iHealthBeat: Hospitals

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.

Video Game Designed To Help Physicians ID Substance Misuse Issues

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers are testing a Web-based, interactive video game that simulates conversations with patients who are seeking prescription painkillers. The game is designed to help physicians and medical students learn how to recognize signs of substance misuse. New York Times.

Mass. Hospital Faces $750,000 Settlement Over Data Breach

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

South Shore Hospital in Massachusetts has agreed to pay a $250,000 civil penalty and $225,000 toward a special fund as part of a settlement over a 2010 data breach that exposed the personal data of 800,000 individuals. The $750,000 settlement also credits the hospital for spending $275,000 to adopt new security measures after the breach. Boston Globe's "Business Updates" et al.

FCC Votes To Allocate Spectrum for Wireless Medical Monitoring

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously voted to allocate spectrum for wireless sensors that can monitor a patient's vital signs. FCC's approval makes the U.S. the first country to allocate spectrum for medical body area networks, or MBANs. FCC is working with FDA on a process for approving MBAN devices. National Journal/Yahoo! News, Bloomberg Businessweek.

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.

Not-for-Profit Hospitals Cite Health IT as Top Spending Priority

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Fitch Ratings survey finds that not-for-profit hospitals ranked health IT investment as their top priority for capital spending. The survey notes that hospitals see health IT as a way to manage costs, increase care quality and adapt to new reimbursement models. Modern Healthcare.

FCC Aims To Allocate Spectrum for Wireless Medical Technology

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Federal Communications Commission has announced a plan to allocate spectrum for medical body area networks, which use wireless sensors to monitor patients and transmit data to a central computer. FCC is set to vote on the plan next week. The Hill's "Hillicon Valley" et al.

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.

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.

CMS Publishes Data on Recipients of Medicare EHR Incentive Payments

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has published a list of health care providers, as well as a list of hospitals, that have received Medicare incentive payments through the meaningful use program. The agency plans to update the lists, which are organized by state, on a quarterly basis. Government Health IT.

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.

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.

CMS Announces Delay for Data Collection Under Sunshine Act

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS recently announced that it will not require medical industry companies to collect data for the Physician Payments Sunshine Act until 2013. The act requires companies to report certain payments to health care providers, and the information will be available on a public website. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Herb Kohl said they are disappointed by the delay. Modern Physician et al.

Report Predicts Uptick in Purchases of Health Care Business Intelligence IT

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A KLAS report predicts that purchases of health care business intelligence tools will increase in the next few years. Fifty-two percent of surveyed health care providers said they plan to purchase or replace such tools within the next three years. CMIO, FierceHealthIT.

AMA Reminds Doctors About June E-Prescribing Deadline

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the American Medical Association reminded physicians that they have until June 30 to report at least 10 electronic prescribing encounters to avoid the 2013 payment penalties under the Medicare e-prescribing program. The group said that doctors who are unable to meet the program's requirements should apply for a hardship exemption before the deadline. Health Data Management et al.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

CMS Releases Final Rule on National Provider Identification Number

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has released a final rule requiring health care providers and suppliers to use a National Provider Identifier number when submitting claims or enrollment applications for Medicaid and Medicare. The NPI aims to curb fraud in the programs. Health Data Management et al.

Among Hospitals That Reported a Data Breach Last Year, How Many Breaches Did They Face?

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In 2012, 69% of surveyed hospitals that reported a data breach in the past twelve months said that they had experienced more than one breach during that time frame, compared with 58% of surveyed hospitals in 2010, according to a HIMSS Analytics report commissioned by Kroll Advisory Solutions.

Report: Many Nurses Believe Interactive ED Kiosks Disrupt Workflow

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent report from the California HealthCare Foundation finds that some nurses did not refer patients to interactive computer kiosks for the management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections because they felt the technology disrupted their workflow. InformationWeek.

