iHealthBeat: Policy

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.

Audit: VA Circumvented Data Security Rules in Deploying Apple Devices

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An audit finds that the Department of Veterans Affairs deployed Apple iPhones and iPads on its network without mandated encryption standards. However, the audit notes that VA used compensating security protections that met federal requirements. Federal Computer Week.

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.

CMS, NASA Announce Contest for Software To Screen Health Providers

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS and NASA's Federal Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation could award up to $600,000 for the creation of open-source software that improves the health care provider screening process for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Modern Healthcare.

State Information Officers Endorse CMS' Medicaid IT Plan

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a new report, the National Association of State Information Officers urges states to use a new framework developed by CMS when modernizing their Medicaid IT systems. The report states that adhering to Medicaid Information Technology Architecture 3.0 Framework will help improve the interoperability and agility of state Medicaid programs. Government Computer News.

White House Launches Digital, Mobile Strategy for All Federal Agencies

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration has unveiled a strategy to promote more widespread Web and mobile access to government information, including health care data. U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park also launched an innovation fellowship program. Modern Healthcare et al.

Gov't Promotes Consistent Approaches to Consumer and Health Data Privacy

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The health care sector should pay close attention to recent reports from the White House, the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. The documents, which have implications for health care, lay out a consistent approach to protecting personal data privacy.

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.

Groups Comment on Identifier Proposals for Health Plans, Providers

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Medical Group Management Association has offered input on CMS' planned implementation of Health Plan Identifiers, while the Federation of American Hospitals has raised concerns about a proposal on National Provider Identifiers. FierceHealthIT, Health Data Management.

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.

FDA, Stakeholders Discuss Creation of Rx Drug Tracking System

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, FDA and industry stakeholders discussed a proposal to create a national prescription drug tracking system to combat counterfeit drugs. The provision could be added to a bill to reauthorize FDA's prescription drug and medical device user-fee programs. Politico et al.

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.

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.

AHA Expresses Support for Proposed Delay for ICD-10 Compliance

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a letter to CMS, the American Hospital Association voiced its support for the proposed one-year delay to the ICD-10 compliance deadline. AHA said organizations should use the extra time to conduct "extensive testing" of the coding system. Becker's Hospital Review, AHA 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.

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.

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.

Bill Would Block Grants for Using Telehealth To Prescribe Abortion Drug

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Rep. Steve King has introduced a bill that would prohibit federal telehealth grants from going to health care providers who use videoconferencing tools to prescribe the abortion medication mifepristone. The bill has 47 co-sponsors. The Hill's "Floor Action Blog," CQ HealthBeat.

AMA Calls for Further Delay to ICD-10 Compliance Deadline

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association recently submitted comments asking CMS to delay the ICD-10 compliance deadline by two years -- to Oct. 1, 2015 -- instead of finalizing the recently proposed one-year delay. AMA said that if stakeholders cannot reach a consensus on ICD-10 during the two-year extension, "then the move to ICD-10 should be postponed indefinitely." Modern Healthcare.

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.

New Final Rules Update Technical Standards for E-Prescribing Program

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, CMS issued two final rules designed to ease regulatory burdens on health care providers. One of the rules includes a provision stating that CMS has retired older versions of technical standards for the Medicare electronic prescribing program. Modern Healthcare et al.

Groups Offer Input on Proposed Delay for ICD-10 Compliance

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Health Information Management Association recently announced that it opposes delaying the ICD-10 compliance deadline but that if such a delay is inevitable, it should be limited to one year. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives said HHS' proposed one-year delay is an appropriate "middle ground." Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

CMS Seeking Input on Verification Tools for Health Plan Exchanges

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has posted a notice on the Federal Business Opportunities website seeking information about data systems that could help health insurance exchanges verify whether an individual has access to employer-sponsored coverage. Responses are due by May 21. Government Health IT.

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.

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.

Missouri State Senator Blocks Bill To Create Rx Tracking Database

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last week, a Missouri state senator led an eight-hour filibuster to block the passage of a bill that would have authorized the state to create a prescription drug monitoring database. The senator said the bill would have infringed on patients' privacy rights. AP/Kansas City Star.

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.

