California Healthline: Health IT

After 2 Years of Cal eConnect, What's Next for HIE in California?

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At Cal eConnect, one CEO left, another bailed on the job before he started, and now the board of directors dissolved its grant agreement with the state. If it goes right, the latter move may be the best thing that could happen to California's primary health information exchange facilitator.

Database Aims To Help Researchers Analyze Medical Care Costs

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Care Cost Institute is compiling a database containing more than 3 billion de-identified medical claims from more than 33 million individuals. The project aims to help researchers conduct large-scale analyses of information on medical costs. Washington Post, Politico.

Report: 36% of Prescriptions Sent Electronically in 2011

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from Surescripts finds that 36% of U.S. prescriptions were sent electronically by the end of 2011. The report also found that about 58% of office-based physicians were electronically prescribing by the end of last year. According to Surescripts, e-prescribing helps increase the likelihood that patients will pick up new prescriptions. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Healthcare IT News.

Mobile Technology Poses Security Risks to Health Data, According to DHS

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report from the Department of Homeland Security finds that the health care industry's adoption of mobile technology poses certain security risks to patient data. The report offers recommendations to boost health care organizations' data security. Government Computer News et al.

Cal eConnect 'Not Able To Move Fast Enough'

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Cal eConnect, an important part of the state's ambitious health information exchange effort, is no longer the same independent entity it was when it was born two years ago. The organization's efforts to make electronic health records ubiquitous in California will continue, officials said, but under a different organizational umbrella.

At a meeting last week, the 22-member board rescinded its cooperative grant agreement with the state.

On Wednesday, state officials announced that Cal eConnect will now be part of the Institute for Population Health Improvement at UC-Davis. Officials said the same work will continue in a new administrative structure.

HHS Launches Tool Tracking U.S. Health Care Trends

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, HHS launched a new online tool called the Health System Measurement Project to help health care professionals, policymakers and the public track U.S. health care trends. The website provides data on access to care, disease prevention, health IT and other issues. In addition, users can view various health indicators by certain demographic characteristics. Modern Healthcare.

Researchers Examining Use of Mobile Tools for Remote Care

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers say that mobile phones can help connect residents in remote areas with health care providers in nearby cities. A project at the Johns Hopkins Global mHealth Initiative involves about 60 faculty members and 120 students, who are working on 51 projects examining how mobile technology could improve health care. New York Times.

CalHIPSO Helping More Than 7,700 Health Care Providers Adopt EHRs

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization has signed up more than 7,700 health care providers seeking to adopt electronic health records. It says members have earned more than $65 million in federal incentive payments. Healthcare IT News et al.

Rural California Health Care Providers Slow To Adopt EHRs

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent study found that small, nonteaching and rural hospitals lag behind urban hospitals in adopting electronic health records. In California, only about half of the state's 293 designated rural health centers have implemented or are in the process of implementing an EHR system, according to a California HealthCare Foundation report. KQED's "State of Health."

GAO Calls for Improvements in Meaningful Use Program

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Government Accountability Office report recommends that CMS take certain steps to improve its process for verifying that health care providers qualify for incentive payments through the meaningful use program. Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments. In the report, GAO suggests that CMS consider conducting more prepayment verifications for the Medicare meaningful use program. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.

Kaiser Permanente Officials Tout Success of Android App

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, Kaiser Permanente officials touted the success of its Android-based mobile phone application, which the insurer released in January. Officials said that the Android app has been downloaded 94,367 times and that the insurer is preparing to release an iPhone version of the app. San Francisco Business Times' "Bay Area BizTalk."

Award of IT Contract for Calif. Insurance Exchange Delayed

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, David Panush -- government relations director for the California Health Benefit Exchange -- said that the awarding of a $27 million IT contract for the exchange has been delayed. The contract winner will be tasked with building an IT system to handle insurance eligibility, enrollment and retention for millions of residents who gain insurance through the exchange. Timing for the delayed announcement, which was originally expected Tuesday, is unknown. Sacramento Bee.

ED Kiosks Are Effective, but Some Nurses Question Value

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study published last year in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine found that interactive computer kiosks accurately, efficiently and safely expedited the management of woman with uncomplicated urinary tract infections at busy, urban emergency departments. However, a follow-up report by the California HealthCare Foundation found that some triage nurses did not refer eligible patients to the kiosks because they believed the technology disrupted their workflow. InformationWeek.