HHS Stresses IT in Plan To Curb Health Care-Related Infections

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A newly revised draft of HHS' National Action Plan To Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections emphasizes how health IT could play a role in monitoring and preventing HAIs. The draft action plan notes that clinical decision support tools in electronic health record systems could generate HAI prevention reminders. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.

Atlanta Health System Announces Data Breach Affecting 315K Patients

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare announced that it cannot locate 10 computer discs containing health and personal data on 315,000 surgery patients. About 228,000 of the missing records included Social Security numbers. Atlanta Journal-Constitution 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.

Florida Health System Notifies Nearly 9,500 Patients of Data Breach

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Florida's Memorial Healthcare System is notifying nearly 9,500 patients that two former MHS employees might have improperly accessed their personal data to file false tax returns. MHS has fired the two employees and is offering no-cost credit-monitoring services. CMIO et al.

Californians Struggle To Find Accurate Online Medical Pricing Data

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

It is difficult for California residents to determine the cost of common medical procedures. Although hospitals are required by law to publish average charges for certain procedures on a state website, the prices often are not what patients actually pay. Los Angeles Times.

Report Calls for U.S. Health Care Industry To Boost Social Media Use

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from consultancy firm CSC recommends that U.S. health care organizations expand their use of social media beyond marketing purposes. According to the report, the U.S. lags behind several other countries in hospital adoption of social media tools. InformationWeek.

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: 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.

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.

URAC, Leapfrog Group Launch Hospital Website Transparency Awards

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

URAC and the Leapfrog Group have created a program to recognize hospital websites that promote transparency of quality measures in helpful and user-friendly ways. Hospitals that publicly report Leapfrog Hospital Survey results can apply. Healthcare IT News, Becker's Hospital Review.

N.Y. Hospital To Provide Cancer Care Training to Watson Supercomputer

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

IBM and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have launched a project to add the latest oncology research to IBM's Watson supercomputer. Researchers will input data from textbooks, medical journals and electronic health records, with patient permission. AP/Washington Post.

What Mobile Devices Do Hospitals Support or Plan To Support in the Next 24 Months?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Among surveyed health IT professionals, 83.3% said their hospital supports clinicians' use of Apple iPads on their network or plans to support such use over the next 24 months, while 45.5% said their hospital supports or plans to support clinicians' use of Android-based tablet computers, according to a survey by Aruba Networks , a provider of network access technology.

Study: Few States Make Surgical-Site Infection Data Available Online

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that only 21 states require public reporting of surgical-site infection rates and only eight of those states make the data readily accessible online. The researchers recommend the creation of national standards for public reporting of SSI rates. HealthLeaders Media et al.

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.

Do Hospital CIOs Plan To Invest in Cloud-Based EHR or Health Data Exchange Technology?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Among CIOs of hospitals with electronic health record systems and health information exchange tools, 59% said their hospital plans to invest in cloud-based technology for EHR systems, HIE tools or both, while 41% said their hospital has no plans to invest in cloud-based systems for either EHR or HIE tools, according to an Optum Institute for Sustainable Health survey conducted by Harris Interactive.

Study: Providing Tablets to Medical Residents Could Improve Care

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Archives of Internal Medicine study suggests that providing tablet computers to medical residents could improve efficiency and care coordination. Nearly 90% of surveyed residents who received an iPad said they used the mobile device for clinical duties. CMIO et al.

Column: Few Patients Post Online Reviews of Health Care Providers

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to New York Times columnist Ron Lieber, few consumers post online reviews of their health care experiences. Lieber offers several possible explanations for the trend, including that some patients might idolize their physicians or fear retaliation. New York Times.

Hospitals Ineligible for Incentive Payments Lag Behind in EHR Adoption

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospitals that are ineligible for meaningful use incentive payments are significantly less likely to adopt electronic health records, a new study finds. Researchers recommend that policymakers consider low-interest loans to help those providers transition to EHRs. AHA News, Health Affairs.

