iHealthBeat

FDA Sends OMB Final Rule for Medical Device Tracking System

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A unique device identification system for medical devices is one step closer to implementation, as FDA sent the Office of Management and Budget a final rule to review. The system would let FDA electronically track medical tools and promptly recall potentially dangerous devices. OMB review is one of the last steps before a rule is published in the Federal Register. Health Data Management.

Telehealth Project Expanded To Boost Mental Health Access

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, the GE Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have announced they plan to use telehealth to increase access to mental health and substance use disorder services in underserved areas. MedPage Today, Politico.

Facebook Helped Boost Organ Donor Registration Rates, According to Study

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that a Facebook project has helped boost organ donor registration rates since it launched in May 2012 to 161 million users. On the first day of the initiative, 13,054 U.S. residents registered online to be donors, according to the study. Kaiser Health News' "Capsules" et al.

Military CIOs Say VA, Pentagon Still Working Together on EHR Efforts

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

At a recent conference, a military CIO said while a commercial electronic health record solution is the best option for the Department of Defense, the department is maintaining open communication with the Department of Veterans Affairs. FierceHealthIT, Healthcare IT News.

Study: Some Prevalent Health Conditions Lack Mobile Applications

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that there is a significant number of commercial and research mobile applications for certain prevalent health conditions -- such as diabetes and depression -- but a lack of such apps for other prevalent conditions, such as anemia. FierceMobileHealthcare.

Researchers Raise Privacy Concerns Over DNA Databases

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Experts say that genetic information stored in research databases could be traced back to individuals, even though it does not include individuals' names or other obvious identifiers. Some researchers say patients should be informed of such privacy risks, while others say scientists should be licensed before they are given access to genetic databases. New York Times.

Physician Groups Stump for Meaningful Use Exemption Legislation

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association and 21 other health care provider groups are backing a House bill that would eliminate reimbursement penalties for certain physicians who are unable to fully participate in the Medicare portion of the meaningful use program. American Medical News.

Mostashari Confirms ICD-10 Compliance Deadline Not Changing

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

At a conference today, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said the ICD-10 compliance deadline will not be extended. In August 2012, HHS released a final rule that officially delayed the ICD-10 compliance date from Oct. 1, 2013, to Oct. 1, 2014. Healthcare IT News.

Study: Telehealth Use More Prevalent Among Urban, Wealthy Patients

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Telehealth is touted as a way to boost access to care for rural and low-income residents, but a new Department of Commerce study finds that telehealth use is much more prevalent among urban and wealthier Internet users. Clinical Innovation & Technology, FierceGovernmentIT.

UC-Davis To Add Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Data to EHRs

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The University of California-Davis Health System will add data on sexual orientation and gender identity as standard demographic elements in patients' electronic health records. UC-Davis is the first academic health system to incorporate such information into EHRs. Sacramento Bee.

Rep. Honda Reintroduces Mobile Health Innovation Legislation

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, Rep. Mike Honda reintroduced a bill aimed at advancing mobile health innovation as well as other health technologies. The bill would require FDA to establish a new Office of Wireless Health and create an HHS program to support mobile health developers and help them ensure that their technologies align with privacy regulations. TMC News, Honda release.

Surgeon General Regina Benjamin To Step Down From Post Next Month

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin announced that she will step down from her position in July. Benjamin -- who previously ran a rural health clinic in Alabama -- has been an advocate for the use of health IT to increase health care access, improve care quality and reduce costs. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

Physician Practices Unprepared for ICD-10 Transition, Study Shows

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Medical Group Management Association research shows the health care industry's readiness to meet the Oct. 1, 2014, compliance deadline for ICD-10 continues to lag. Only 4.8% of surveyed practices reported making significant progress in their ICD-10 readiness. Healthcare IT News, FierceHealthIT.

VA Official: We're at a 'Tipping Point' for Disability Claims Backlog

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, a Department of Veterans Affairs official said the department has reached a "tipping point" in processing the backlog of disability claims. VA expects to meet its goal of processing all claims pending for more than 125 days by 2015. Washington Post's "Federal Eye," NextGov.

Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of June 14, 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

NoMoreClipboard will integrate ICA's health information exchange tools into its personal health record and patient portal systems. The Veterans Benefits Administration has awarded Harris Corporation a four-year, $37 million contract to work on its veterans' benefits claims system.

FDA Urges Medical Device Makers To Boost Cybersecurity

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

FDA guidance released today calls on medical device manufacturers to protect their products against hacking and cyberattacks. FDA urged the firms to develop security controls to protect the confidentiality and integrity of information and limit malfunctions resulting from computer viruses. Agency officials said such events could lead to patient harm. Wall Street Journal.

Sen. Murray Criticizes DOD Decision Not To Build Joint EHR With VA

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

During a budget committee hearing, Sen. Patty Murray criticized the Department of Defense's decision not to establish an integrated electronic health record system with the Department of Veterans Affairs as part of efforts to improve health data sharing between the agencies. NextGov et al.

Groups Oppose HIPAA Changes for Gun-Purchase Database

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Medical groups are criticizing an HHS proposal to amend HIPAA rules that prevent states from reporting certain medical information to a federal gun-purchase background check database. The proposal follows an executive order on gun safety that President Obama signed in January. Wall Street Journal.

GOP House Lawmakers Ask IRS About Seizure of E-Health Records

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Republicans on a House panel have asked the Internal Revenue Service for information on how it handles confidential electronic health records. The probe follows a lawsuit alleging that the IRS improperly seized millions of health records. Modern Healthcare, The Hill's "Healthwatch."

Google Appears To Have Pulled Videos, Ads on Getting Illegal Rx Drugs

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood and Digital Citizens Alliance report Google has removed YouTube videos and online ads promoting websites selling medications without prescriptions. Last week, Hood threatened legal action over the content. AP/Mississippi Press, USA Today.

Federal Officials Detail Health IT Industry Progress, Challenges

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

During a conference this week, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari discussed the health IT industry's progress and challenges. Meanwhile, Doug Fridsma of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT discussed federal health IT standards efforts, and acting Department of Veterans Affairs CIO Stephen Warren pledged more open-source contributions. Government Health IT.

United Kingdom Unveils Plans To Launch World's Largest Cancer Database

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The United Kingdom's Public Health England has announced plans to create the world's largest database on cancer patients. The database -- which one official described as "game changing" -- aims to help facilitate highly personalized treatment plans. London Telegraph, BBC News.

GE Healthcare To Invest $2B To Create Health System, App Software

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

GE Healthcare plans to invest $2 billion over the next five years on the development of software for health systems and applications. The software will seek to help expand care to more patients, reduce health care costs and minimize redundancies. Healthcare IT News et al.

Florida Rx Drug Tracking Database Leaked Patient Information, ACLU Says

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The American Civil Liberties Union says Florida prescription drug tracking database officials released the personal data of individuals not related to criminal investigations. It is unclear how many of such individuals had their information leaked. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

CIOs Have Various Roles Under Affordable Care Act, New Study Finds

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A survey by National Association of State Chief Information Officers and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society finds state CIOs are taking on various health IT-related roles, such as overseeing health information and insurance exchanges. InformationWeek.

HIMSS EHR Association Unveils Developer Code of Conduct

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the HIMSS Electronic Health Record Association released a code of conduct for EHR developers. The code of conduct addresses several key issues, such as interoperability, patient engagement, and privacy and security. National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari praised the code, saying, "The commitment here is very much in line with our national plan." Healthcare IT News.

PCORI Awards $40K for System Accepting Public Research Proposals

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The University of Michigan has received a $40,000 award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to launch a Web-based crowdsourcing system that would allow patients to propose ideas and pledge money for clinical research initiatives. Modern Healthcare.

Text Message Smoking Cessation Program Sees Success Among Teens

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Teenager participants in the National Cancer Institute's text message-based smoking cessation program SmokefreeTXT have an average quit rate of 12% after one month and 6% after six months. In comparison, the typical smoking cessation rate for teens is 2% to 3%. Politico.

