01/10/2013
With the federal government considering patient-generated health information as part of the requirements for Stage 3 of the meaningful use incentive program, it's crucial that we consider streamlined patient usability of the portal as a critical part of the equation. By Janet Dillione
12/13/2012
In 2013, health IT will be shaped by federal legislation, economic market realities and patient engagement. If patients are not put in the center in terms of design, the promise of health IT will be limited and the potential return on substantial investments in a time of national fiscal austerity will fall flat. By Jane Sarasohn-Kahn
12/03/2012
There's growing evidence that most of the nation's smaller health care facilities are lagging behind in meeting meaningful use requirements. However, Henry County Health Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Iowa, found that its small size actually provided advantages in moving ahead with EHRs. By Fred Bazzoli
11/26/2012
A variety of health information exchange activities are under way that will help facilitate the exchange of health data to improve care coordination, boost health care quality and ultimately lower costs. However, there's a great deal of work left to make this vision a reality. By Brian Ahier
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
11/06/2012
Emerging technologies offer opportunities for new and innovative strategies that will transform the way health care institutions and professionals communicate with their patients and with the rest of the care team. By Christina Thielst
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
10/09/2012
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
09/27/2012
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has dropped its plans to issue a Nationwide Health Information Network governance rule. It's now imperative that the federal government more actively use its existing authorities to ensure seamless and trusted exchange for patients and providers. By Deven McGraw
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
09/06/2012
The successful adoption of a bar-code bedside medication verification system at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, highlights the importance of planning, project ownership, and end-user support and affirmation. By Fred Bazzoli
08/23/2012
Electronic health records, mobile health and other health IT tools have the potential to help reduce health care disparities. However, there must be a dedicated push to promote the adoption of such technologies in underserved communities to fully realize the benefits. By Kathy Lim Ko
08/13/2012
In memory of Dr. Stephen Covey, we relate his "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" to health care CIOs and how they manage their IT departments. CIOs have difficult, complicated and stressful jobs. Who could benefit more from a little simplicity? By Doug Thompson
07/26/2012
Widespread adoption of intravenous clinical integration technology is the key to helping drive down the rate of medication errors across the country. However, greater support at the national level is needed to raise awareness of the issue and encourage hospital adoption. By Steven Pregulman, M.D.
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