IOM Urges FDA To Boost Post-Approval Rx Drug Monitoring

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Institute of Medicine report recommends that FDA improve its processes for monitoring the safety of prescription drugs after they are approved. FDA currently uses IT initiatives like the Sentinel system to conduct post-approval monitoring of prescription drug safety. According to IOM, improvements in health IT and analytics could help advance such monitoring efforts. Reuters et al.

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.

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.

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.

New York Program Aims To Promote Health IT Innovation, Create Jobs

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The New York Digital Health Accelerator will award 12 companies up to $300,000 each to develop tools to support New York's Medicaid medical home program. The initiative aims to boost health IT innovation and create 1,500 jobs. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

AHRQ Seeks Input on Plan To Create Registry of Patient Registries

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a Federal Register notice, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is seeking public comment on its plans to develop a Registry of Patient Registries. AHRQ said the registry aims to promote collaboration among researchers. Health Data Management, Federal Register.

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.

Department of Labor Launches Online Portal for Health Care Jobs

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Labor's newly launched Virtual Career Network aims to help individuals find health care jobs and employment training opportunities. The department eventually plans to offer health IT courses through the online portal. Healthcare Finance News, Modern Healthcare.

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.

FDA Using Health IT To Monitor Drug Safety After Market Approval

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA is leveraging IT initiatives like the Sentinel program as part of its efforts to better monitor drugs after they are approved for the market. Sentinel is an electronic surveillance system that tracks drug safety information from various databases. Reuters, Modern Healthcare.

Ky. Lawmakers Consider Expanding Access to Rx Drug Tracking System

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Kentucky lawmakers are weighing a bill to expand access to the state's prescription drug tracking database. Supporters say the bill would help law enforcement officials combat prescription drug misuse, while opponents say the bill could lead to invasions of privacy. Wall Street Journal.

Senators Push for Fast Action on Medical Device Tracking System

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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

Faulty Electronic System Contributed to Medicaid Overpayments in N.Y.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Two audits by New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office found that problems with an electronic Medicaid claims processing system called eMedNY contributed to the state issuing millions of dollars in improper Medicaid payments. AP/Wall Street Journal et al.

GAO Report Finds Shortcomings in FDA's IT Modernization Efforts

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report from the Government Accountability Office finds that FDA might need to leverage more management tools to successfully carry out a project to modernize its legacy IT systems. For example, GAO recommended that FDA create an inventory of its IT systems, develop a master schedule for modernizing its technology and determine other IT needs. Federal Computer Week, NextGov.

Interoperability Issues Hamper Rx Drug Tracking for Marines

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General finds that a lack of interoperability between two electronic health record systems has led to problems tracking controlled substances prescribed to U.S. Marines. The report also outlines concerns about an inability to cross-check medications prescribed by civilian and military clinicians. Modern Healthcare, NextGov.

Lawmakers Question FDA, FCC on Wireless Health Regulation

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Six House Republicans recently sent a letter asking for an update on how FDA and FCC are working together to regulate wireless health technology. Also in the letter, the lawmakers expressed concern that overregulation of wireless health technology and mobile medical applications could inhibit innovation in the industry. MobiHealthNews, House of Representatives letter.

Group To Collect Input, Track Issues Related to HIPAA 5010 Upgrade

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange has launched an effort to support the health care industry's transition to HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The campaign includes a series of live webcasts and an online system to track implementation issues. Modern Healthcare et al.

FDA Prepares To Unveil Monitoring Program for Medical Device Safety

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sometime this month, FDA is expected to launch a new medical device safety monitoring program. One of the proposals for the program is to create a unique device identifier number for medical devices to enable electronic tracking of problematic equipment. Wall Street Journal.

Organizations React to HHS' Proposed Delay for ICD-10 Compliance

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some groups have praised HHS' proposal to delay the compliance deadline for ICD-10 code sets to Oct. 1, 2014, but the American Health Information Management Association has urged health care organizations to adopt ICD-10 standards as soon as possible. HealthLeaders Media et al.

Moving Federal Health Care Targets Becoming a Way of Life

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last month, CMS pushed back for the second time the enforcement date for the transition to HIPAA 5010 transaction sets. Observers say the delay -- as well the extension for ICD-10 implementation-- raises questions about the validity of future federal deadlines.

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.

