iHealthBeat: EHRs and PHRs

ONC Seeks Nominations for Policy, Standards Committees

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has published a notice in the Federal Register requesting nominations by June 11 for members of the Health IT Policy and Standards committees. ONC said nominees should be knowledgeable about health IT privacy and security issues and have experience promoting the meaningful use program. Health Data Management et al.

Report: Small Practices Should Consider Long-Term EHR Strategies

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An IDC Health Insights report states that small physician practices should not let the meaningful use program shape their long-term plans for electronic health record adoption. The report also assesses 11 EHR products for small practices. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

EHR Tool Helps Improve Blood Sugar Control for Patients With Diabetes

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At an American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists meeting last week, researchers presented a study finding that electronic health record-based insulin order sets helped improve glycemic control among hospitalized patients with diabetes. MedPage Today, FierceEMR.

Maine To Launch Pilot of First U.S. Medical Image Sharing Network

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HealthInfoNet, Maine's health information exchange, has launched a five-month pilot program to test the country's first medical image sharing network. Images in the archive will include CT scans, mammograms, MRIs and X-rays. Computerworld, InformationWeek.

Pennsylvania Advances Plans for State Health Information Exchange

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Pennsylvania is taking steps to launch its statewide health information exchange within two years. The exchange is expected to operate as an umbrella network that would connect six regional health data exchanges already operating or being developed. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Standards Committee Discusses Elements of NwHIN Governance

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Health IT Standards Committee recently discussed the creation of a governance structure for the Nationwide Health Information Network. Panel members talked about conditions for trusted exchange and NwHIN validated entities. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

VA, Pentagon To Launch Joint EHR System Between 2014 and 2017

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Department of Veterans Affairs CIO Roger Baker announced that the joint electronic health record system planned by VA and the Department of Defense will be deployed in stages between 2014 and 2017 and will cost $4 billion to develop. Federal Computer Week, NextGov.

U.S. Olympic Committee To Use EHR Tools During London 2012 Games

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the U.S. Olympic Committee said it will deploy GE's electronic health record system to manage care for athletes, staff and volunteers at the Summer 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. USOC plans to continue its partnership with GE for future games. eWeek et al.

Dictation Linked With Worse Care Than Other EHR Input Methods

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that doctors who dictate their notes for uploading to electronic health record systems received "significantly worse" care quality scores for certain patient outcomes measures than physicians who used two other documentation methods. NextGov, FierceEMR.

U.S., Mexico To Adopt Guidelines for Sharing Public Health Data

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, HHS announced that the U.S. and Mexico have agreed to adopt technical guidelines on sharing information for various public health activities. Mexico also has become the fourth country to join CDC's international Laboratory Response Network. Modern Healthcare, Examiner.

How Confident Are Organizations in Their Readiness for Stage 1 of Meaningful Use?

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Forty-eight percent of surveyed hospital and health system leaders said they are confident in their organization's level of readiness to meet Stage 1 requirements for the meaningful use program, while 3% said they are not confident at all, according to a report by KPMG, an audit, tax and advisory services firm.

Shareholders File Suit Against Allscripts, Urge CEO To Resign

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HealthCor Management -- one of the largest shareholders of health IT firm Allscripts' Healthcare Solutions -- has filed a lawsuit after Allscripts CEO Glen Tullman refused HealthCor's demands that he resign. The suit is asking the court to postpone Allscripts' June 15 annual meeting so HealthCor can nominate candidates for vacant positions on Allscripts' board. Reuters et al.

Oregon Launches New Statewide Health Information Exchange

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Oregon Health Authority has contracted with Harris Healthcare Solutions to launch a statewide health information exchange. Officials say the data exchange will improve communication, reduce duplicate orders and support meaningful use requirements. CMIO et al.

ONC Contest Seeks Apps To Sync Ophthalmology Tools With EHR Systems

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A contest launched by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT seeks applications that could improve interoperability between ophthalmologists' examination devices and their electronic health record systems. Modern Healthcare, ONC's "Health IT Buzz."