Study: Hospital Quality Reporting Site Did Not Affect Mortality Rates

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new Health Affairs study finds that requiring hospitals to post data to a CMS website did not affect 30-day mortality rates for heart attack or pneumonia. The study suggests that consumers did not use the site to identify higher-quality hospitals. Modern Healthcare et al.

Hospitals Likely To See Benefits From Adopting Advanced EHR Systems

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by HIMSS Analytics and the Advisory Board Company finds that CIOs at hospitals that have achieved an advanced stage of electronic health record adoption generally report positive outcomes resulting from EHR implementation. Healthcare Informatics, CMIO.

VA Hospitals Turning to Telehealth Technology To Monitor ICU Patients

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospitals run by the Department of Veterans Affairs are using telehealth technology to improve patient monitoring in intensive care units. Such tools allow remote health care providers to view live video of patients and access electronic health records. Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Report Foresees Uptick in Hiring for Health Informatics Positions

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute finds that 70% of health insurers and 48% of hospitals plan to increase hiring for health informatics professionals over the next two years. The new informatics workers are expected to help with data integration and the implementation of electronic health record systems. United Press International, PricewaterhouseCoopers release.

Most Health Providers See Value in Health IT, According to Survey

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a CDW Healthcare survey, 84% of health care providers say they consider health IT "invaluable" or "valuable," but nearly 80% of health IT workers say health IT infrastructure sometimes is implemented as an afterthought. FierceHealthIT, CDW Healthcare report.

Survey: Many Hospitals Allow Workers To Use Personal Mobile Devices

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey finds that about 85% of hospital-based IT professionals say their organization has a "bring your own device" policy allowing staff to use personal mobile devices. However, few organizations grant personal devices full access to a hospital network. Computerworld et al.

Hospital IT Executives Prioritizing Meaningful Use, ICD-10 Transition

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Respondents to the 2012 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's Leadership Survey said that demonstrating meaningful use and implementing ICD-10 code sets are two of their organizations' top IT priorities for the next two years. MedPage Today et al.

Report: Certain Hospitals More Likely To Achieve Meaningful Use Stage 1

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

New HIMSS Analytics data show that certain types of hospitals are more likely to meet Stage 1 meaningful use requirements. The data show that hospitals with more than 500 beds are more ready than smaller hospitals to achieve Stage 1. Healthcare IT News, HIMSS Analytics release.

Many Providers Not Planning To Attest to Meaningful Use Stage 1

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey from IVANS finds that 42% of health care providers currently use electronic health records, but 39% do not plan to attest to Stage 1 of the meaningful use program. Respondents also said budget constraints are hindering their ability to share data. Hartford Courant et al.

Study: Online Patient Ratings Correlate With Better Hospital Care

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study from the United Kingdom finds a correlation between positive Web-based patient ratings and hospital performance. According to the study, the best-rated hospitals had lower rates of mortality, readmission and certain infections than the worst-rated hospitals. CMIO et al.

Sebelius: Hospital EHR Adoption Nearly Doubled Over Two Years

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During an event in Kansas City, Missouri, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the number of hospitals using electronic health records has more than doubled from 16% in 2009 to 35% in 2011. Sebelius also said new CMS data show that $3.12 billion in EHR incentive payments have been distributed through the meaningful use program. Kansas City Star, HHS release.

West Wireless Health Institute Unveils Wireless Framework

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, the West Wireless Health Institute released a new wireless framework. The organization intends for the framework to act as the wireless installation standard for the U.S. health care industry. Modern Healthcare, West Wireless Health Institute release.

UnitedHealth Launches Cloud Platform for Data Exchange, Health Apps

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UnitedHealth Group's Optum health-services unit soon will launch a cloud-computing platform that will allow health data exchange and offer health-related applications. Initially, the apps will be aimed at health providers and insurers but eventually could be expanded to focus on consumers. Wall Street Journal.