FDA Bill Seeks Medical Device Identifier Rule by Year's End

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An FDA user fee bill introduced by Sens. Tom Harkin and Michael Enzi includes language that would require HHS to issue a final rule establishing a unique device identifier system for medical devices by the end of 2012. The language calls for HHS to implement the UDI system to electronically track and recall faulty medical devices "as soon as practical." Health Data Management.

Health Care-Associated Infection Rates Dropped in 2010, CDC Reports

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from CDC finds that rates of various health care-associated infections declined in 2010. Meanwhile, HHS has released a nine-point action plan aimed at further reducing health care-associated infection rates by leveraging health information technology and other strategies. Reuters et al.

Report: Top Ranked Hospitals Have Higher Levels of EHR Adoption

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from HIMSS Analytics finds that the hospitals listed in Thomson Reuters' 100 Top U.S. Hospitals in 2009 and 2010 had more advanced levels of electronic health record adoption than the overall pool of U.S. hospitals. Modern Healthcare, Healthcare IT News.

Federal Health IT Activity Continues in First Quarter of 2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Federal health IT efforts continued in the first quarter of 2012, with the release of proposed rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use incentive program and the appointment of Todd Park as the country's new chief technology officer.

Consumers Turning to Social Media To Search for Health Information

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A PricewaterhouseCoopers survey finds that about one-third of consumers use social media to access health information. More than 80% of respondents ages 18 to 24 say they would use social media to share health data. Computerworld's "Government IT," Health Data Management.

Health Care Providers Report Rise in Health Data Breaches

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by HIMSS Analytics and Kroll Advisory Solutions finds that health care providers have experienced an increase in health data breaches over the past few years. However, the report also finds that this year's survey respondents expressed greater confidence than previous years' respondents in their readiness to handle such breaches. Healthcare IT News.

New Leader, New Plan, New EHR Initiative for Cal eConnect

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The success of California's health information exchange depends in part on the coordination and guidance of Cal eConnect and its energetic new CEO, Laura Landry. She said California is "on the verge of a breakthrough" in health information exchange.

California Telehealth Network Nabs $700K Donation From Insurer

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California Telehealth Network plans to use a recent $700,000 donation from UnitedHealthcare to expand telehealth training and provide technical support for rural and underserved hospitals and clinics across the state. Sacramento Business Journal, Healthcare IT News.

UC Researchers Find Text Messages Benefit Patients

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers from UC-Berkeley and UC-San Francisco have found that automated text messages that include medication reminders or questions about patients' moods are beneficial to patients with depression and other mental health problems. San Francisco Business Times.

HHS Sets New Deadline for Adopting Medical Billing Code System

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, HHS released a proposed rule that calls for delaying the ICD-10 compliance deadline by one year, to Oct. 1, 2014. The proposed rule also includes a provision to assign a unique health plan identifier number to all health insurers. Modern Healthcare et al.

Health IT: The Common Ground in Health Care Reform?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Arguments inside and outside the Supreme Court building last month reaffirmed the nation's sharp divide over the federal health reform law. But one aspect of the law is likely to continue drawing support from both sides of the aisle: health information technology.

CalOptima REC Hits Goal of Enrolling 1,000 Physicians

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, officials at the CalOptima Regional Extension Center -- which serves the Orange County area -- announced that the REC has reached ahead of schedule its goal of enrolling 1,000 primary care providers to help them transition to electronic health records. Healthcare IT News.

UC-Berkeley, D.C. Lab Nab $35M for 'Big Data' Initiative

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, the Obama administration announced that UC-Berkley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Washington, D.C., will receive a total of $35 million in federal funding to participate in a national initiative to harness large amounts of information -- including health care data -- for research purposes. The funding is part of $200 million that six federal agencies have committed to the "Big Data Research and Development Initiative." San Francisco Business Times' "Biz Talk," New York Times.

Calif. Aims To Have 10K Health Providers Nab EHR Incentive Payments

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

By June, California wants 10,000 health care providers to receive Medicaid incentive payments for implementing or upgrading to certified electronic health record technology. CMS says some states are joining with local stakeholders to help providers achieve meaningful use. Modern Healthcare.

Telehealth Technology Allows Rural Children To Receive Specialty Care

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Adoption of telehealth technology in California has helped children in rural areas receive specialty pediatric care. Experts say families living in remote areas would have to drive for several hours to bring their child to a specialist, making follow-up visits difficult. HealthyCal.