Report: Physicians See Benefits in Software-as-a-Service EHR Tools

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by research firm KLAS finds that physicians see certain advantages in using software-as-a-service electronic health record systems. The report notes that such systems are appealing because they are easy to use and involve relatively low hardware costs. InformationWeek et al.

High Court Ruling Not Expected To Impair Health IT

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health IT plays a key role in health reform law provisions related to health insurance exchanges and accountable care organizations. Even if the Supreme Court strikes down the overhaul, experts say health IT will continue to support efforts to transform the U.S. health care system.

NIH Study Uses EHRs To Track How Genetic Tests Affect Follow-Up Care

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Individuals who undergo genetic tests do not seek significantly more or less follow-up care, according to an NIH-led study. NIH said the study is the first to use electronic health records to measure how genetic testing affects health care behaviors. Modern Healthcare et al.

What Percentage of Physicians From Various U.S. Regions Have Adopted an EHR System?

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Rates of electronic health record adoption among physicians in the Northeast U.S. grew from 19.9% in 2002 to 52.1% in 2011, while EHR adoption rates among physicians in the Western U.S. grew from 19.5% in 2002 to 60.8% in 2011, according to a recent Health Affairs study.

Public Hospital Group Seeks More Flexibility in Meaningful Use Rules

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a new issue brief, the National Association of Public Hospitals & Health Systems offered several recommendations for increasing flexibility in the meaningful use program, such as allowing a three-year timeframe between the Stage 1 and Stage 2 deadlines for the program. FierceHealthIT.

VA Outlines Privacy, Security Policies for Lifetime EHR System

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has released a plan to ensure the privacy and security of data in its Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program. The plan recommends various policies, such as regulating data access with security software. Government Health IT et al.

EHR Use Not Linked to Improved Diabetes Care Quality, Study Finds

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Annals of Family Medicine study finds no correlation between physicians' use of electronic health record systems and improved adherence to clinical guidelines for diabetes care. The study offers recommendations for improving the effective use of EHR systems. Modern Healthcare.

Article Raises Questions About Future of State Health Data Exchanges

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Journal of the American Health Information Management Association article questions whether state-level health data exchanges will become obsolete over the next few years as more private organizations claim a share of the health information exchange market. CMIO.

EHR Tool Could Help Reduce Unnecessary CT Scans, Study Finds

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania finds that an accountability tool embedded in an electronic health record system could reduce unnecessary CT scans among emergency department patients with abdominal pain. United Press International, CMIO.

Report Sees Growth, Challenges in Health Data Exchange Market

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new Chilmark Research report notes that the proposed rule for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program and payment changes are driving growth in the health information exchange market. However, challenges to more robust HIE remain. Healthcare IT News, FierceHealthIT.

ONC Seeks Input on Governance Structure for NwHIN Exchange

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking comments from stakeholders on the establishment of a governance mechanism for the Nationwide Health Information Network. The governance structure would include rules on technical, business practice, privacy and security requirements to establish a common trust framework for the exchange. Health Data Management.

ONC Unveils Interactive Dashboard on Grants, Health IT Activities

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has launched a new Health IT Dashboard, which offers data on grant programs and other health IT activities. The dashboard includes more than 150 maps showing ONC data at different regional levels. NextGov et al.

Calif. REC 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.

New VA Pilot Program To Provide 1,000 Family Caregivers With iPads

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a pilot program to give veterans' family caregivers iPads that feature health care applications and tools to aid treatment. The devices will allow data sharing between VA, caregivers and veterans. Modern Healthcare, NextGov.

More Industry Groups Release Comments on Stage 2 Proposed Rules

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American College of Cardiology, the Certification Commission for Health IT, the Medical Group Management Association and the National Committee for Quality Assurance recently submitted comments on Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. CMIO et al.

