iHealthBeat: Physician Practices

Study IDs Characteristics of Physicians Who Use Certain Online Tools

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent study finds that doctors who are young, male and have teaching hospital privileges are most likely to use certain Web-based communications tools. The study also finds that 81% of surveyed doctors used a portable device to go online in the previous six months. CMIO.

Cancer Patients Share Online Data To Gain Doctors' Insight, Advice

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that most cancer patients who discuss online health information with their doctors are seeking insight into the data. Researchers offered ideas for responding to patients who bring up such online data. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report, Canton Daily Ledger.

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.

Report: 36% of All Prescriptions Submitted Electronically in 2011

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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

Texas Physicians Urge HHS To Forgo Shift to ICD-10 Coding System

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the Texas Medical Association called for the federal government to skip the transition to ICD-10 code sets. Instead, TMA suggested that the U.S. wait to implement ICD-11 code sets or adopt SNOMED-CT standards. Modern Healthcare.

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.

Experts Offer Guidance on How To Participate in EHR Incentive Program

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In an Archives of Internal Medicine article, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari, former CMS Administrator Donald Berwick and other experts provide information about the meaningful use program and offer guidance to help health care providers participate. MedPage Today.

Physician Practices Call for Additional Time To Submit E-Rx Exemptions

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Medical Group Management Association-American College of Medical Practice Executives asked CMS to extend the deadline for health care providers to submit hardship exemptions to avoid penalties under the electronic prescribing program. Modern Physician.

Report: Physician Use of Tablets Has Nearly Doubled Since 2011

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by Manhattan Research finds that the percentage of surveyed physicians using tablet computers has nearly doubled from about 35% in 2011 to about 62% in 2012. Of the surveyed doctors who are using tablets, 81% said they use Apple's iPad and about 50% said they have used their tablet device at the point of care, according to the report. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

Utah Database Includes Disciplinary Records on Licensed Physicians

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An upgraded database developed by the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing offers information on disciplinary orders against licensed health professionals, including explanations and copies of the disciplinary actions. Government Technology.

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.

Medical Boards Offer Guidance on Clinicians' Use of Social Media

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

New guidelines from the Federation of State Medical Boards' House of Delegates recommend that health care providers always maintain their professionalism and strive to protect patient confidentiality when using social networking websites. CMIO, Modern Physician.

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.

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.

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: 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."

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.

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.

Survey: 84% of Doctors Prefer Virtual Events Over In-Person Meetings

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey by two firms that provide webcasting and interactive content services finds that 84% of surveyed doctors would rather attend continuing medical education events virtually than in person. The survey also looks at types of digital devices that doctors use. InformationWeek.

Ariz. Physician Practice To Pay $100K to HHS To Settle HIPAA Violations

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Phoenix Cardiac Surgery has agreed to pay $100,000 and implement a corrective action plan to settle charges that it violated HIPAA privacy and security rules by posting appointments to a publicly accessible online calendar. Health Data Management, Modern Physician.

What Social Media Websites Are Health Care Providers Using for Professional Networking?

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Forty-one percent of surveyed health care providers said they are using the social media website Facebook for professional networking purposes, while 29% say they are using YouTube and 23% say they are using LinkedIn, according to a survey by health care staffing and recruitment firm AMN Healthcare.

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.

Senators Urge CMS To Issue Rule on Doctor Payment Disclosure

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, Sens. Chuck Grassley and Herb Kohl sent a letter calling for CMS to release a final rule on the Physician Payment Sunshine Act by June. The Sunshine Act requires medical industry companies to disclose gifts and payments to health care providers. MassDevice, CMIO.

Some Physicians Facing e-Rx Penalties Despite Requesting Exemptions

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some physicians who filed for hardship exemptions from CMS' electronic prescribing program say they still are facing Medicare payment penalties. CMS said that it was unable to process all exemption requests before implementing the penalties. American Medical News.

Opinion Piece Stumps for National Rx Drug Monitoring Initiative

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In an opinion piece, American Medical Association President Peter Carmel urges Congress to pass legislation that would strengthen state-based electronic prescription drug monitoring programs and promote data exchange among such programs. The Hill's "Congress Blog."

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.

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.