Senators Push for Release of Medical Device Tracking Rule

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, three senators sent a letter asking the Office of Management and Budget to explain why a rule to create a medical device identification system has been delayed and to provide a timeline for when it will be released. FDA sent OMB a plan for creating a unique device identifier system in July 2011. Modern Healthcare, CQ HealthBeat.

eHealth Initiative Report Offers Recommendations for ACO Infrastructures

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The eHealth Initiative recommends that accountable care organizations develop health IT infrastructures that can support changing priorities, foster care coordination between providers and patients and promote secure exchange of personal health data. Healthcare IT News.

Report Looks at Effectiveness of State Health Data Exchanges

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new Brookings Institution report examines health data exchanges in five states and finds wide variability in their effectiveness. The report notes that for health data exchanges to be successful they must have a clear vision, consensus on key objectives, sufficient funding and a sustainable business model. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

University of Michigan Launches Initiative To Track Surgery Tools

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The University of Michigan Health System is using technology to track surgical items during operations. For example, it has implemented an electronic radiology order system and placed radiopaque tags and barcodes on surgical sponges. FierceHealthIT, CMIO.

Hospitals Mine Patient Data To Create Tailored Marketing Campaigns

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospitals increasingly are using patient data to create targeted mailings that market specialty services, such as cancer, cardiac and orthopedic care. One expert says the trend likely will accelerate as hospitals deploy electronic health records. Kaiser Health News/USA Today.

CMS Posts Central-Line Infection Data to its Hospital Compare Site

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Data on central line-associated infections in intensive care units have been added to CMS' Hospital Compare website, which aims to help consumers compare various data on hospital quality. The agency will add information on surgical-site and urinary tract infections next year. Salt Lake City Deseret News et al.

E-Prescribing Systems Can Help Reduce Drug Errors, Study Finds

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new PLoS Medicine study by researchers at Australia's University of New South Wales finds that the implementation of commercial electronic prescribing systems led to significant reductions in medication errors at two teaching hospitals in Sydney. However, researchers note that e-prescribing software sometimes can contribute to medication mistakes. MedPage Today et al.

Survey Finds Slight Dip in Compensation for CMIO-Type Executives

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMIO recently released a survey finding that annual compensation for chief medical information officers and similar executives has dropped slightly since last year. About 43% of respondents said they earn between $200,000 and $300,000 annually, down from 47% last year. CMIO.

Groups Release Online Health IT Toolkit for Rural Health Providers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Rural Assistance Center and the National Rural Health Resources Center have released an online toolkit aimed at helping rural health care providers implement health IT projects. The toolkit offers resources on obtaining health IT training and funding. AHA News, RAC release.

CHIME, HIMSS Name Orlando Health Official as CIO of the Year

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Rick Schooler, vice president and CIO of Florida's Orlando Health, has received the John E. Gall Jr. CIO of the Year Award from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Modern Healthcare.

Comparing U.S. Hospitals and Health Systems' Website Quality

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As more and more consumers turn to the Internet when making decisions about their health care, Web presence is becoming increasingly important. A new study evaluates U.S. hospital and health system websites and identifies the top-performing facilities.

CMS Releases Guidance on Appeals Process for Meaningful Use Program

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has unveiled guidance on the appeals process for health care providers who have failed to receive meaningful use incentive payments or are seeking to challenge their payment amount. The guidance outlines deadlines for submitting an appeal. Modern Healthcare, CMS guidance.

Nursing Schools Turning to New Technologies To Help Enhance Education

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some nursing schools are using digital textbooks, mobile phone applications and other technologies in their curricula. However, some educators have expressed concern that greater use of such tools could negatively affect nurses' interactions with patients. New York Times.

Report Outlines Social Media Opportunities, Risks in Health Care

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new ECRI Institute report touts social media opportunities for health care organizations while emphasizing the importance of strategy and risk management. The researchers recommend that organizations create plans to ensure compliance with privacy rules. CMIO et al.

Organizations Planning Health Data Exchanges, but Many Lack Funds

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Beacon Partners survey finds that nearly 70% of health care executives say their organization is planning for a health data exchange. However, many organizations have limited budgets for developing such exchanges. FierceHealthIT, Healthcare IT News.