Tool Gauges Remote Patient Monitoring Technology's ROI

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A tool developed by the Center for Connected Health and the Center for Technology and Aging gauges the return on investment for certain remote patient monitoring technology. The tool was developed in collaboration with the California HealthCare Foundation. Healthcare IT News.

Apple Rejects Some Medical Drug Guide Apps From App Store

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

According to reports, Apple has been rejecting certain medical and health applications that contain prescription and over-the-counter medication information. Apple says it only accepts medication dosage information in apps being produced by a drug's manufacturer. CITE World et al.

Experts Predict Initial 'Glitches' in Health Exchange Websites

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

There likely will be some initial "glitches" when the health insurance exchange websites open for enrollment on Oct. 1, according to experts. Building the online marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act has proven to be a complex task as they need to communicate and interface with government databases, state Medicaid systems and insurers, officials say. Wall Street Journal.

Park: Better Patient Engagement Will Boost Overall Health System

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

During the Health Privacy Summit last week, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park said boosting patient engagement can improve the health care system. Meanwhile, other experts discussed how the use of data can boost patient care and how security policies can be improved. FierceHealthIT.

Digital Technology Could Boost Urban Pediatric Care, Research Finds

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Research publish in the journal Pediatrics finds that health providers could leverage digital technology to improve care of urban pediatric patients, a group that typically is hard to reach. It finds that 71% of caregivers for such patients said they would like to receive health information digitally. Medscape.

Study: HIE Participation Did Not Reduce Number of Tests, Curb Costs

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association finds that the use of a health information exchange in an ambulatory care setting did not produce significant cost savings by reducing the number of tests ordered. InformationWeek et al.

Cleveland Clinic Expands Patients' Online Access to Health Information

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Cleveland Clinic has expanded 500,000 patients' access to their own health records through the hospital's online patient portal, MyChart. The facility will further expand patients' access to their health data over the next year. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

CMS: $14.6B in EHR Incentive Pay Doled Out Through April

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A CMS official announced that about $14.6 billion in meaningful use incentive payments had been distributed to eligible hospitals and health care professionals as of the end of April. Another official has noted that small urban hospitals are lagging behind in attesting to meaningful use. Healthcare IT News, Clinical Innovation & Technology.

Physician Practices Increasingly Accepting HIEs, Retooling EHRs

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A survey from HIMSS Analytics finds that 46% of physician practices plan to join a health information exchange, while more than one-third of practices plan to upgrade, replace or purchase a new electronic health record system. InformationWeek, Healthcare IT News.

Telehealth Monitoring Market Sees Major Growth, Report Finds

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A Kalorama Information report finds that the telehealth patient monitoring market grew by 237% over five years, from $4.2 billion in 2007 to more than $10 billion in 2012. The report states that the market is expected to continue to increase. Healthcare IT News, Kalorama release.

Mostashari, HHS Officials Call for Evolution of Clinical Quality Measures

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In an article published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari and two other HHS officials call for a more patient-centered clinical quality measurement framework. FierceHealthIT, Government Health IT.

Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of June 7, 2013

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

ResearchGate, an online network for scientists, has secured $35 million in funding led by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Department of Defense has awarded Philips Healthcare Informatics an $88.5 million contract to implement its digital imaging network and picture archiving system.

Global Alliance Aims To Boost Sharing of Genetic, Clinical Data

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, about 70 major research and health care organizations from dozens of countries announced that they will team up to create a framework for sharing genetic and clinical data. The groups -- which include NIH and Harvard University -- say that improving the sharing of such data is key to advancing medical knowledge. New York Times, Boston Globe.

HHS To Look Into Data Infrastructure for Outcomes Research

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Two HHS agencies are partnering to develop an interoperable data framework to support patient-centered outcomes research. The Affordable Care Act set aside nearly $200 million to build an outcomes research data infrastructure. Modern Healthcare, InformationWeek.

Majority of Fla. Doctors, Pharmacists Do Not Use State's Rx Drug Database

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Only 10% of physicians and one-third of pharmacists in Florida use the state's prescription drug database, according to federal officials. A state pharmacy board member says that a subcommittee will investigate mandatory requirements for using the database. Health News Florida.