More Clinicians Using Social Media Tools To Find Job Opportunities

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by staffing and recruitment firm AMN Healthcare finds that nearly one-third of surveyed health care providers used social media tools to search for a job in 2011, compared with about one-fifth of respondents in 2010. Healthcare IT News, Cincinnati Business Courier.

Incentive Payments for Electronic Prescribing on the Rise, CMS Finds

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a new report, CMS notes that the amount of incentive payments distributed through its electronic prescribing program increased by 83% between 2009 and 2010. The report also lists the medical specialties with the highest rate of participation in the program. Modern Healthcare.

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.

Groups Urge CMS To Re-Evaluate 'Imminent Storm' of Regulations

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association, physician specialty groups and state medical associations have sent a letter to acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner urging the agency to reconsider overlapping federal regulations scheduled to go into effect next year. The regulations include the meaningful use and electronic prescribing incentive programs. Modern Healthcare et al.

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.

Defamation Case Raises Questions About Online Criticism of Physicians

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Minnesota lawsuit is raising questions about how doctors should respond to people who criticize them online. The case, which is before the state supreme court, argues that a patient's son distorted facts in online complaints about a neurologist. Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Most Physicians See Benefits in Electronic Clinical Summaries

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that 93% of pediatricians who had electronic access to clinical summaries of recent research said they found the summaries useful or very useful. The authors write that electronic summaries could help clinicians make point-of-care decisions. FierceHealthIT.

Medical Boards Hearing Complaints of Physician Misconduct Online

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that most state medical boards have received complaints about physicians engaging in inappropriate conduct online. Many of the boards have taken disciplinary action against the doctors. Modern Healthcare et al.

Probe: Mass. Omitting, Removing Data From Online Doctor Profiles

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An investigation conducted by the Northeastern University Initiative for Investigative Reporting finds that Massachusetts' medical board routinely removes or omits disciplinary records, malpractice allegations and other information from its online public physician database. Boston Globe.

Specialists in Internal Medicine Report Most Satisfaction With EHRs

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A KLAS report finds that internal medicine physicians report the highest levels of satisfaction with their electronic health record systems compared with other specialists. Ophthalmology specialists reported the lowest levels of satisfaction with their EHR systems. CMIO.

Survey Finds Big Uptick in EHR Adoption Among Small Medical Practices

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey finds that electronic health record adoption rates are rising at a faster pace among solo and small medical practices than among larger practices. During the second half of 2011, solo practices' EHR adoption rates jumped by six percentage points. CMIO, SK&A release.

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.

AHRQ Seeking Feedback on Health IT Workflow Assessment Toolkit

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has proposed a project to collect user feedback on its health IT workflow assessment toolkit. AHRQ hopes to conduct field tests of the toolkit in medical practices and gather input from regional extension centers. Modern Healthcare.

30% of Surveyed Doctors Have Adopted EHRs That Meet MU Requirements

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Thirty percent of health care providers surveyed for a report by The Doctors Company say they have adopted an electronic health record system that meets meaningful use requirements. Seventeen percent of surveyed providers say they have no EHR adoption plans. FierceEMR et al.

What Do Clinicians Find Frustrating About the Implementation of New Health IT Systems?

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Thirty-seven percent of surveyed health care providers said the implementation of new health IT systems can be frustrating because it requires the memorization of additional passwords, and 31% said new health IT systems can make their work processes take longer, according to a survey by CDW Healthcare.

Physicians Who Use EHRs Order More Imaging Tests, Study Finds

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new Health Affairs study finds that physicians who can access patients' previous imaging tests through electronic health records order tests 40% more often than doctors who use paper records. Some experts say the study raises questions about whether EHRs can curb medical costs, while others note that the survey data predate the meaningful use program. New York Times et al.

Experts Outline New Legal Risks Associated With EHR Adoption

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Experts say that the adoption of electronic health records could create new liabilities for health care providers. To reduce such legal risks, experts recommend appropriate EHR encryption and the implementation of EHR systems that limit modifications. American Medical News.

Organizations Release Toolkit on Health Information Exchange

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new online toolkit aims to provide physician practices with resources on various aspects of health information exchange, including business models, governance and technical architecture. The toolkit was developed by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, the Medical Group Management Association and the American College of Medical Practice Executives. CMIO et al.