FDA To Consider Digital Tools for Patient Self-Screening

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA recently announced that it will hold public hearings in Washington, D.C., on Thursday and Friday about whether consumers should be able to use online questionnaires, patient kiosks or other technologies to conduct self-screenings and obtain certain medications. The agency will consider ending prescription requirements for drugs commonly used for various conditions, such as asthma and diabetes. KPCC's "KPCC News."

Telepharmacy Startup Gets Investment From CHCF

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The California HealthCare Foundation has invested in Pipeline Healthcare Solutions, a telepharmacy startup firm. CHCF's investment aims to help bring the benefits of telepharmacy to rural and safety-net hospitals in the state. InformationWeek.

Incoming Cal eConnect CEO Withdraws From New Post

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, Cal eConnect -- the agency that oversees health information exchange in California -- announced that Ted Kremer has decided to withdraw as the next CEO of the organization. Kremer will continue serving as executive director of the Rochester Regional Health Information Organization in New York. Cal eConnect did not provide a reason for Kremer's decision but said that Laura Landry -- the organization's interim CEO -- will assume the permanent CEO position. Modern Healthcare et al.

Regional HIE Will Launch Pilot Programs in April

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Inland Empire Health Information Exchange in April will launch pilot programs using exchange software developed by Orion Health. The exchange serves 4.1 million residents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The first phase of the programs will include clinical data exchange, secure messaging and real-time alerts of patient updates. Health Data Management.

Health IT Chief Slams Study Connecting EHRs to More Imaging Tests

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Farzad Mostashari criticized aspects of a Health Affairs study suggesting that the use of electronic health records could encourage physicians to order imaging tests more frequently. Healthcare Informatics et al.

Doctors Using Electronic Health Records Order More Tests, Study Finds

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new Health Affairs study finds that doctors who can access patients' previous imaging tests through electronic health records order tests 40% more often than those using paper records. The study raises questions about whether EHRs can curb medical costs. New York Times et al.

11 Class-Action Suits Combined as Single Case Over Sutter Data Breach

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sacramento County Superior Court will review a class-action lawsuit comprised of 11 individual lawsuits filed in response to a recent data breach at Sutter Health. The cases are being consolidated to maximize resources and avoid duplication. Sacramento Business Journal.

HITEC-LA Bridges Gap Between Physicians, Technology

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The health information technology wave is coming, but not every health care provider is eager to ride it, despite abundant financial incentives. HITEC-LA, a regional extension center in Los Angeles, is nearing the end of its federal grant work but intends to continue coaxing providers onto the wave.

New California Law Seeks To Expand Telehealth Services for Medicaid Beneficiaries

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

April Armstrong and Thomas Nesbitt of UC-Davis Health System, Mario Gutierrez of the Center for Connected Health Policy, Jen Lang-Ree, a nurse practitioner in California, and Jonathan Lopez, a dermatology patient, spoke with California Healthline about a new law that expands and streamlines telehealth services in the state.

Officials Release Stage 2 Rule for Electronic Health Record Program

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, federal officials released Stage 2 requirements for health care providers seeking to demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records. Officials plan to soon release the Stage 2 proposed rule on EHR certification. Health Data Management et al.

Study Finds Physicians Slow To Transition to Electronic Records

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Deloitte Center for Health Solutions study finds that only 25% of physicians are on track to meet the health information technology requirements of the meaningful use program. Many survey respondents said upfront costs pose a major barrier. National Journal, Deloitte release.

St. Joseph's Data Breach Could Affect 31K Patients Statewide

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, St. Joseph Health System announced that a recent data breach affecting 21,300 patients at two Orange County hospitals also might have exposed the health records of more than 10,000 patients from four hospitals in Napa, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. Officials said the compromised data did not include Social Security numbers, addresses or financial data. North Bay Business Journal.

HHS To Delay Deadline for Complying With New Medical Coding System

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced that HHS will begin the process to delay the deadline by which certain health care providers must start using ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes. HHS has yet to announce a new timeline for ICD-10 compliance. Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog" et al.

Health System Announces Data Breach at O.C. Hospitals

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, St. Joseph Health System announced that the health records of 21,300 patients might have been accessible through Internet search engines because of faulty security settings on internal computers at Orange County's Mission Hospital and St. Jude Medical Center. Officials said the compromised data did not include Social Security numbers, addresses or financial information. Orange County Register.

CMS Plans To Review Timeline for ICD-10 Implementation

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At a conference yesterday, acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner indicated that CMS could delay the transition to the ICD-10 coding system. The American Medical Association has vowed to block the switch to ICD-10 code sets. Modern Healthcare et al.