Entrepreneurs Call for Federal Government To Share More Health Data

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Entrepreneurs seek more federal health data following the release of outpatient pricing information at a recent health IT conference. Also at the conference, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched a contest to help consumers understand such data. Kaiser Health News et al.

Researchers Say EHRs Can Help Identify High-Risk Pregnancy Patients

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers are using predictive modeling and natural language processing technology to comb through Medicaid beneficiaries' electronic health record data to identify high-risk pregnancy patients, according to an article in the Johns Hopkins Public Health magazine. FierceEMR.

States' Sale of Hospital Records Could Put Patient Privacy at Risk

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

State health agencies -- which are exempt from HIPAA rules -- can put individuals' privacy at risk by selling hospital records that include key identifiers, such as age, ZIP code or hospital admission and discharge dates. Observers say that if individuals are linked to private medical information, they could lose out on jobs or pay higher insurance rates, among other things. Bloomberg.

Senators To Reintroduce Bill To Boost Medicare Claims Transparency

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Ron Wyden plan to reintroduce a bill that would require HHS to create a no-cost, searchable database of Medicare claims. Last week, a judge lifted an injunction that barred public access to a confidential Medicare database. Healthcare IT News et al.

Groups To Expand Telehealth Program to Rural Philippines, India

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Verizon Foundation, Swinfen Charitable Trust and University of Virginia Health System announced they would expand a telehealth program to connect medical specialists with doctors in several rural clinics in India and the Philippines. FierceHealthIT et al.

Mental Health Providers Encounter Telehealth Barriers, Article Says

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

An article published in Telemedicine and e-Health examines several barriers that are impeding widespread adoption of telehealth technology among mental health providers. Such barriers include clinical workflow, technology and licensure issues. FierceHealthIT.

Lawmaker: 'Potential for Abuses Is Staggering' in Federal ACA Data Hub

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In an opinion piece, Rep. Diane Black warns that with "so much personal information" included in an Affordable Care Act database, "the potential for abuses is staggering." Black introduced a bill to address some concerns related to the Federal Data Services Hub. U.S. News & World Report.

As of 2012, Few Doctors Met Meaningful Use Requirements

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds that as of early 2012, only 9.8% of physicians reported meeting requirements for the meaningful use of electronic health record systems. The study's author says the findings "should be of concern to policymakers." However, one expert notes that the data already are a year-and-a-half old. Medscape, Bloomberg.

Report: Health Industry Lags in Progress Toward Implementing ICD-10

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A Journal of the American Health Information Management Association report finds slow progress toward ICD-10 implementation. In the fall of 2012, more than 50% of survey respondents were in early stages of ICD-10 implementation. Clinical Innovation & Technology et al.

Houses Approves Bill To Create Nationwide Rx Drug Tracking System

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the House passed a bill that would establish a nationwide system to track prescription drugs from manufacturers to pharmacies. Unlike a Senate version of the bill, the measure would not require FDA to implement electronic tracking tools. The Hill's "Floor Action Blog" et al.

States Cite Federal Data Hub as Main Concern for Exchanges, GAO Finds

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A report finds that states seeking to launch their own health insurance exchanges believe that a data hub meant to pass information to federal agencies is hindering implementation. Federal officials say they have given states enough guidance to connect with the hub. Governing.

Survey: Physician EHR Use Up, but Satisfaction With Systems Down

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A survey finds that while physicians' use of electronic health records has increased, doctors' satisfaction with their EHR systems has decreased. Further, nearly 14% of respondents who attested to Stage 1 of the meaningful use program said they do not plan on attesting to Stage 2. FierceEMR.

HHS Releases New Health Data, Announces Health IT Contests

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

At Health Datapalooza IV today, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that CMS has released new federal data on outpatient hospital procedure charges, as well as Medicare spending and utilization. Meanwhile, federal officials also announced the launch of several new health data-related competitions. Healthcare IT News, Kaiser Health News' "Capsules."

Judge Lifts Ban on Public Access to Database of Medicare Payments

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A federal judge has lifted a 33-year-old injunction that blocked public access to data on the amount that individual physicians receive in Medicare reimbursements. An American Medical Association official says the group might appeal the ruling. Reuters, Wall Street Journal.