How Valuable Do Patients in Paper-Based Practices Consider a Transition to EHRs?

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Among patients whose physicians use paper health records, about 73% said they would find it very valuable or somewhat valuable if their physician adopted an electronic health record system, while about 28% said they would find it not very valuable or not valuable at all, according to a National Partnership for Women & Families survey conducted by Harris Interactive.

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.

How Does Implementation of an E-Prescribing System Affect First-Fill Adherence Rates?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Prior to adoption of an electronic prescribing system, 69.5% of prescriptions were picked up by patients, compared with 76.5% of prescriptions that were picked up by patients after implementation of an e-prescribing system, according to a study from Surescripts.

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.

HIMSS12: Data Will Be Driver of Health Care Change

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

As part of HIMSS12, health care CIOs and information management executives heard from experts about how data can transform health care. Speakers at the 2012 CIO Forum also discussed how social media tools can help address an overabundance of health information.

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.

Judge OKs $200M in Doctor Payments Under UnitedHealth Settlement

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A federal judge has approved the distribution of $200 million to physicians under a settlement in a lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group. The lawsuit was filed over an allegedly flawed database that underpaid out-of-network doctors. Modern Physician, Health Data Management.

What Do Surveyed U.S. Physicians Report as Being Benefits of Using Health IT Systems?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Nearly 58% of surveyed U.S. physicians believe health IT has helped improve care coordination across different settings and service boundaries, more than 57% believe it has improved access to quality clinical research data and more than 56% say it has improved cross-organizational working processes, according to an Accenture survey.

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.

Report: More California Doctors Are Submitting Electronic Prescriptions

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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

Bill Would Help Doctors Practice Telehealth Across State Lines

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sen. Tom Udall plans on introducing a bill that would make it easier for physicians to practice telemedicine in different states. Currently, physicians must apply for a different license in each state where patients are treated remotely. The bill would streamline licensure portability between states by creating a standardized list of credentialed practitioners. Government Health IT.

AMA Executive Sends Another Letter in Effort To Halt ICD-10 Rollout

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

American Medical Association Executive Vice President and CEO James Madara has sent a letter urging HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to block implementation of the ICD-10 coding system. Madara recently sent a similar letter to House Speaker John Boehner. Modern Healthcare et al.

Survey: 51% of Midsize Physician Practices Have Fully Implemented EHRs

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey by the Medical Group Management Association finds that 51% of physician practices with three or more doctors have fully implemented an electronic health record system. However, many EHR users said their systems lack certain capabilities. InformationWeek.

Surescripts: E-Rx Could Boost Rates of Patients Picking Up Prescriptions

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by Surescripts finds that electronic prescribing could increase the percentage of patients who pick up new prescriptions. Surescripts says the technology could curb health care spending by up to $240 billion over a decade by improving medication adherence. InformationWeek et al.

MGMA Executive Urges HHS To Address HIPAA 5010 Challenges

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Medical Group Management Association President and CEO Susan Turney has sent a letter calling for HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to address several challenges health care providers are facing as they work to adopt HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The letter reiterated MGMA's request for CMS to delay enforcement of HIPAA 5010 standards until June. Modern Healthcare et al.

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.

AHIMA Calls for Health Industry To Keep Up Transition to ICD-10

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Health Information Management Association is urging the health care industry to continue its efforts to implement ICD-10 code sets. AHIMA's statement comes shortly after American Medical Association CEO and Executive Vice President James Madara sent a letter asking House Speaker John Boehner to block ICD-10 implementation. Health Data Management, CMIO.

AMA Executive Calls for House Speaker Boehner To Block ICD-10 Rollout

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

James Madara -- executive vice president and CEO of the American Medical Association -- has asked House Speaker John Boehner to stop the rollout of the ICD-10 coding system. Madara argues that the transition will burden the U.S. health care system. Modern Healthcare.

Physicians in Small, Medium Practices See Benefits in Technology

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey by health IT vendor Practice Fusion finds that 60% of physicians in small- and medium-sized practices said that technology has made their work easier. Twenty-six percent of respondents said the computers in their practice are less than a year old. Healthcare IT News.