Report Assesses Progress of State Health Data Exchanges

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

State health information exchanges vary widely in their effectiveness, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution. For the report, researchers analyzed statewide health data exchanges in several states, including California. They found that California's budgetary problems have hindered the progress of its health data exchange. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Report: More People To Use Smartphones To Check Health

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Juniper Research report predicts that about three million people will be using smartphone-powered remote patient monitoring devices by 2016. The report estimates that consumers will download 44 million mobile health applications this year and about 142 million in 2016. FierceMobileHealthcare et al.

Report: More California Doctors Are Submitting Electronic Prescriptions

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by Cal eConnect finds that about 25% of California physicians currently send prescriptions electronically, up from 3% in 2007. However, the report also notes that only about 16% of eligible prescriptions are sent electronically. Healthcare IT News, Cal eConnect report.

UC-Merced Students Tap Telehealth Tools To Treat Diabetes

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Business students at UC-Merced are embarking on a telehealth initiative to monitor patients with gestational diabetes in the Central Valley. The project aims to target women without adequate access to medical care.

State Officials Seek To Educate Residents With Long-Term Care Website

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California officials are directing residents to a website that explains the benefits of long-term care plans and provides details on available policies. Many adults do not purchase long-term care insurance because of the cost or because they do not think they need it. HealthyCal.

Kaiser Unveils Smartphone App for EHR Data Access

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, Kaiser Permanente announced that about nine million of its members now can use mobile phones to access their electronic health information. Members with Android smartphones also can use the no-cost mobile application to email physicians, obtain lab results and order prescription refills. An iPhone version of the app is expected to be released in the coming months. Healthcare IT News et al.

HP, Blue Shield Sign 5-Year Agreement To Improve Care

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hewlett-Packard's Enterprise Services division and Blue Shield of California have signed a five-year contract agreement that will give Blue Shield access to new services from HP to improve health care affordability and efficiency. In addition, HP will continue to provide Blue Shield with technology infrastructure and other support. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, Healthcare IT News.

UCLA, Health Net Expanding Teen Health Literacy Program

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UCLA's School of Public Health and Health Net have announced plans for a nationwide expansion of the health literacy social media program teen2extreme, or T2X. The initiative, which launched with the help of a $1.1 million NIH grant, aims to help adolescents better understand their health care access options. The T2X website allows teens to sign up for mobile phone text alerts and chat online with health care experts and nurses. Payers & Providers.

Adventist Health To Expand EHR System to 130 Clinics

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

California-based Adventist Health will expand its affiliation with health IT company Cerner and roll out Cerner's electronic health record system at more than 130 outpatient clinics in four states, including at the largest California rural health clinic network. Alan Soderblom, vice president and chief information officer at Adventist Health, said the new initiative will complement the use of EHRs in the health system's hospital and home health settings and improve coordination. Kansas City Business Journal et al.

HHS Rule Aims To Streamline Electronic Transfer of Funds

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, HHS released an interim final rule detailing standards for the electronic transfer of funds in the health care industry. The rule was mandated by the federal health reform law. The new rule outlines the standards for the format and content of the data that a health insurer sends to its bank when it seeks to pay a claim to a health care provider electronically. The rule also requires the use of a trace number to automatically link medical bills from health care providers with payments from health plans. HHS noted that the interim final rule became effective Jan. 1, and all HIPAA-covered health insurers must comply with the regulations by Jan. 1, 2014. HHS estimated that the new standards would reduce administrative costs in the health care industry by $4.5 billion over the next 10 years. Modern Healthcare, Healthcare IT News.

Mexican State Partners With UC-Davis To Improve Care

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UC-Davis Health System has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, for a partnership to improve access to care for its three million residents, 27% of whom live in rural settings. The partnership will concentrate on sharing data and research on telehealth, scientific and technical development, as well as on neurological disorders. Sacramento Business Journal, Modern Healthcare.

Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Over UCLA Health System Data Breach

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Attorneys have filed a class-action lawsuit against the UCLA Health System over a security breach in September that exposed data on 16,288 patients. The suit is seeking as much as $16 million in damages. Modern Healthcare.

Five Health Care Issues To Watch in 2012

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Mark your calendars: A slew of ACA-related payment reforms, health IT changes and health insurance exchange updates will debut next year -- even as constitutional questions over the law come to an end. (Maybe.)

How Can California Make Most of Telehealth Law?