Hospitals in Western Europe Spent $3.2B on Health IT in 2010

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report says that Western European hospitals spent about $3.2 billion on health IT in 2010, though the types of tools used ranged widely. According to the report, the United Kingdom spent $221.3 million on health IT, while Spain spent $25.3 million. FierceHealthIT, CMIO.

Medical Students Using Virtual Human Bodies To Learn About Anatomy

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At New York University's School of Medicine, students are using new 3-D technology to dissect virtual human bodies and watch simulated organs function as they would in a living human. NYU officials said the virtual bodies complement the use of cadavers. New York Times.

HFMA Offers Guidance for Incentive Payment Accounting Practices

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Healthcare Financial Management Association has issued guidance on how hospitals can account for federal incentive payments for the meaningful use of electronic health records. The guidance outlines two accounting approaches. Modern Healthcare.

Group: EHRs Among Top Technology Priorities for Health Care Executives

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a new report, ECRI Institute listed electronic health records as one of the top 10 technologies that health care executives should prioritize in 2012. The report notes that successful EHR implementation should improve care quality and patient safety. Healthcare IT News et al.

VA To Implement New Online Appointment Scheduling System

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking input as it develops plans to implement a new appointment scheduling platform within its VistA electronic health record system. Interested entities can submit ideas through Jan. 31. Modern Healthcare, Government Health IT.

Hospitals Face Barriers as They Work To Roll Out Tablet Computers

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospitals have been slow to adopt tablet computers because of concerns about costs, ease of use and privacy. Many mobile devices do not allow clinicians to use an electronic health record system the same way they would on a desktop or laptop computer. Kaiser Health News/NPR.

Health Workers Express Concern Over Heart Monitor Alarm Fatigue

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health care providers are expressing concern over alarm fatigue resulting from more widespread use of heart monitors. The broader use of heart monitors means clinicians hear more alarms from the devices and could become desensitized to such alerts. Boston Globe.

VA Announces Launch of Facebook Pages for all 152 Medical Centers

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that all of its 152 medical centers now have Facebook pages. VA officials say that they plan to continue expanding the agency's Facebook presence and set up Twitter feeds for all VA medical centers. Healthcare IT News, VA release.

Watson Supercomputer To Be Put to Work at California Hospital

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Physicians at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's cancer clinic will be the first to work with IBM's Watson supercomputer. The WellPoint-funded project will use Watson's data analysis capabilities to recommend diagnosis and treatment options. Los Angeles Times.

MedZilla Report Predicts Steady Growth in Jobs for Health IT Industry

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A report by the health care job search website MedZilla predicts that health IT employment opportunities will grow steadily over the next several years, partly because of federal health IT incentive programs and the convergence of the IT and health care sectors. Healthcare IT News.

Computer Virus Led to Patient Diversions at Georgia Medical Center

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, a computer virus forced Georgia's Gwinnett Medical Center to divert emergency department and trauma patients to other hospitals. According to hospital officials, the virus now is under control, and it did not put patient data at risk. Atlanta Journal-Constitution et al.

GE, Microsoft Team Up for Joint Venture on Health Care Software

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

General Electronic and Microsoft have announced plans to create a platform that would run health care performance management software. The venture, which will form in the first half of 2012, will integrate health IT products from Microsoft and GE. New York Times' "Bits" et al.

VA Equipment Tracking System Raises Concerns About Staff Monitoring

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a draft request for proposals for a real-time location system to track medical equipment. Unions are concerned about a possible invasion of privacy if the department uses the tracking system to monitor employees. NextGov.

Ohio Bill Would End Hospital Reporting to Online State Database

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Ohio hospitals are touting a bill that would repeal a mandate requiring them to post health care quality data to a state website. Supporters of the measure say the information on Ohio's website is duplicative of the data on the federal Hospital Compare website. Dayton Daily News.