How Difficult Do Physicians Say It Is To Adopt Electronic Health Records in Their Practices?

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Thirty-five percent of physicians whose practice installed electronic health records reported that the implementation process was very difficult, compared with 54% who said it was somewhat difficult and 12% who said it was not difficult, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.

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.

Experts Debate Doctor-Patient Emailing, Use of Universal Patient IDs

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a recent Wall Street Journal special section on health care, experts offered opposing opinions on various issues, such as whether physicians should email with their patients and whether the U.S. should implement universal patient identifier numbers. Wall Street Journal.

Editorial, Opinion Piece Face Off Over Database on Doctor-Industry Ties

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A New York Times editorial praises the federal government's plans for an online database to disclose physicians' financial ties to drugmakers and medical device firms, while a Wall Street Journal opinion piece criticizes the planned database. New York Times, Wall Street Journal.

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.

Physician Owners More Likely To Cite Difficulty in Adopting EHRs

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association finds that physicians who have an ownership stake in their medical practice are more likely to consider the implementation of an electronic health record system to be very difficult. Researchers suggest that physician owners see more challenges in EHR adoption because they bear the financial risk of owning a practice. CMIO.

Small Medical Practices More Susceptible to Health Data Breaches

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Small medical practices are more susceptible to health data breaches than large organizations because they tend to use older technology and overlook basic security protections, according to Kroll Fraud Solutions' cybersecurity trends report. American Medical News.

AMA Publishes Online Video Tutorials To Help Doctors Adopt Health IT

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, the American Medical Association released online tutorials about electronic prescribing, pre-visit planning and point-of-care documentation. The tutorials are accompanied by downloadable tools and best practices on using health IT. Modern Healthcare, AMA release.

What Effects Do PCPs Think Giving Patients Electronic Access to Doctor Notes Would Have?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sixty-two percent of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center primary care physicians, 58% of Geisinger Health System PCPs and 36% of Harborview Medical Center PCPs participating in a program that gives patients electronic access to doctor notes believe it would help their practice deliver safer care, according to a new survey published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Physicians Take Steps To Shield Reputations From Online Patient Criticism

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Many physicians are taking steps to protect their reputations online amid the prevalence of websites that allow patients to post negative reviews. Some doctors are soliciting positive feedback from patients and hiring online reputation companies. Philadelphia Inquirer.

U.S. Doctors Less Likely Than Global Peers To Cite Benefits of Health IT

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Accenture survey finds that U.S. physicians are less likely than doctors from other nations to report benefits of using health IT. Forty-five percent of U.S. doctors said health IT would improve diagnostic decisions, compared with the survey average of 61%. Healthcare IT News.

EHRs Can Help Address Health Care Disparities, Study Finds

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine concludes that blood pressure disparities between black and white patients could be reduced if more physicians adopted electronic health records. According to the study, the gap in blood pressure control rates between black and white patients was larger in primary care offices that used paper-based records and smaller in offices that used EHRs. Reuters.

MGMA Seeks Six-Month Delay for Compliance With HIPAA 5010

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Medical Group Management Association is calling on CMS to delay by six months the Jan. 1, 2012, compliance deadline for HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. MGMA cites a new survey that found many stakeholders are unprepared to meet the compliance date. About 80% of survey respondents say they have not completed testing with commercial payers. Health Data Management et al.

Patients Want To Access, Share Their Health Data, Studies Find

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new Annals of Internal Medicine study finds that most patients were enthusiastic about the launch of a system that would allow them to access their physician's notes. According to another study in the same journal, most patients who use the Department of Veterans Affairs' personal health record tool want the ability to share that data with at least one other person. Reuters at al.

Patients More Likely To Pick Up Rx if Physicians E-Prescribe, Data Show

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Citing data from a forthcoming report, electronic prescribing network Surescripts said that 76.5% of patients pick up prescriptions sent electronically, while 69.5% of patients pick up prescriptions issued by paper, phone or fax. Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog."

CMS Moves Toward Creation of Financial Disclosure Database

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, CMS released a proposed rule outlining how drugmakers and medical device makers must report gifts and other payments to physicians and teaching hospitals as required by the federal health reform law's Physician Payment Sunshine Act. CMS said it plans to post the financial disclosure information to a public website that will be easily searchable. Reuters et al.