Senator: Dismantling Health Reform Would Hurt Health IT

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's office released a report stating that dismantling the health reform law could negatively affect health IT adoption. The report notes the reform law includes provisions designed to advance the goals of the meaningful use program by incorporating health IT into the accountable care organization program and other initiatives. FierceEMR 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.

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.

R.I., U.S. To Split $500M Google Settlement Over Online Pharmacy Ads

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Rhode Island is set to receive about $230 million from a $500 million settlement that Google agreed to pay over claims that it let illegal online pharmacies display Web advertisements. The remaining settlement funds will go to federal authorities. Boston Globe, AP/USA Today.

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.

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.

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.

Government Launches Research Initiative To Harness 'Big Data'

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the Obama administration announced the "Big Data Research and Development Initiative," which aims to analyze massive amounts of data for scientific discovery, biomedical research and other purposes. Six federal agencies -- including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation -- have committed $200 million to the effort. New York Times, National Journal.

Final HIPAA Omnibus Rule Edges Closer to Official Publication

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Federal officials have sent the final HIPAA Omnibus Rule to the Office of Management and Budget for review, one of the last steps before the rule can be published in the Federal Register. The omnibus rule combines four separate rulemakings on health data privacy. CMIO et al.

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.

FDA Working To Reduce 'Alarm Fatigue' Through Tougher Device Reviews

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA is taking steps to curb "alarm fatigue" in hospitals by increasing its pre-market scrutiny of medical devices that issue potentially unnecessary alarms. For example, the agency is providing its reviewers with additional training on alarm standards and safety. Boston Globe.

ICD-10 Compliance Delay Could Be Beneficial, Article Argues

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An article published in the journal Health Affairs argues that HHS' recent delay of the ICD-10 compliance deadline will benefit health care organizations. The article's authors cite several drawbacks to ICD-10 implementation and recommend that federal officials manage the ICD-10 delay in a way that supports the gradual transition to ICD-11 standards. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

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.

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.

IOM Panel Identifies 12 Data Collection Systems for Monitoring HIV Care

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Institute of Medicine committee has released a report identifying 12 data collection systems that could help officials monitor how the White House's HIV strategy and the federal health reform law will affect HIV care in the U.S. Modern Healthcare, Kaiser Health News' "Capsules."

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.

New Bill Aims To Create System To Track Medical Device Safety

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled a bill that would require FDA to issue a final rule creating a unique device identifier system. A UDI system would help FDA electronically track medical devices and recall products that could jeopardize patient safety. The bill also would add medical devices to FDA's Sentinel post-market drug surveillance system. Becker's ASC Review et al.

CMS To Delay Enforcement of HIPAA 5010 by 3 More Months

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, CMS' Office of E-Health Standards and Services announced that it would wait until after June 30 to start taking enforcement action against health care entities that fail to comply with HIPAA 5010 transaction standards. The three-month delay in the HIPAA 5010 enforcement date comes after CMS previously delayed the enforcement date from Jan. 1 to March 31. Modern Healthcare.

BCBS of Tennessee To Pay $1.5M Over 2009 Health Data Breach

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, HHS' Office for Civil Rights announced that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee has agreed to pay $1.5 million to federal regulators and follow a corrective action plan in response to a 2009 data breach that could have affected more than one million people. The corrective action is the first resulting from the HITECH Act's breach notification rule. Health Data Management et al.

Authors of Health Affairs Study Reply to Mostashari's Criticism

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The authors of a Health Affairs study -- which suggested that electronic health records could encourage doctors to order imaging tests more often -- have responded to criticism from National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari. The authors wrote that some of Mostashari's assertions are "mistaken." Boston Globe's "White Coat Notes," Health Affairs' "Health Affairs Blog."

HHS Issues Final Rule on State Health Insurance Exchanges

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS released its final rule on state-based health insurance exchanges under the health reform law. Most of the exchanges will rely on an IT foundation to link up with eligibility systems for Medicaid and other programs. HHS said the final rule aims to provide states with guidance while giving them the flexibility to design their own exchanges. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

White House Names Todd Park as New Chief Technology Officer

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the White House announced that President Obama will appoint HHS Chief Technology Officer Todd Park to serve as the country's second CTO. Park replaces Aneesh Chopra, who stepped down from the post in January. Prior to joining HHS, Park co-founded health IT firm athenahealth and worked at Booz Allen & Hamilton. Modern Healthcare, "White House Blog."