HHS Innovation Awards Going to Some Health IT-Supported Projects

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some of HHS' newly announced innovation awards will go to projects that have a health IT component. Emory University, University Hospitals of Cleveland and George Washington University received awards for projects involving telehealth. Modern Healthcare et al.

Tavenner Acknowledges Health Care Industry's Concerns on Stage 2

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the American Hospital Association's annual meeting, acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner acknowledged some of the hospital industry's concerns about Stage 2 of the meaningful use program and said CMS is reviewing stakeholders' feedback. Modern Healthcare et al.

Report Seeks To Boost Health Organizations' Information Sharing

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Markle Foundation has issued a report to supplement earlier guidance on secure health information sharing. The report includes resources on governance, consent and procurement for organizations undertaking health IT projects. Healthcare IT News.

AMA, Industry Stakeholders Submit Comments on Stage 2

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the American Medical Association and 98 state and specialty medical societies sent a letter to CMS indicating that some of the proposed criteria for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program would be cumbersome for physicians to implement. Several other industry stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups also submitted comments on the proposed rules. Healthcare IT News et al.

HIMSS EHR Association Submits Comments on Stage 2 Proposed Rules

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's Electronic Health Record Association is calling for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program to include fewer clinical quality measures and more time for EHR upgrades. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

EHR Vendor Contract Controversy Persists

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As the focus on health IT-related safety issues mounts, common non-disclosure and "hold harmless" clauses in electronic health record contracts are sparking debate. Vendors cite their right to protect intellectual property and to manage processes by which problems are reported and addressed.

Policy Panel Discusses Stage 2 Requirements on Entering Data in EHRs

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, members of the Health IT Policy Committee discussed whether Stage 2 of the meaningful use program should allow licensed professionals and scribes to enter orders into electronic health record systems on behalf of physicians. Healthcare IT News.

Premier Urges CMS To Release Final Stage 2 Rules by August

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Premier healthcare alliance has submitted comments on the proposed rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. The group urged CMS to publish the Stage 2 final rules by August to avoid compromising hospitals' ability to meet program criteria by 2014. Healthcare IT News.

Advocates Criticize AHA's Stance on Patient Access to Health Data

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Several advocates have criticized the American Hospital Association for recommending looser patient access requirements in its comment letter on Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. AHA said it supports a 30-day window for providing patients with access to their health data after discharge, rather than the 36-hour timeframe proposed by CMS. Health Data Management et al.

Health Systems Spending Billions To Prepare for the 'Last War'

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The meaningful use program supports health IT systems optimized for the "do more, bill more" reimbursement model that is rapidly being replaced by a focus on value and outcomes. To support the array of new demands, health IT systems will need to be nimble, affordable and patient-centered.

HIMSS Plans To Launch Tool To Measure EHR Adoption Levels in U.K.

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Healthcare Information Management Systems Society and the United Kingdom's IT trade group BCS plan to introduce the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Records Adoption Model to measure electronic health record adoption at U.K. hospitals. Healthcare IT News, CMIO.

GAO Calls for Improvements in CMS' Oversight of EHR Program

Tue, 01 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. For example, GAO suggests that CMS consider conducting more prepayment verifications for the Medicare meaningful use program. Health Data Management et al.

CHIME Calls for 90-Day Reporting Period for Meaningful Use Stage 2

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In letters to two federal agencies, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives recommends the creation of a 90-day reporting period for the first year in which health care providers attest to Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. Modern Healthcare et al.

AHA Says Meaningful Use Program Might Be Overly Ambitious

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a letter to CMS, the American Hospital Association said that the meaningful use program might be too ambitious to achieve its goals. Meanwhile, Rep. Renee Ellmers is urging CMS to exempt certain health care providers from penalties if they fail to achieve meaningful use. Bloomberg et al.

Studies Tout Benefits of Electronic Prescribing, But Adoption Is Slow

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Although studies have found that electronic prescribing helps reduce drug errors, adoption of the technology is growing slowly. According to a Surescripts report scheduled to be released in May, only 36% of all U.S. prescriptions were delivered electronically in 2011. New York Times.