Rule Will Conceal Information on Queries to Physician Database

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Under a federal rule that takes effect Dec. 23, health care providers no longer will receive notification if someone uses the National Practitioner Data Bank to access information on them for an investigation. HHS officials said the rule aims to prevent tampering with evidence and make it easier for law enforcement agencies to investigate physicians. American Medical News.

EHRs Led to Improved Health Outcomes, R.I. Program Finds

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island recently announced the results of a three-year pilot program finding that the use of electronic health record systems helped improve health care outcomes for family and children's health, women's care and internal medicine. BCBS said the pilot project helped 79 physicians successfully adopt EHR systems. Providence Business News, BCBS release.

What Percentage of U.S. Office-Based Doctors Use Electronic Health Record Systems?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Nearly 57% of U.S. office-based physicians used any type of electronic health record system in 2011, compared with about 51% who used EHR systems in 2010, about 48% who used EHR systems in 2009 and 42% who used EHR systems in 2008, according to a CDC National Center for Health Statistics data brief.

Social Media Initiative Aims To Help Physicians Share Ideas on Health IT

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Association of Medical Directors of Information Systems recently teamed up with several other organizations to launch a social media initiative that aims to help health care providers exchange information about health IT and learn from their peers. Modern Healthcare, CMIO.

Suit Challenges Efforts To Block Negative Online Patient Reviews

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A class-action lawsuit filed in federal court challenges health care providers' ability to require patients to sign contracts agreeing not to post negative reviews to websites such as Yelp and DoctorBase. The organization Medical Justice, which offers such privacy agreements to health care providers, said it is using the case as an opportunity to retire the contracts. Ars Technica et al.

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.

AMIA Plans To Promote Informatics Certification for Nonphysician Staff

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a perspective piece, Edward Shortliffe of the American Medical Informatics Association writes that AMIA aims to help develop an informatics certification program for nonphysician health care workers that would be similar to a physician informatics certification program. Modern Healthcare.

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.

What Percentage of Prescriptions Do Surveyed Pharmacies Say They Receive Electronically?

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Among 48 surveyed community pharmacies, 15 estimated that they receive less than 5% of prescriptions electronically, while 11 estimated that they receive between 6% and 14% of prescriptions electronically and eight estimated that they receive between 15% and 24% of prescriptions electronically, according to a Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association study.

Physicians, Pharmacists Describe Barriers to Use of E-Prescribing

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and conducted by the Center for Studying Health System Change finds that several factors are hindering more widespread adoption of electronic prescribing systems. For example, many physicians have encountered challenges transmitting electronic prescriptions to mail-order pharmacies. Modern Physician et al.

More Doctors Engaging With Patients Through Social Media Platforms

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Physicians increasingly are using social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter to post medical information or engage patients in discussions about their health. However, some doctors are concerned that using social media sites could lead to violations of patient privacy. U.S. News World & Report.

More Than 100K Doctors Working With Regional IT Extension Centers

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, HHS announced that the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has reached its goal for regional extension centers to help 100,000 primary care providers adopt electronic health records and meet meaningful use criteria. Government Health IT et al.

Groups Take Issue With AMA Vote To Block ICD-10 Rollout

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Health Information Management Association and home health coding firm Daymarck have released statements criticizing a recent vote by the American Medical Association's House of Delegates to "work vigorously" to block ICD-10 implementation. Meanwhile, an AMA official said the association's Board of Trustees has limited resources to carry out the directive. Modern Healthcare et al.

Advocacy Group Seeks Full Access to Doctor Malpractice Database

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Consumers Union is urging HHS to allow full and uncensored access to the public use file of the National Practitioner Data Bank, an online database that tracks physician malpractice issues. HHS recently restored access to the database but with new rules. HealthLeaders Media.

PwC: Health IT Among Top 10 Issues Facing the Health Care Industry

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

PricewaterhouseCoopers' Health Research Institute has released a report finding that some of the top issues facing the health care industry in 2012 are related to investing in health care informatics, strengthening data privacy and security protections, and using social media. Government Health IT.

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.