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

With a new law in the books this fall -- the California Telehealth Advancement Act -- California is poised to move audio-visual technology into the medical mainstream. We asked experts what California policymakers and health care providers can do to make the transition proceed smoothly and effectively.

California REC Selects CDW for EHR Adoption Support

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization has reached a deal with CDW Healthcare for technology services to support electronic health record adoption in California. CalHIPSO is one of 62 federally designated regional extension centers and is responsible for providing health information technology support to all of California except Los Angeles and Orange counties. Under the deal, CDW Healthcare will provide CalHIPSO's more than 6,500 members with guidance on EHR selection, installation and post-implementation training and support. CDW Healthcare also will offer its supporting hardware and software through CalHIPSO. InformationWeek, Government Health IT.

Blue Shield Foundation Doles Out $9M in Q4 Grants

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Blue Shield of California Foundation awarded $8.9 million in health care grants. In total, the foundation awarded $27 million in grants in 2011, $5 million more than last year. The Q4 grants include $4.5 million to help counties, community clinics and other safety-net providers improve their use of electronic health records and other health information technology; $2.3 million to boost access to care by funding infrastructure to help handle augmented Medi-Cal funding for low-income Californians; and more than $2 million to target domestic violence as part of the foundation's Blue Shield Against Violence campaign. San Francisco Business Times.

'Freeing' Data May Be Tricky in California

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The "Free the Data" movement, a national effort to encourage innovation in health care, has sparked a similar campaign to make California health data more easily available. But state laws and regulations may require some extra effort in the Golden State, experts say.

Humboldt County Website Offers Public Health Alerts

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Humboldt Health Alert website now lets users subscribe to have public health alerts sent directly to their computers, phones or mobile devices. The website -- which was launched five years ago by the Department of Health and Human Services' public health branch -- provides information about communicable diseases such as the flu and pertussis, updates about vaccines and vaccination clinics, notices about product recalls and alerts about local water conditions. Eureka Times-Standard.

Free Data Spark Innovation, Proponents Say

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

One of the keys to successful health care innovation is the freeing-up of data, according to Todd Park, chief technology officer for the federal HHS.

"We are working on so many exciting things right now, but the initiative we're most excited about is the health data initiative," Park said. "We are unleashing the power of open data and open innovation."

Park was one of a group of experts who convened in Sacramento Wednesday for a health information technology forum put on by the Center for Health Improvement. One of the co-sponsors was the California HealthCare Foundation, which publishes California Healthline.

CMS Issues Final Rule Allowing Organizations To Access Claims Data

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has announced a final rule allowing certain qualified organizations to access its claims database. Organizations can use the claims data to develop public performance reports on physicians, hospitals and other health care providers. Modern Healthcare et al.

Second Lawsuit Filed Over Sutter Health Data Breach

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Nov. 21, the law firm Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood filed a class-action lawsuit against Sutter Health in a response to a stolen computer containing personal information on more than four million patients. On Nov. 16, the law firm Harris & Rubel filed a similar lawsuit on behalf of a patient against Sutter Medical Foundation and Sutter Physician Services. Both lawsuits allege that Sutter did not have adequate safeguards in place and failed to notify affected patients within 30 days of the incident. eWeek, Becker's Hospital Review.

Website Offers Calif. Seniors Long-Term Care Information

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The state Department of Health Care Services' California Partnership for Long-Term Care has launched a new website -- RUReadyCA.org -- to help California residents prepare for their individual long-term health care needs. The website comes in response to new research showing that two-thirds of California seniors will need long-term care, but few have prepared for it. The site provides users with various situations and options to address their needs. Sacramento Business Journal.

California Study Finds Text4baby Service Effective

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a study involving 160 California women, researchers from UC-San Diego and California State University-San Marcos found that Text4baby -- a text message service that sends health advice to pregnant women -- is highly effective at encouraging women to talk to their doctors, remember appointments and take other healthy steps. The study found that nearly 75% of the women learned through Text4baby about medical warning signs in their pregnancies that they previously had not been aware of. The study also found that more than 70% of women said they were prompted by the text messages to discuss certain topics with their physicians. HHS is studying ways to evaluate the program's efficacy at a national level. Fierce Healthcare.

Design Element the First Step Toward No-Wrong-Door

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California took an important first step toward implementation of the Health Benefit Exchange last week when it unveiled the initial design for enrolling Californians and determining their eligibility in 2014.

The initial design of the project, called Enroll UX 2014 (UX stands for "user experience"), was presented to the Health Benefit Exchange board by project director Terri Shaw.