Report Finds Improvement in Warnings From CPOE Systems

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A simulated test conducted by the Leapfrog Group finds that computerized provider order entry systems did not generate appropriate warnings for more than one-third of routine medication orders in 2011. The group previously found that CPOE systems did not generate appropriate alerts for about half of routine medication orders between 2008 and 2010. Modern Healthcare, FierceHealthIT.

As EHR Adoption Rises, Experts Raise Concerns About Safety of Systems

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Experts are raising concerns about the safety of electronic health record systems as the tools become more widespread. However, some stakeholders are hesitant to focus on EHR safety out of fear that doctors will be reluctant to adopt the systems. Boston Globe, Health Affairs.

VA, Pentagon Plan Early Launch of Joint EHR System at Two Sites

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs plan to install their integrated electronic health record system two years early in Norfolk, Va., and San Antonio. In related news, VA plans to roll out an iPhone and iPad application for physicians this summer. NextGov, Government Health IT.

Fitch Ratings: EHR Incentive Pay Boosted Hospitals' Bottom Lines

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from Fitch Ratings finds that electronic health record incentive payments from the meaningful use program helped increase the bottom line of for-profit hospital companies by nearly $400 million last year. The report's authors said that last year's meaningful use incentive payments were "modest" and that they expect to see larger payments in 2012 and 2013. Modern Healthcare.

Viewpoint: Challenges to Health Data Sharing Must Be Addressed

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent viewpoint published in the Journal of the American Medical Association argues that overcoming barriers to sharing electronic health data is critical to improving the U.S. health care system. The viewpoint outlines major challenges that are hindering more widespread health information exchange and offers recommendations for overcoming such barriers. CMIO.

Report: Physician EHR Sales Growing Faster Than Hospital EHR Sales

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Kalorama Information report finds that sales of electronic health record systems to physicians are growing at a faster rate than sales of EHR systems to hospitals. The report also cites growth in sales of Web-based EHR systems to physicians. Healthcare IT News, CMIO.

Study Finds Discrepancy Between Plans, Ability To Meet Meaningful Use

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Health Affairs study finds that 51% of U.S. doctors said they plan to apply for meaningful use incentives, but only 11% reported having an electronic health record system that meets at least 10 Stage 1 core requirements. Healthcare IT News, Health Affairs' "Health Affairs Blog."

Study: Text Message Reminders Can Help Boost Flu Vaccinations

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that text message reminders sent to parents could help boost influenza immunization rates among children and teenagers. According to the study, personalized text message reminders increased flu vaccination rates by about 4%. Reuters, MedPage Today.

'Tiger Team' Reviews Input on Meaningful Use Stage 2 Proposals

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In its draft comments on the proposed rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program, the Health IT Policy Committee's privacy and security "Tiger Team" identified certain Policy Committee recommendations that did not make it into the proposed rules. Modern Healthcare.

Small, Rural Health Providers Lag in EHR Adoption, Studies Find

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Small, rural physician groups and hospitals have been slower to adopt electronic health record systems than their larger, urban counterparts, according to two new Health Affairs studies. To address such issues, researchers called for policymakers to provide more support and incentives to health care providers lagging in EHR adoption. Modern Healthcare, Health Affairs' "Health Affairs Blog."

Providers Make Progress in EHR Adoption, Challenges Remain

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Most U.S. hospitals and health care systems responding to a KPMG poll said they are more than halfway along in their adoption of an electronic health record system. However, the poll finds that many health care providers still face challenges related to demonstrating meaningful use of EHRs, such as not understanding the program's requirements. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

E-Rx Could Improve Monitoring of Off-Label Drug Use, Study Finds

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Including treatment indications in electronic prescriptions could make it easier to track off-label usage of prescription drugs, according to a study. The study finds that 11% of e-prescriptions issued through a Canadian electronic health record network were for off-label use. CMIO.

