at helping patients understand their rights to access their health information. According to recent research, patients with electronic access to their medical information are more engaged in their health care. by Helen Pfister and Susan Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
07/23/2012
Older physicians are lagging behind in electronic health record adoption. Some say doctors who are close to retirement age should be exempt from penalties under the meaningful use program, but others argue that physicians of all ages should pursue the goals of health IT and meaningful use. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
07/16/2012
A number of important federal health IT developments occurred during the second quarter of 2012, including the release of a request for information on Nationwide Health Information Network governance and the creation of two new offices at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. by Helen R. Pfister, Susan R. Ingargiola and Christine D. Chang
07/12/2012
Although the Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold most of the federal health reform law did not directly touch on IT, the ruling has several implications for the sector. The next couple of years can, and will, see tremendous growth in health IT. By Dave Roberts
07/02/2012
Most CIOs are feeling the need to better manage or reduce operating expense at the very moment when demand for IT services is peaking. How can CIOs manage competing demands -- such as the meaningful use program and ICD-10 -- without compromising performance? By Ernie Hood and Daphne Lawrence
06/14/2012
Few people disagree with the need to get more medical information into the hands of patients and their families, and many believe that patient portals are the easiest way to provide this access. But, as with other areas involving health IT, there are challenges and fears. By Heath Bell and Fred Bazzoli
06/11/2012
Stakeholders warn that the proposed Stage 2 meaningful use criteria for clinical quality measure data collection will be difficult for vendors and health care providers to achieve. CMS is withholding comment on the issue until it releases its final rule, which is expected this summer. by Ken Terry, iHealthBeat Contributing Reporter