03/15/2010
Large hospitals and health care systems can share more patient records by leasing their electronic health record software to smaller physician groups. The practice also makes EHR software more affordable for small-scale health care providers. HealthLeaders Magazine.
03/12/2010
A Senate jobs bill passed this week includes a provision that would make it easier for certain hospital-based physicians to qualify for federal incentive payments for the "meaningful use" of electronic health records. Currently, the 2009 federal economic stimulus package excludes all hospital-based physicians from the EHR incentive program. Health Data Management et al.
03/11/2010
Officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs confirmed that eliminating the planned redesign of the agency's Replacement Scheduling Application Development program would account for about two-thirds of the expected savings from canceling 12 IT programs. Federal Computer Week.
03/10/2010
In its formal comment letter to CMS, the American Hospital Association recommended incorporating greater flexibility into federal requirements for the "meaningful use" of electronic health records. AHA warned that health care providers looking to adopt EHRs might be discouraged by the "all-or-nothing" approach and strict timeframes of the regulations. Modern Healthcare et al.
03/09/2010
The National eHealth Collaborative recently launched a no-cost Webinar series called "NHIN University" to educate stakeholders about the Nationwide Health Information Network. ONC officials will offer presentations for the series. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.
03/09/2010
Ohio's House of Representatives unanimously passed a measure that would reimburse health care providers up to 75% for certain health IT purchases and training. The bill aims to help the state develop and test a patient-centered medical home system. Government Health IT.
03/09/2010
California officials have selected the new organization Cal eConnect to develop a statewide health data exchange. The project aims to help health care providers qualify for incentive payments from the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. San Francisco Business Times, HealthLeaders Media.
03/09/2010
Rural health care providers and facilities that have yet to adopt electronic health record systems say they are at a disadvantage for receiving the health IT incentive payments made available through the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. Huffington Post Investigative Fund.
03/08/2010
A recent Medical Group Management Association survey found that more than two-thirds of physicians believe their productivity will decrease as they strive to meet the "meaningful use" requirements for health IT. Many respondents said they expect to encounter difficulty providing patients with electronic copies of their health records within a certain time frame. Modern Healthcare et al.
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.
03/05/2010
This week, CMS clarified that the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments expressly permits the electronic transmission of medical laboratory data. Previously, some clinicians had expressed concern that CLIA hindered lab data exchange. Government Health IT.
03/04/2010
During the HIMSS 2010 conference, one presentation described how health care providers can avoid lawsuits by maintaining effective health data management systems. Other speakers offered recommendations on health IT purchasing and implementation. Health Data Management et al.
03/04/2010
A new survey finds that many people turn to the Internet as a first source for health information before seeking guidance from physicians. The survey also noted that more people are using e-mail to communicate directly with their doctors. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report.
03/03/2010
According to a new survey released at the HIMSS conference, federal incentive payments for health IT adoption and possible penalties for non-adoption are spurring many physicians to consider purchasing electronic health record systems. HealthLeaders Media, Computerworld.
03/03/2010
During the HIMSS 2010 conference yesterday, National Coordinator for Health IT David Blumenthal announced that ONC has released a notice for proposed rulemaking on electronic health record certification. Also at the conference, the Federal Health Architecture showcased interoperability projects, and several EHR vendors unveiled new applications. Health Data Management et al.