06/11/2013
Making changes in clinical workflow -- no matter how quick, easy, obvious and valuable the changes might seem -- is really tough when clinicians have more work than the time needed for it. A number of technologies can make health IT time-neutral (or better, time-saving) for clinicians. By Jonathan Handler
05/30/2013
Physicians are doing their best to successfully adopt health IT, but more must be done to advance usability and interoperability. Federal officials should work to make certified electronic health record systems more user friendly and meaningful use Stage 2 requirements more flexible. By Steven J. Stack, M.D.
05/15/2013
Congress needs to be sure to consider the positives of health IT when considering reductions in health care spending. Thanks to the contributions of electronic health records, care quality and safety are improving, while medical errors are being reduced. By John Halamka and John P. Hoyt
04/08/2013
HHS is seeking feedback on ways to accelerate electronic health information exchange within the health care industry. One of the policy changes HHS is considering is requiring health care providers to engage in electronic HIE in order to participate in Medicare. by Helen R. Pfister and Susan R. Ingargiola, Manatt Health Solutions
03/26/2013
A recent College of Healthcare Information Management Executives survey found that health care CIOs earned an average base salary of $208,417 in 2012. But a closer look at the survey data shows that hospital size, titles and reporting relationship matter when it comes to executive compensation. By Fred Bazzoli
03/18/2013
The final rule for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program includes some key changes that likely will have significant implications for those participating in the electronic health record incentive program. Health care providers must make plans for how to comply with the new requirements. By Naomi Levinthal and Anantachai (Tony) Panjamapirom
03/08/2013
National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said "health care is broken." But he pointed to the progress made through the meaningful use program as proof that the system can change. To realize a health care system that provides better and safer care at a lower cost, he said data and incentives will matter. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/06/2013
The big news at Tuesday's Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference was CMS' confirmation that cuts under budget sequestration will hit Medicare meaningful use payments beginning April 1. Meanwhile, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT will see its budget cut from $60 million to $57 million under the sequester. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
03/05/2013
Ochsner Health System CEO Warner Thomas said health care should mimic the efficiencies that have been created in the airline, banking and retail industries. Meanwhile, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society released two new surveys and Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT officials tackled tough questions during a town hall session. by Kate Ackerman, iHealthBeat Managing Editor
02/27/2013
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's annual conference kicks off in New Orleans on March 3. Patient engagement, mobile health, government leaders, clinical and business intelligence and easier conference navigation top my list of things to watch at HIMSS13. By Carla Smith