CMS: Health Care Providers Have Nabbed $4.5B in EHR Incentives

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

New CMS data show that 76,612 eligible professionals and hospitals had received $4.5 billion in Medicare and Medicaid meaningful use incentive payments as of last month. The report finds that during the first quarter of 2012, the number of eligible professionals and hospitals registered for the program increased by 29% and 13%, respectively. Government Health IT et al.

Health Data Exchange Use in EDs Linked to Lower Admissions, Costs

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Using health data exchanges in emergency departments is associated with reduced hospital admissions and costs, according to a Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association study. Researchers studied health data exchange use at 12 EDs in Tennessee. CMIO.

Venture Capital Funding for Health IT Reaches $184M for Q1 2012

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a report from Mercom Capital Group, health IT venture capital funding totaled $184 million in the first quarter of 2012, involving a record 27 deals. If the pace continues, total health IT venture capital funding for 2012 is expected to exceed last year's total. Healthcare IT News et al.

Report: Top Ranked Hospitals Have Higher Levels of EHR Adoption

Wed, 18 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.

KLAS Report Evaluates EHR Vendor Options for Urgent Care Centers

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by research firm KLAS notes that urgent care centers could use electronic health record systems designed for ambulatory care, emergency departments or urgent care. The report evaluates three vendors that provide best-of-breed urgent care EHR systems. 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.

CMS Releases Quality Measures for MU Stage 2 Proposed Rules

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has published a list of clinical quality measures included in the proposed rules for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. Under the Stage 2 proposals, eligible professionals would need to meet 12 clinical quality measures out of a list of 125, and hospitals would need to meet 24 measures out of a list of 49. CMS is accepting public comment on the measures through May 7. CMIO et al.

Colo. Group Offers Ideas for Adding Behavioral Health Data to HIEs

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by the Colorado Regional Health Information Organization discusses issues related to adding behavioral health data to health information exchanges. The report suggests three approaches to integrating such data. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.

Clinicians Ignore Most Drug Alerts From CPOE Systems, Study Finds

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study presented at a Society of Hospital Medicine meeting finds that clinicians ignore or override most drug warning alerts generated by hospitals' computerized provider order entry systems. Researchers say alarm fatigue could be contributing to the problem. MedPage Today.

Study: Need for Health IT Workers Greater Than Expected in Texas

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a new Texas State University-San Marcos study, Texas will need 10,000 more health IT workers by 2013. The study calls previous estimates that the state would need 3,500 additional health IT workers between 2010 and 2015 "grossly inaccurate." Austin Business Journal.

Gingrich's Center for Health Transformation Files for Bankruptcy

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Center for Health Transformation, founded by GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. After passage of the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, the firm encouraged health care providers to adopt electronic health records. The Hill's "Blog Briefing Room" et al.

Policy Group Mulls Proposed Stage 2 Rules for Meaningful Use

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Health IT Policy Committee discussed the proposed requirements for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. The panel weighed issues related to the proposed Stage 2 criteria on data collection and information exchange. Government Health IT, Healthcare IT News.

How Do Organizations Feel About Their HIE Vendor's Ability To Meet Their Data Needs?

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sixty-five percent of surveyed health care providers said they are somewhat or very confident in their health information exchange vendor's ability to meet their data integration and analytics needs, while 60% of surveyed insurers said they are somewhat or very confident, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers survey.

E-Health Record Adoption: A Look Under the Hood

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Several recent surveys show that electronic health record adoption is growing across the country -- a possible indication that the federal government's meaningful use program is working. However, a closer look at the numbers indicates that EHR adoption still has a long way to go.

U.S. CTO Park Discusses Efforts To Boost Patient Access to Health Data

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park recently discussed federal efforts to help patients and health care providers access health care data. He referenced a Department of Veterans Affairs program that lets veterans download their personal health information. Bangor Daily News.