New Project Aims To Boost Sharing of Self-Reported Health Data

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A project launched by the University of California-San Diego's California Institute for Telecommunications and IT and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aims to make self-reported data from personal health devices available for research purposes. MobiHealthNews, GigaOM.

Tweets Popular, Reliable Source for Vaccine Information, Study Finds

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that Twitter is a popular and generally reliable source for sharing information about vaccinations. The study also finds that more than two-thirds of the tweets with content containing medical information were scientifically substantiated. Medical News Today.

OCR Plans To Survey HIPAA-Covered Entities About Audit Process

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:00:00 GMT

According to a notice published in the Federal Register, HHS' Office for Civil Rights plans to survey 115 entities that were audited during the 2012 HIPAA Audit Program. OCR says it will use survey feedback to improve the audit program. Healthcare IT News, FierceHealthIT.

OIG: Two Medicare Provider Databases Inaccurate, Incomplete

Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

An HHS Office of the Inspector General report finds that two Medicare databases store health care provider information that is inaccurate or incomplete. The report also finds that the information shared between the databases was inconsistent for 97% of records. OIG provided CMS with several recommendations to address the issues raised in the report. FierceHealthIT et al.

ONC, FCC, FDA Seek Public Input on Health IT Regulatory Framework

Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, the Federal Communications Commission and FDA are seeking public comments as they develop a health IT regulatory framework. They are soliciting input on health IT taxonomy, regulation, and risk and innovation. mHIMSS et al.

SAMHSA Offers Grants for Integrating EHRs, Rx Monitoring Program

Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is making about $3.4 million in grant funding available to state governments to integrate the agency's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program with states' electronic health record systems. Healthcare IT News.

Study Suggests Fewer Drop-Down Menus Could Reduce E-Rx Errors

Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association study finds electronic prescribing errors are most likely to occur when selecting a drop-down menu or editing information within the system. The authors say fewer drop-down menus could reduce the number of prescription errors. FierceHealthIT.

Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of May 31, 2013

Fri, 31 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Martin Coulter -- former executive vice president and general manager of The Advisory Board Company -- has been named CEO of PatientsLikeMe, an online patient network. ConsultingMD, an online physician specialist consulting network, has raised $10 million from Venrock Capital.

Park, Sebelius Tout Federal Initiatives' Effect on Health IT

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius have posted entries on the White House Blog praising the effect of the Affordable Care Act and other federal initiatives on the health care industry. Park writes that the 2009 federal economic stimulus package was a catalyst for broader electronic health record adoption. FierceHealthIT, eWeek.

Group Releases Best Practices for Online Mental Health Services

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday, the American Telemedicine Association released a set of guidelines that outline best practices for delivering online mental health services via webcams and other interactive video-capable mobile devices. The guidelines address patient safety and privacy. FierceHealthIT.

Several Health Data Breaches Reported Across Three States

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Health care systems in California and Florida and a health IT security company in Texas have reported data breaches. In addition, Idaho State University has agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the HIPAA Security Rule. Modern Healthcare et al.

RAND Says DOD Should Consider Patient Privacy, Design for Future iEHR

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new RAND report recommends the Department of Defense use "actual identifying data" to evaluate and test patient-matching systems as the agency seeks a new electronic health record system and improved information sharing for veterans' EHRs. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.

Doctor Blasts Provision in Massachusetts Law That Requires Health IT Use

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A physician has written an open letter calling for the rescission of a provision in a new Massachusetts law -- set to take effect in 2015 -- that requires physicians to demonstrate proficient use of health IT tools in order to maintain their medical license. FierceEMR, "The Health Care Blog."

Studies Analyze How EHR Use Influences Physician Behavior

Wed, 29 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A pair of studies published this week examined how the use of electronic health record systems and their components influence physician behavior. One found that a deluge of inappropriate EHR alerts could cause providers to ignore true positive alerts, while another reported that being tech savvy did not necessarily predict whether a physician will use such systems. Medscape, InformationWeek.