"We have teams from 11 states participating in the process," Shaw said. "The objectives are two-fold -- to develop a first-class user experience, and to ensure retention of consumers."

CHW To Use Monitoring Tool in Labor, Delivery Settings

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Catholic Healthcare West has reached a three-year, $4.3 million deal with Texas-based Airstrip Technologies to implement the company's remote monitoring technology for patients in labor and delivery settings. The tool will provide physicians with remote access to data including fetal heartbeats, contraction patterns and vital signs. The application will be made available across CHW's facilities in Arizona, California and Nevada. San Francisco Business Times.

Data Could Be King in Reformed Health Care System

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The unfettered distribution of health information could mean better, more timely care and could be invaluable for public health efforts. But in California's complex and multitiered health system, that's easier desired than done.

Spotlight on New PHR Model Privacy Notice

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

To help address consumer privacy concerns, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has released a Personal Health Record Model Privacy Notice that allows providers of Web-based PHRs to inform consumers about their data sharing and privacy and security policies.

IOM Proposes New Agency To Investigate Health IT

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Institute of Medicine is recommending that the federal government create a new agency to investigate the safety of health information technology systems rather than give such authority to FDA. Currently, no federal agency investigates the safety of health IT systems, and no individuals or entities are required to report health IT-related safety issues. An IOM report -- scheduled to be publicly released on Thursday -- states that FDA lacks the funds, investigative capabilities and human resources to evaluate health IT tools. IOM recommends that HHS create and fund a new, independent watchdog agency to conduct investigations of health IT safety issues and develop recommendations for health care organizations, health IT vendors and government officials. The agency would not have enforcement power. iWatch News, Modern Healthcare.

Stakeholders Map Out Next Tasks for HIE

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The health information exchange revolution is under way in California.

"There is tremendous enthusiasm across the state for what's happening in HIE," according to David Lansky of the Pacific Business Group on Health, who spoke at yesterday's Health Information Exchange Stakeholder Summit 2011 in Sacramento.

"We represent large purchasers of health insurance, so in a way it's odd that we're so involved in this," Lansky said. "But we feel HIE is a critical, foundational support tool for transforming the health care delivery system." The health care reform effort aims to make health care affordable and high-quality, he said, "And we can't make it succeed without this project."

More Consumers Requesting Health Insurance Pricing Data

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

As more consumers choose high-deductible health insurance plans, they are seeking additional information on health care costs. As a result, many employers are pushing health insurers to provide details about costs so workers can select the least costly services. However, experts say some insurers have been reluctant to disclose pricing data because contracts with health care providers might require such details to be kept private. Wall Street Journal.

New Law on Telehealth May Mean Better Care, Easy Access

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new telehealth law in California will institute a series of small regulatory changes that could affect the number of health care providers who can participate in telehealth and the number of patients who might benefit from it.

Telehealth May Be Led by Telederm

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

April Armstrong thinks the medical specialty that's perfect for California's nascent telehealth system is dermatology.

"Dermatology is visual," according to Armstrong, director of the teledermatology program at UC-Davis Medical Center. "That's the great thing about it, why it's so suitable for telehealth, is that it’s a visual field. If the image quality is clear, you can tell a lot."

Today, the Center for Connected Health Policy is scheduled to release an issue brief Armstrong authored on teledermatology. The brief was funded by the California HealthCare Foundation, which publishes California Healthline.

Federal Health IT Activity Heats Up in Q3 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

There were numerous federal health information technology developments during the third quarter of 2011. For example, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT released its final health IT strategic plan, and President Obama proclaimed a week in September as National Health IT Week.

Philanthropists Create $100M Health Care Investment Fund

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, prominent California philanthropists Gary and Mary West announced the launch of a $100 million investment fund aimed at promoting the development of new technologies to improve health care and reduce costs. The West Health Investment Fund will provide investment grants of between $500,000 and $5 million to companies that are developing advanced health care technologies and services. The couple previously donated $90 million to establish the West Wireless Health Institute. The new fund already has awarded grants to six technology companies, two of which are based in San Diego. San Diego Union-Tribune.

California Telehealth Law Could Cut Costs by $1B, Report Concludes

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Center for Connected Health Policy report finds that a new law that aims to expand telehealth in California could result in annual Medi-Cal savings of more than $1 billion. Much of the savings would come from using telehealth for chronic disease management. CMIO, CCHP release.