VA, Pentagon Eye 3M's Health Data Dictionary for Joint EHR Project

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

To standardize terminology for their joint integrated electronic health record project, the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs might be planning to use 3M's Health Data Dictionary. A final contract has not been made public. Government Health IT, FierceHealthIT.

Report Offers Tactics for Health Data Exchange Sustainability

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from IDC Health Insights outlines best practices for implementing a sustainable health information exchange. The report recommends that stakeholders focus on business, clinical and technical issues before selecting a specific health data exchange vendor or product. It also calls for close collaboration with stakeholders to achieve interoperability. eWeek et al.

Certain International Health IT Markets Still Emerging, Report Says

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A KLAS Enterprises report finds that Asia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom represent emerging health IT markets. The report notes that without government incentives, health IT adoption has been slow for most countries outside the U.S. Modern Healthcare, KLAS release.

Many Patients Prefer To Access Radiology Results Online, Survey Finds

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology finds that nearly 80% of surveyed patients would prefer to receive their radiology results through an online portal instead of through traditional notification methods like phone calls or in-person consultations. CMIO.

Organization Releases Roadmap for Health Information Exchange

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the National eHealth Collaborative released a roadmap to help stakeholders develop, implement and operate health information exchanges. The roadmap describes existing public and private health data exchange efforts and also lays out a four-phase plan designed to help health information exchange initiatives advance and become sustainable. CMIO et al.

CMS Extends Deadline for Professionals To Appeal MU Eligibility

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS extended by one month the deadline for health care providers to appeal their eligibility determination for payment year 2011 of the meaningful use program. Health care professionals now have until April 30 to file an appeal. Health Data Management, Modern Healthcare.

Study: Poor Health IT Planning Could Affect Quality of Care

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that poorly planned health IT implementation could negatively affect the quality of patient care. Researchers conducted interviews at seven Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and examined how health IT implementation affected inpatient care. CMIO.

Drug Alerts in EHRs Contribute to Alarm Fatigue, Study Finds

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study by researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the Department of Veterans Affairs finds that electronic health record-based medication alerts might occur too frequently and contain too much information to be helpful to busy clinicians. According to the study, many health care providers said they were unsure why certain alerts appeared. FierceHealthIT, Becker's Hospital Review.

Becoming Accountable: Delivering Value-Based Care Through Optimal Use of IT and Data

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The two most crucial drivers of the transformation to accountable care at Dean Health System have been the effective use of technology and data to drive decisions and motivate change. While we still have much further to go, our experiences offer lessons that likely will shape the future of health care.

What Do Health IT Stakeholders See as the Biggest Barriers to Health Data Exchange?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Among 185 surveyed health IT stakeholders, 61% cited funding and sustainability issues as a major barrier to achieving widespread health information exchange, and 53% cited interoperability standards as a major barrier, according to a National eHealth Collaborative survey.

Physicians Using Data Exchanges Order Fewer Lab Tests, Study Finds

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that doctors who can access patients' prior test results through a health data exchange order fewer laboratory tests than doctors without such access. The findings appear to conflict with a Health Affairs study linking electronic health record use to more imaging tests. Reuters.

ONC Publicly Releases Materials for Health IT Workforce Training

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released health IT training materials for the general public and higher education institutions. The materials are from ONC's community college-based health IT workforce training initiative. Health Data Management.

Organizations Aim To Help Doctors Balance IT With Patient Care

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Medical schools and health care organizations are teaching physicians how to use health IT without compromising patient interactions. A Georgetown University program uses actors to help medical students practice balancing IT use with patient care. AP/Washington Post.

R.I. Nabs Grant To Link Behavioral Providers to Health Data Exchange

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Rhode Island Quality Institute has received $600,000 in federal funding for an effort to help behavioral health care providers access patient information in the state's health data exchange and share clinical data with general practitioners. Modern Healthcare, RIQI release.