Data Say Hospitals Using Meditech, Epic EHRs Draw Key Incentives

Wed, 29 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

About 19% of hospitals that have received meaningful use payments for using complete electronic health records in inpatient settings have deployed Epic Systems' EHR software. About 25% of hospitals that have received such payments use Meditech software for modular EHR use. Modern Healthcare.

Report: Radiologists Increasingly Use Tablets, Mobile Applications

Wed, 29 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A report from Novation finds that use of tablet computers and mobile health applications is a growing trend among radiologists. The 2013 Diagnostic Imaging Watch report finds that tablet computers could increase wait-time efficacy and enhance consultations. FierceMobileHealthcare.

CIOs Discuss How To Comply With Rule on Patient Data Protection

Wed, 29 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Health industry CIOs seek to determine how to best comply with HIPAA provisions under HHS' final omnibus rule. The rule allows certain patients to withhold information from data exchanges between health care providers and health insurers. Wall Street Journal's "CIO Journal."

Rx Management IT Does Not Significantly Affect Direct Care, Study Finds

Wed, 29 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association finds that the use of an electronic medication management system does not significantly affect how much time physicians and nurses spend on direct care or medication-related tasks. FierceHealthIT.

ONC Releases Direct HIE Implementation Guidelines

Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Guidelines released by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT offer health information service providers, trust communities and accrediting bodies recommended practices for health information exchange interoperability. The guidance will support various criteria for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program and highlight security and trust agents as necessary. Health IT Security.

FDA Launches First Inquiry of Unregulated Mobile Health App

Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

An application for checking levels of blood and other substances in urine is the subject of FDA's first inquiry of an unregulated mobile health app. FDA says the uChek app -- which functions as an automatic urine strip reader -- might require federal clearance. WRAL Tech Wire.

Linked EHR Data Could Boost Heart Attack Estimates, Survey Finds

Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A British Medical Journal study found failure to use electronic health records could present inaccurate estimates of heart attack outcomes. Four EHRs underreported such incidences by between 25% and 50%, according to the study. FierceHealthIT, Medscape Medical News.

Study: Interactive Voice Technology Could Help Boost Diabetes Care

Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that follow-up calls to patients with diabetes that use interactive voice recognition technology could help identify safety triggers, such as high blood sugar and significant side effects from medication. Healthcare IT News, Clinical Innovation & Technology.

HRSA Seeks To Collect Information for Rural Health IT Grant Program

Tue, 28 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Resources and Services Administration has submitted for federal review a request for information on its Rural Health IT Network Development Program. The request aims to examine health IT and sustainability program quality measures. Healthcare IT News.

Official Says DOD Might Select Derivative of VistA EHR System

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Frank Kendall -- Department of Defense undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics -- has offered more details about DOD's possible selection of a commercial electronic health record system. Kendall led a 30-day review of options and says the department might select a derivative of VistA, the system used by the Department of Veterans Affairs. FierceGovernmentIT.

Amid Growth, Little Known About Effect of mHealth on Health

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research finds that while mobile health technologies have grown and become more complex over the past 10 years, little research has been done to test their effect on health outcomes. FierceMobileHealthcare.

Study Recommends Use of EHRs To Boost Patient Medication Adherence

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new report recommends the use of electronic health records to help boost patients' prescription medication adherence. The researchers say that measures of medication adherence should be implemented in EHRs for physicians and insurers to share. Cardiovascular Business.

Calif. Health System Live Tweets Photos, Videos of Brain Surgery

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The University of California-Los Angeles Health System used Twitter to post videos and photos of a brain pacemaker surgery performed Thursday morning. The health system says that the goal of tweeting the surgery was to call attention to the use of brain pacemakers. Los Angeles Times.

Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of May 24, 2013

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

John Halamka -- CIO at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and co-chair of the federal Health IT Standards Committee -- has been named to the board of directors at Imprivata. Utah's Intermountain Healthcare will deploy Sotera Wireless' wireless health monitoring technology.