Market Research Firm Ranks Top Vendors for Inpatient EHR Systems

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Black Book Rankings has ranked the top vendors of electronic health record products for inpatient settings in 2012 based on metrics in 18 performance areas. The rankings also are based on surveys with more than 12,000 health care stakeholders familiar with EHRs. CMIO.

IT Systems Can Improve Health Care Financial Processes, Report Finds

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from the HIMSS G7 Roundtable Series outlines how IT systems can help health care organizations improve their revenue-cycle management, boost their understanding of patients' health insurance coverage and maximize payments. Modern Healthcare.

Project Aims To Provide Web Access to Medical Images Through NwHIN

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Johns Hopkins Medicine and Heart Imaging Technologies have received a $2.25 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for a project to facilitate medical image sharing via the Nationwide Health Information Network. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

Sebelius Announces Changes to Timeline for Meaningful Use

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius unveiled changes to the meaningful use program timeline. Under the changes, health care providers who meet Stage 1 requirements this year would not need to meet the Stage 2 standards until 2014. Meanwhile, a new CDC survey finds that electronic health record adoption among U.S. doctors has nearly doubled in the last two years. Modern Healthcare et al.

Cloud-Based Platforms Beat Out CDs for Data Sharing, Report Finds

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Chilmark Research report sponsored by a cloud platform vendor finds that cloud-based systems are more effective than physical media such as CDs for sharing patient data, in part because cloud-based technology allows for real-time collaboration. Health Data Management.

Most Findable Physician Rating Sites on Google Contain Patient Reports

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that searching Google for health care quality-comparison terms like "hospital ratings" is more likely to direct users to websites that feature anecdotal patient reports instead of evidence-based physician performance measures. American Medical News.

Hospital Uses Electronic Video System To Boost Handwashing Rates

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

According to a recent study, New York-based North Shore University Hospital improved its hand hygiene compliance rate from 6.5% three years ago to more than 80% today after installing an electronic video monitoring system in its intensive care unit. New York Times.

Bill Aims To Help Rural Clinics Get Medicare EHR Incentive Pay

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock has introduced legislation that would let rural health clinics qualify for Medicare incentive payments for the meaningful use of electronic health records. Schock said the way rural clinics bill CMS makes them ineligible for Medicare incentive payments. Schock and other lawmakers are seeking to attract co-sponsors for the measure. CQ HealthBeat, Schock release.

Report: Meaningful Use Spurs EHR Adoption at Community Hospitals

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A KLAS report finds that the meaningful use program is leading community hospitals to adopt clinical information systems like electronic health records. The report predicts that the number of hospitals without such systems will drop in the coming years. CMIO, Healthcare IT News.

Health Care IT Leaders Still Optimistic and Now Realistic

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Hospital CIOs are discovering that qualifying for meaningful use incentive payments is a long-term effort, with changing challenges. While CIOs' timelines have been readjusted, most are cautiously confident as they move ahead with plans to implement electronic health record systems.

Web-Based Guide Aims To Help Officials Build Health Data Exchanges

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives and the eHealth Initiative recently released "The HIE Guide for CIOs." The Web-based resource aims to provide support and guidance to IT executives as they establish health information exchanges. CMIO, Modern Healthcare.

Sutter Health Reports Stolen Computer With Data on 4.2M Patients

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California-based Sutter Health has announced that a computer containing the personal data of 4.2 million patients was stolen from a Sacramento medical office last month. Officials said that the computer was password-protected but that data were not encrypted. Sacramento Business Journal et al.

Study: Clinical Decision Support Tools Improve Hospital Care Quality

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine finds that hospitals using the clinical decision support software UpToDate had higher care quality scores, shorter lengths of patient hospital stays and lower mortality rates than hospitals that were not using the system. Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog."

Health IT Stakeholders React to Clinical Informatics Becoming Certified Subspecialty

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Edward Shortliffe of the American Medical Informatics Association, Joyce Sensmeier of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and William Hersh of Oregon Health & Science University's School of Medicine spoke with iHealthBeat about clinical informatics being formally recognized as a medical subspecialty.