Federal Officials Outline Goals, Progress on Meaningful Use

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a recent CMS blog post, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari and CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner wrote that they have set a goal of helping 100,000 health care providers qualify for meaningful use incentive payments this year. Mostashari and Tavenner also outlined the progress that states are making in the meaningful use program. Modern Healthcare.

ONC Seeks Videos About Managing Blood Pressure With Health IT Tools

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has launched a contest seeking videos about how consumers and health care providers use health IT to manage high blood pressure. ONC is offering $5,500 in prizes to winners in six categories. Modern Healthcare.

Six Vendors Account for Half of Revenue in EHR Market, Report Finds

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from Kalorama Information finds that six companies receive about half of the revenue in the $17.9 billion market for electronic health record systems. A Kalorama Information official says that Allscripts and Epic are among "the firms to watch" in the EHR market. CMIO.

E-Health Records: Are We Safe(r) Yet?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

While electronic health records have helped improve safety in certain ways -- making patient information more readily available and eliminating handwriting-related errors -- new safety challenges stemming from poor EHR usability, alert fatigue and inadequate training have emerged.

High Court's Ruling Could Affect Health IT Aspects of Reform Law

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the Supreme Court started hearing oral arguments in the lawsuit against the federal health reform law. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society has released a fact sheet on the case, and a HIMSS official has posted a blog entry noting that the court's decision could affect certain health IT-related provisions of the overhaul. Government Health IT et al.

NIST Releases Guidance for Testing Electronic Health Record Usability

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released guidance for assessing the usability of electronic health record systems. The guidance includes a three-step protocol for reviewing functionality and other aspects of EHR systems. FierceEMR, NIST release.

VA Awards Contract to Harris for Integrated Military EHR Project

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Harris Corporation has received a contract to build a key part of the integrated electronic health record system being developed by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The new deal comes shortly after VA terminated its previous contract with ASM Research. NextGov.

Survey: Many Health Care Organizations Still Rely on Paper Processes

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

More than half of respondents to a recent survey from Anoto -- a developer of digital pen and paper technologies -- say that their health care organization uses paper as a primary source for tracking information related to its daily processes. Healthcare IT News, Anoto release.

Are Federal Training Programs Meeting the Growing Need for a New Health IT Workforce?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Tim Andrews of Booz Allen Hamilton, Helen Figge of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and Norma Morganti of the Midwest Community College Health IT Consortium spoke with iHealthBeat about federal efforts to bolster the health IT workforce.

Managing Patient Data, EHR Systems Cited as Top Health IT Priority

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sixty-four percent of respondents to an InformationWeek Analytics survey say that managing patient data or electronic health record systems is their top health IT-related priority for 2012. Respondents also say that they are prioritizing regulatory requirements. InformationWeek.

Experts Call for Adding Health IT Training to Educational Programs

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Health Affairs article, experts identify ways to integrate health IT-related training into medical education and professional development programs. For example, the authors recommend integrating health IT-related questions into medical licensing board exams. CMIO.

ONC Releases Latest Version of Connect Software for NwHIN

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released Connect version 3.3, the latest version of its open-source software that lets organizations exchange patient data through the Nationwide Health Information Network. Government Health IT, Health Data Management.

VA Chief Says Agency Will Use Technology To Ease Claims Backlog

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki told lawmakers that VA plans to address its backlog of 850,000 claims by launching new paperless claims processing system and a unified military electronic health record system. Military News.

ONC To Convert NwHIN Into New Public-Private Partnership by October

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT plans to transition the Nationwide Health Information Network into a public-private partnership called NwHIN-Exchange. The new not-for-profit entity would begin operating independently in October. Government Health IT.

Big, Small EHR Vendors Both Support Hospitals Attesting to Stage 1 MU

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A KLAS report finds that both large and small vendors of electronic health record systems have helped hospitals attest to Stage 1 of the meaningful use program. The report also examines hospitals' challenges with their EHR systems. Healthcare Informatics, KLAS report.