San Bernardino County To Join Health Data Exchange

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved a plan for the county to participate in the Inland Empire Health Information Exchange. The health data exchange -- which includes most of the major health care providers, physician groups and hospitals in Riverside and San Bernardino counties -- is expected to increase efficiency and lower costs by allowing health care providers to securely share patient records electronically. Participating in the health data exchange will cost San Bernardino County about $150,000 annually, but the first five years will be covered by the Inland Empire Health Plan, a public HMO that provides services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Riverside Press-Enterprise.

State Readies Medicaid EHR Incentive Program

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California health care providers could corral as much as $1.4 billion in federal incentive money for the meaningful use of electronic health records. The state recently launched a staggered application process for its Medicaid portion of the program.

New Telehealth Law Aims To Boost Access to Health Care

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A bill signed into law last week by Gov. Brown aims to boost access to health care services in rural areas through the use of telehealth tools. The law allows for a broader range of telehealth services, expands telehealth providers to include all licensed health care professionals, expands telehealth care settings and allows state hospitals to establish medical credentials for telehealth providers more easily. The California State Rural Health Association, the Center for Connected Health Policy and other groups praised the new law. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

Wendy Everett of NEHI Discusses How New Technologies Can Improve Care, Cut Costs

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Wendy Everett, founding president of the New England Healthcare Institute, spoke with California Healthline about efforts to encourage health care providers to adopt innovative electronic health systems that could improve health care quality and reduce costs.

The Next Five Years in Health IT: ONC's Plan for the Future

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The recently released Federal Health IT Strategic Plan outlines the federal government's goals for using health information technology to improve health care over the next five years. The plan incorporates policy priorities included in the HITECH Act and the health reform law.

Ventura County OKs $32M Contract for EHR Project

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has approved a proposal to award a $32 million contract to health IT vendor Cerner to shift the county's electronic health record systems to one central EHR system. Ventura County Health Care Agency Director Robert Gonzalez said the centralized EHR system will cut costs and improve the quality of care by reducing medication errors and complication rates. The shift to a centralized system also will help the county qualify for meaningful use incentive payments and avoid penalties under the federal economic stimulus package. The project is set to begin immediately and will take 14 to 18 months to complete. Ventura County Star.

Process Opens To Get Federal EHR Incentive Money

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

For Raul Ramirez, it has been a long time coming.

"This is a big day for providers, for the state. This is a big day for California," Ramirez said.

Ramirez, chief of the Department of Health Care Services' Office of Health Information Technology, was talking about this week's initial processing of applications for up to $1.4 billion in federal funds for the state's electronic health record incentive program.

Health Affairs Blog: Standards Vital for Online Medical Data

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a Health Affairs blog post, Maribeth Shannon -- director of the California HealthCare Foundation's market and policy monitor program -- writes that "in spite of an explosion of available online health care quality information, U.S. consumers, who are more frequently researching simple decisions online, have been reluctant to adopt the same behaviors to research their health care options." Shannon adds that "there is need for greater standardization in quality reporting, as well as standardized means of making this information more accessible to health care consumers." She concludes, "If we are expecting consumers to play a critical role in choosing the best path [for their health care], we must help them better navigate the twists in the road, providing them with easily understandable roadmaps." Health Affairs' "Health Affairs Blog."

Health 2.0 Conference Focuses on Patient-Centered Technology To Promote Wellness

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Attwood of Zamzee, Stephen Downs of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Chris Hewett of Mindbloom, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Farzad Mostashari and Christine Robins of BodyMedia spoke with California Healthline about new consumer-focused health innovations.

Data Take Center Stage at Health 2.0 Conference

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

As efforts to get consumers actively involved in health information technology mature, the focus at the Fifth Annual Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco showed an evolutionary shift away from getting the conversation started and toward deciding what to talk about.

CHCF CEO Says Health 2.0 Could Change the Industry

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During a keynote speech at the Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco on Monday, Mark Smith -- CEO and president of the California HealthCare Foundation -- said, "Health 2.0 has the promise to change the health care industry" and health reform is essential for innovation and the rollout of the health 2.0 business model. He added that the future of health care and the economy depends on innovators finding new ways to rein in health care costs. Smith noted that CHCF has established an innovation fund to help entrepreneurs in the health care industry "innovate, spread and change the world." InformationWeek, Healthcare IT News.

Group Names Top Performing Medical Practices in Calif.

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Integrated Healthcare Association released its list of California's top performing physician organizations for 2010 based on its statewide pay-for-performance measures. The awards were based on four categories: clinical quality, coordinated diabetes care, information technology-enabled systems and patient experience. Of the more than 200 medical groups evaluated, 44 received the highest ratings. The association also named physician organizations that showed the most quality improvement from 2009 to 2010. Healthcare IT News.

