03/15/2010
The Health IT Policy Committee's adoption and certification work group recently called for officials to establish a national database of safety hazards related to health IT system malfunctions. A patient safety organization would oversee the database and create safety reports to guide health care providers and policymakers. Government Health IT, Federal Computer Week.
03/15/2010
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has developed guidelines for computerized physician order entry systems to help health care providers combat drug safety problems. The group recommends a multidisciplinary approach to adopting the guidelines. Modern Healthcare.
03/12/2010
FDA is asking 350 hospitals to report health IT system malfunctions that could jeopardize patient safety. The agency specifically is looking to identify problems with electronic systems that help physicians prescribe medications. Huffington Post Investigative Fund.
03/08/2010
Consumer Partnership for eHealth recently published consumer and employer responses to 10 common concerns about the "meaningful use" rules. Consumers generally said they do not expect the criteria to be out of reach for health care providers. Healthcare IT News.
03/05/2010
The Department of Veterans Affairs has suspended access to the Department of Defense's electronic health record system after discovering that some of the patient medical data downloaded from the network was incorrect or incomplete. Officials are working to resolve the issue. NextGov.
03/05/2010
A recent study found that doctors who use BitTorrent, LimeWire or other file-sharing applications on their computers might unintentionally expose their patients' health and financial information. Researchers say the study is the first to examine the way personal health information is disclosed through file-sharing applications. Montreal Gazette, Healthcare IT News.
03/04/2010
Experts say medical identity theft is dangerous because it can lead health care providers to record inaccurate information in a patient's chart. The cases usually involve the misuse of another patient's name, Social Security number or insurance card. NPR's "Morning Edition."
02/26/2010
Sen. Chuck Grassley has sent letters asking HHS Secretary Sebelius and HIMSS CEO Stephen Lieber about the possibility of increasing FDA's authority to regulate health IT. He also expressed concern about the current lack of attention on health IT-related safety issues. The letters are the latest of Grassley's inquiries into the health IT industry. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.
02/24/2010
Tomorrow, Jeffrey Shuren of FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health is expected to testify about health IT system malfunctions that have contributed to patient safety risks. The reports are leading some stakeholders to recommend that the federal government increase its oversight of the health IT industry. Huffington Post Investigative Fund.
02/19/2010
Proponents say "smart cards" could help the U.S. boost health care efficiency and reduce medical costs. Countries such as France and Taiwan already use smart cards to store health records, insurance information, prescription histories and other patient data. Newsweek.
02/19/2010
CDC has unveiled a new surveillance system designed to help the agency track and analyze adverse events related to blood transfusions. The system, called the Hemovigilance Module, will be part of the agency's Internet-based National Healthcare Safety Network. Medical facilities will be able to access the system at no cost. Modern Healthcare, United Press International.
02/18/2010
A recent computer system glitch in Montana caused some children to face difficulty obtaining prescription drugs. The problem occurred after the state implemented a new program that combined its Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program rolls. Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
02/17/2010
The Veterans Affairs Department is seeking a vendor to modify its computerized patient record system so it can track more physician actions. VA wants the system to track and report on physicians' actions after receiving critical diagnostic test alerts. The system currently only tracks whether physicians click to acknowledge receipt of abnormal test result alerts. Government Health IT.
02/10/2010
Yesterday, UnitedHealthcare launched a database combining clinical cancer data with claims information and treatment guidelines. The registry aims to help oncologists evaluate whether certain treatments align with medical protocol. UHC said the database also could help cut costs by encouraging physicians to avoid unnecessary treatments. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal et al.
02/05/2010
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg announced that the agency will implement a new computer-based monitoring system to identify imported food and drugs that might pose risks to consumers. FDA plans to have the monitoring system in place at all U.S. ports by early summer. Reuters, AP/Miami Herald.