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.

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08/27/2010

Maine Receives Final Approval of $6.6 Million for Health Exchange

Maine Gov. John Baldacci said the state has won approval from HHS for the full use of a $6.6 million federal grant to expand and coordinate health IT efforts statewide. Maine is the sixth state to have its health IT plan approved by HHS. Waterville Morning Sentinel et al.

08/27/2010

Report: Health Providers Must Address Gaps in Health IT Work Force

Health care providers facing a shortage of health IT staff could leverage employees' existing skill sets and explore remote hosting and other alternative health IT implementation strategies, according to a new report from Computer Sciences Corp. CMIO, Health Data Management.

08/26/2010

N.Y. Organization To Use Beacon Grant To Boost Diabetes Management

The Western New York health data exchange HealtheLink plans to use its $16.1 million Beacon Community grant from HHS to improve disease management for residents with diabetes. The project aims to improve care coordination and eliminate inefficiencies. Health Data Management et al.

08/25/2010

New Work Group To Study Stage 2 Criteria for 'Meaningful Use'

The Health IT Policy Committee has created a new work group to develop recommendations on prioritizing quality measures for the Stage 2 requirements for "meaningful use." National Coordinator for Health IT David Blumenthal will chair the work group. Health Data Management.

08/23/2010

Health IT Policy Panel Endorses Guidelines on Patient Consent

The Health IT Policy Committee recently approved a set of recommendations governing how health care providers should share patient data through health information exchanges. However, some panel members raised concerns about whether physicians should be required to offer alternatives to patients who opt out of health information exchange networks. Government Health IT et al.

08/18/2010

'Tiger Team' Proposes Privacy Guidelines for Health Data Exchanges

During its meeting on Monday, the privacy and security "Tiger Team" clarified when health information exchanges should seek patient consent. The group included the guidance in a 19-page letter detailing several privacy and security recommendations. Government Health IT.

08/18/2010

CMS Advises States on How To Obtain Federal Health IT Funds

In a letter to state Medicaid directors, CMS details three requirements states must meet to receive federal matching funds for administrative expenses related to the "meaningful use" incentive program. The letter also recommends that states pursue an incremental approach to implementing the electronic health record incentive programs. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

08/16/2010

ONC Sets Up Committee To Oversee Rulemaking Processes for NHIN

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT created a new governance group that will help develop an official set of rules for organizations participating in the Nationwide Health Information Network, as required by the 2009 HITECH Act. Government Health IT.

08/13/2010

CMS Officials Hear Hospitals' Concerns on 'Meaningful Use'

CMS recently addressed a range of questions from hospital representatives about the federal government's regulations on the "meaningful use" of electronic health records. CMS provided several pieces of information during the meeting. The question-and-answer session is part of the agency's efforts to address health care providers' concerns about the incentive program. InformationWeek.

08/13/2010

Officials Proceed With 'Meaningful Use' Pay, NHIN Design Strategies

National Government Services, a Medicare contractor, has secured a CMS contract to help prepare and process "meaningful use" incentive payments. Meanwhile, HHS has awarded contracts for work on the Nationwide Health Information Network. Government Health IT, Washington Technology.

08/11/2010

ONC Prepares To Set Governance Standards for NHIN Participation

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is gearing up to launch a formal rulemaking process to govern the Nationwide Health Information Network. Officials expect the rules to allow more organizations to participate in the NHIN Exchange, a collection of federal agencies and health care groups that contract with them. ONC aims to release a proposed rule by early 2011. Government Health IT.

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.

08/05/2010

Recommendations From Tiger Team Favor Data Controls for Patients

This week, the privacy and security "Tiger Team" met to discuss how to give patients control of sensitive data contained in their electronic health records. Members suggested that health care providers should discuss EHR privacy concerns with patients. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.

08/04/2010

FDA, ONC Clash Over Need for Regulation, Oversight of EHRs

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and FDA differ in their approach to electronic health record system regulation. FDA advocates for more controls to ensure EHR safety, while ONC states that strict regulations could hinder EHR adoption. Huffington Post Investigative Fund.

08/03/2010

HHS Enters Into New Contract To Help Build National Health Network

HHS has contracted with IT services provider Stanley to help federal health officials with developing the Nationwide Health Information Network. As part of the two-year agreement, Stanley will help to enroll participants into the NHIN. Washington Technology, Washington Business Journal.

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