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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Policy

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08/27/2010

FCC Issues Final Rule on Broadcast of Medical Data Through Radio

On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission issued a final rule governing the MedRadio service, which transmits data associated with medical devices. Medical device firms had requested changes to the rule. Health Data Management.

08/26/2010

MGMA Seeks Revisions to E-Prescribing, EHR Incentive Pay Policies

The Medical Group Management Association is recommending that CMS make changes to the agency's incentive programs for electronic prescriptions and electronic health records. The comments address CMS' proposed 2011 physician fee schedule. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.

08/26/2010

Sebelius: Government Investments Help Spur Health IT Adoption

In an opinion piece, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius writes that progress in IT is transforming health care, noting that government investments in regional extension centers and health data exchanges have helped promote electronic health record adoption. Kaiser Health News.

08/25/2010

Biden: Federal Stimulus Package Is Working To Enhance Health IT

On Tuesday, Vice President Biden revealed a new White House report on the effects of the 2009 economic stimulus package, which provided $20 billion in investments for health IT. For example, the stimulus funding has helped health care providers improve the infrastructure necessary to set up information networks, according to the report. Modern Healthcare 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.

08/24/2010

FDA, VA Health IT Projects Slated for Cost-Efficiency Review

Health IT-related projects at FDA and the Department of Veterans Affairs are among 26 federal IT projects targeted by the White House for a comprehensive review. The review is part of a budget initiative announced in June. Modern Healthcare, Federal Computer Week.

08/24/2010

Health IT Policy Group Supports Creation of Eligibility Database

The Health IT Policy Committee is supporting plans to establish a national database that would help states determine residents' eligibility for federal health care programs. The database could be used as part of states' electronic health insurance exchanges. Government Health IT.

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.

08/20/2010

Federal Officials Target Illegal Selling of Prescriptions Online

Federal attorneys are launching a new legal offensive against online pharmacies that deliver prescription medications without requiring valid prescriptions. Two such pharmacies in Illinois and Utah have been identified in court documents. Affidavits indicate that the Illinois pharmacy collaborated in shipping 30,000 packages of drugs nationwide during the first six months of 2010. CNN.

08/20/2010

Officials With Homeland Security Dept. Seek EHR System for Immigrants

The Department of Homeland Security is seeking to acquire an electronic health record system from either a government agency or a commercial company to better manage health services for undocumented immigrants and for other government detainees. Government Health IT.

08/19/2010

Medical Specialty Group Joins Lawsuit Against FTC's 'Red Flags' Rule

The Council of Medical Specialty Societies has joined a lawsuit seeking to exempt doctors from the Federal Trade Commission's "Red Flags" rule, which aims to curb identity theft. FTC has delayed enforcement of the rule several times. HealthLeaders Media, Modern Healthcare.

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.

08/17/2010

Panel: Federal Agencies Can Serve as Models for Insurance Exchanges

Last week, the Health IT Policy Committee's enrollment work group recommended that states model their forthcoming health insurance exchanges on existing electronic systems that federal agencies use to verify personal income, citizenship and legal residence. Government Health IT.

08/16/2010

HHS Draft Strategic Plan Points to Health IT To Improve Care

In its Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2010-2015, HHS emphasizes the potential of health IT to foster innovation and transform the health care system. The plan describes how the agency intends to promote public awareness about health IT and advance its health care goals through blogs, text messages, online competitions and other Web 2.0 strategies. Federal Computer Week.

08/16/2010

Missouri Officials Delete Hospital Infection Data From Public Website

Missouri health officials have purged a website containing hospital infection rates from 2005 to 2008, saying the information is too costly and sensitive to maintain. Consumer advocates say the information is necessary to assess hospital performance. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

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