Groups Tap Funding for Mobile Health Efforts Targeting Seniors With Chronic Conditions

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

David Lindeman of the Center for Technology and Aging, Nancy Pratt of Sharp HealthCare, René Seidel of the SCAN Foundation and Steven Wallace of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research spoke with California Healthline about how mobile health technology could benefit seniors.

UC-San Diego Health System 'Most Wired,' Lands Top HIMSS Status

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

UC-San Diego Health System once again has been named one of the nation's "Most Wired" hospitals by the American Hospital Association's Hospitals and Health Networks. The hospital system also received a Stage 7 HIMSS Analytics score for achieving the highest level of electronic health record adoption.

UC-San Diego Opens New Medical Training Center

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

UC-San Diego School of Medicine has opened a $70 million, 100,000 square-foot Medical Education and Telemedicine Center. The three-story facility features authentic replicas of hospital emergency departments, intensive care units, and surgery and treatment rooms, as well as $30 million worth of advanced medical equipment for students, medical faculty and visiting physicians to use. San Diego Union-Tribune, La Jolla Light.

Prescriptions, Lab Results, Clinical Care Data Top Priorities for Cal eConnect

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Implementing electronic prescribing in California may prove a whole lot less challenging than instituting electronic transfers of lab results and sharing patient care information across unaffiliated health organizations. But all three goals of a network of health information exchanges in the state are going to take a whole lot more effort and coordination.

That was the message emanating from a conference conducted via webinar and telephone Friday hosted by Cal eConnect, the agency leading promotion and coordination of electronic health records in the state.

Cal eConnect is the state-designated not-for-profit organization charged with disbursing $38.8 million in money from the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. The act was part of the 2009 economic stimulus package.

CalPERS Rolls Out $507M Benefits Tracking System

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CalPERS on Monday will go live with a new $507 million computer system that will track contributions, health care coverage and retirement benefits for 1.6 million members. The system, called My CalPERS, cost nearly double original estimates and is a year late. Last week, a CalPERS official said the pension fund expects some startup problems with the software but has "a solid plan for continued improvement." Los Angeles Times.

Kaiser Permanente Clinches HIMSS Award for Health IT

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, Kaiser Permanente was named by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society as one of six recipients of the 2011 Davies Awards of Excellence, which recognize health care providers and organizations for their implementation and use of health information technology. HIMSS officials said Kaiser and the five other winners used electronic health records and other IT tools to deliver consistent, high-quality care. The other winners are based in Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts and New York. Healthcare IT News.

WellPoint, IBM To Collaborate on Diagnosis, Treatment App

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, WellPoint announced plans to partner with IBM's Watson super-computer system to create a commercial application capable of diagnosing medical conditions and authorizing treatment for the insurer's 34.2 million members. The application will combine and sift through data from WellPoint's existing history of medicines and treatments, Watson's expansive library of textbooks and medical journals, and patients' charts or electronic health records. WellPoint officials hope to unveil the system early next year. AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, Wall Street Journal.

CalHIPSO Still Has ARRA Health IT Money To Spend

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

More and more primary care providers are ditching their file folders and moving into the era of electronic health records, a trend marked by a milestone achievement in California and highlighted this week in Washington.

"Five or 10 years ago, it was a question of whether or not a provider would adopt electronic patient records; today it's a question of when they will adopt it," said Speranza Avram, executive director of the California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization.

Her Oakland-based organization announced last week it has enrolled more than 6,187 health care providers, mainly community health centers and small medical practices, in programs designed to assist transition to EHRs. The programs, funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, pay for consultants in regional extension centers across California to provide medical practices with training in implementing electronic patient record-keeping.

UCSF Medical Center Catches Up With EHR Deployment

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

UC-San Francisco Medical Center, which got a relatively late start in Bay Area hospitals' march toward comprehensive electronic health record systems, took a major step recently by adopting a new integrated system.

Colo. Plan To Ease Enrollment in Exchange Faces Challenges

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Colorado lawmakers are divided over a proposal for a one-stop Internet portal that would determine coverage eligibility within the state's developing health insurance exchange. Democrats say the approach would ensure that all residents can be informed of their eligibility for such programs. However, Republicans argue the approach would cost the state millions of dollars by promoting Medicaid and other safety-net programs for which citizens can qualify. Pueblo Chieftain.