05/20/2013
IDC Health Insights has released an accountable care organization guide to help health providers make IT and business funding decisions. The guide emphasizes the importance of analytics, workflow and patient engagement technologies. Clinical Innovation & Technology et al.
05/15/2013
Although 73% of doctors say that health IT will improve care quality, 71% believe that the tools ultimately will result in higher costs, according to a report from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. The report also finds that 60% of doctors believe hospital-physician relationships will suffer as hospitals comply with the meaningful use program. FierceHealthIT, Deloitte report.
05/14/2013
A report from the American Medical Association's board of trustees states that a physician's communication skills can determine how computers affect patient satisfaction. In related news, New Jersey's AMA delegation is urging the association to inform federal officials that the appropriate use of electronic health record systems does not constitute fraud. Modern Healthcare, Modern Physician.
05/13/2013
Lawmakers in the Texas House and Senate have advanced several health IT-related bills. For example, one new proposal would allow health care providers in the state to collect and verify patient data by swiping an individual's driver's license. Texas Tribune/New York Times.
05/08/2013
The latest report from Surescripts shows that about 44% of all U.S. prescriptions were submitted electronically in 2012, compared with 36% in 2011. According to Surescripts, 69% of all U.S. physicians were electronically prescribing last year. FierceEMR, HealthTechZone.
05/07/2013
Hospitals increasingly are using social media and webcasts to broadcast surgeries in real time. Some experts have praised the educational benefits of such practices, while others say the practice offers no value beyond public relations benefits for hospitals. Washington Post.
05/06/2013
The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Family Physicians have responded to a request for information about how the federal government could promote health data exchange. American Medical News.
05/02/2013
A Vanguard Communications report examining negative online doctor reviews finds that the most common complaints relate to bedside manner and customer service. Only 21.5% of the negative reviews criticized a doctor's medical skills. Becker's Hospital Review, eWeek.
05/01/2013
A study organized by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and conducted by Abt Associates will examine how ambulatory care practices use health IT systems and restructure workflows to better capture and use patient-reported data. Health Data Management.
04/29/2013
A study finds that medical interns spend about 40% of their time on computer-related tasks and about 12% of their time with patients. Researchers suggest that more advanced electronic health record systems could help interns reduce their computer time. Medscape, Modern Physician.
04/15/2013
More health insurance firms are developing algorithms to help curb prescription drug misuse. The firms say they can assist doctors who have not been thoroughly educated on treating pain, but some physicians argue that insurers should not dictate treatment. Wall Street Journal.
04/12/2013
Physicians should refrain from "friending" patients on Facebook and use caution when texting patients, according to a position statement published in the Annals of Internal Medicine by the American College of Physicians and the Federation of State Medical Boards. USA Today et al.
04/10/2013
The American Medical Student Association says that the American Medical Association's Physician Masterfile -- which contains doctors' personal and prescribing information -- should be used only for research and should not be sold for commercial uses. Modern Physician.
04/01/2013
According to the Digital Media Project at Harvard University, there have been at least seven lawsuits filed in the past five years against patients and others for posting negative online comments about physicians. So far, the outcomes of such cases have been mixed. Boston Globe.
03/26/2013
Some physicians say that emailing with their patients reduces costs, saves time and helps prevent patients from misdiagnosing themselves. However, other doctors say the practice raises concerns about legal liability, privacy and other issues. Wall Street Journal.