DOD Says New EHR System Will Not Ease Claims Backlog at VA

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Department of Defense officials have said the agency's decision to consider purchasing a commercial electronic health record system will not help reduce the disability claims backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Meanwhile, members of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs are calling on Obama to push DOD to select an EHR system. AP/U-T San Diego, Government Health IT.

Hospital-Acquired Conditions To Remain on Hospital Compare Site

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Data on eight key hospital-acquired conditions will continue to be included on the Hospital Compare website, CMS officials clarified. A recent story from Bloomberg erroneously said the website after July would no longer contain the information, officials said. HealthLeaders Media.

Study: Online Pharmacist Care Helps Patients Control Blood Pressure

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that access to online pharmacist care helps patients with hypertension sustain low blood pressure. While some experts say such interventions are costly, the study authors say they are inexpensive considering the potential health improvements. Reuters, FierceHealthIT.

PatientsLikeMe Platform Aims To Assess Patient Outcome Measurements

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

PatientsLikeMe, a social network for patients to share health information, is piloting a platform to examine new ways of measuring patient outcomes. The website says the platform will save researchers time because they will not have to organize their own studies. InformationWeek.

WEDI Announces New ICD-10 Collaborative To Share Best Practices

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange has launched a new initiative that aims to help health information organizations share best practices and conduct end-to-end testing related to ICD-10 codes. Groups in four states are participating. Modern Healthcare, WEDI release.

55% of Doctors, 80% of Hospitals Have Received EHR Incentives

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has exceeded its goal of 50% of eligible physician offices and 80% of eligible hospitals using electronic health records by the end of 2013. HHS data released today show that as of the end of April, 55% of eligible physicians and about 80% of eligible hospitals have received meaningful use incentive payments. Wall Street Journal, HHS release.

Pentagon Mulls Use of Commercial EHR System Instead of VA's VistA

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In a memo on Tuesday, Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel wrote that his agency will consider a commercial electronic health record system as part of its efforts to establish an integrated EHR system with the Department of Veterans Affairs. NextGov.

Moore Medical Center Records Safe Despite Tornado Damage

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The use of health information exchange and data warehousing has kept the medical records of more than two million patients of Moore Medical Center in Oklahoma safe after the health care facility was damaged during a massive tornado on Monday. Modern Healthcare.

More Groups Respond to GOP Concerns About Meaningful Use Program

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and the Texas Medical Association have sent separate letters commenting on a white paper and a letter by six Republican senators who say that the meaningful use program should be revamped. Modern Healthcare.

Florida Medical Center CEO Plans To Publish Pricing Data Online

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Mount Sinai Medical Center CEO Steve Sonenreich says that he plans to publish online the prices that the hospital charges commercial insurers for diagnoses and care. Other health systems also should disclose such data, Sonenreich says. Miami Herald, Bloomberg Businessweek.

Groups Respond to Concerns About EHR Incentive Program

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Three groups have responded to calls from Republican senators to revamp the meaningful use program. The HIMSS Electronic Health Record Association defends the program, while the American Hospital Association says the initiative should be examined closely. The Healthcare Innovation Council says the program should be overhauled or suspended. Health Data Management, Healthcare IT News.

Request for Data on Boston Marathon Victims Sparks Privacy Concerns

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Boston Police Patrolmen's Association argues that the Boston Public Health Commission violated the HIPAA Privacy Rule when it requested that hospitals provide medical data without patient consent on victims of last month's marathon bombings. Health Info Security.

FCC Requires Carriers To Provide Text-to-911 Bounce-Back Messages

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

New Federal Communications Commission rules will require wireless carriers and text messaging providers to send bounce-back texts to users who try to text 911 where text-to-911 services are unavailable. FierceMobileHealthcare, Telecompaper.

Startups Develop IT Tools To Boost Patients' Medication Adherence

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Startups are working to develop technology that could help patients better adhere to medication regimens. Such tools include sensors that transmit pill digestion data and a pill bottle that glows colors when a medication dose should be taken or is missed. Wall Street Journal.

ONC, National Cancer Institute Launch Cancer Application Challenge

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and the National Cancer Institute have launched a contest to encourage the development of information management tools that help improve care transitions for cancer survivors. Healthcare IT News, MedCity News.