Computer Error Creates Payment Issues for Maine Medicaid Program

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Maine likely will need to refund the federal government after a computer error caused MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, to continue paying out benefits to about 19,000 residents who had become ineligible for the program. Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News.

National Coordinators Discuss Meaningful Use, Other Health IT Issues

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

In a Health Affairs interview with former National Coordinator for Health IT David Brailer, current National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said he expects 40% of primary care providers to have a basic electronic health record system in place by the end of this year. FierceHealthIT, Health Affairs.

Mostashari Slams Study Linking EHRs With More Imaging Orders

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During today's Health IT Policy Committee meeting, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari criticized a Health Affairs study finding that doctors using electronic health records order imaging tests more often than those using paper records. Mostashari said the study overreached by suggesting that the meaningful use program might not yield cost savings. Healthcare Informatics et al.

Republican Lawmakers Seek Details on Federal Email Monitoring Policy

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sen. Chuck Grassley and Rep. Darrell Issa have sent a letter asking the Office of Management and Budget to evaluate email surveillance policies at all federal agencies. The letter comes amid an investigation into FDA's email monitoring practices. Washington Post's "Federal Eye."

MGMA Urges HHS To Test Costs, Benefits of ICD-10 Implementation

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Medical Group Management Association sent a letter recommending several steps that HHS should take before requiring nationwide compliance with ICD-10 code sets, such as conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Health Data Management et al.

Experts Call for Creation of Interoperable State Rx Drug Tracking Systems

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a House subcommittee hearing, experts recommended that lawmakers help states build interoperable prescription drug monitoring systems. Such systems would be able to communicate with each other to help identify and curb prescription drug misuse. C-SPAN et al.

Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Create Registry of Safe Online Pharmacies

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Rep. Bill Cassidy has introduced legislation that would create a registry of safe online pharmacies to help consumers avoid illegal online drug retailers and counterfeit medications. Cassidy hopes to attach the measure to an FDA reauthorization bill. The Hill's "Healthwatch."

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.

Pentagon, VA Chiefs Discuss Progress on Integrated EHR System

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a recent meeting, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki and Department of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta received an update on their agencies' plans to build a joint integrated electronic health record system. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

CMS Taps Text4baby To Boost Enrollment in Medicaid, CHIP

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, CMS announced a new initiative to promote enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program through the Text4baby campaign. As part of the initiative, pregnant women and new mothers receiving text messages through Text4baby also will receive messages about signing up for Medicaid and CHIP. Minneapolis Star Tribune's "Patent Pending" et al.

VA Halts Work on Key Component of Joint Military EHR System

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a stop-work order on a crucial part of the joint electronic health record system it is developing with the Department of Defense. The order applies to the development of a central hub. Washington Business Journal, Federal News Radio.

Computer System To ID Fraud Halted Only One Claim in Six Months

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A computer system designed to detect Medicare fraud blocked only one payment in its first six months, saving taxpayers $7,591. However, federal officials say the figure does not reflect the potential savings from other benefits of the system. AP/U-T San Diego, AP/Washington Post.

Mostashari: Stage 2 Rules Offer Flexibility, Push Interoperability

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's conference, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said the proposed regulations for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program offer new flexibility and emphasize the importance of interoperability. Federal officials published a proposed rule on the Stage 2 requirements today. Health Data Management et al.

CHIME Calls for HHS To Act Quickly on Setting New ICD-10 Deadline

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives recently sent a letter urging HHS to quickly set a new compliance date for implementing ICD-10 codes and avoid staggered deadlines for different segments of the health care industry. Healthcare IT News et al.

Proposed Stage 2 Regulations To Be Posted Online Tomorrow

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a Wednesday session at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference in Las Vegas, federal officials offered a "sneak peek" of the proposed regulations for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. The rules were sent to the Office of the Federal Register today and are scheduled to be posted online tomorrow. Modern Healthcare et al.

Experts Discuss ICD-10 Delay, Stage 2 of Meaningful Use

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the first day of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference in Las Vegas, representatives of two health IT groups called for health care providers to continue working toward ICD-10 implementation. Also at the conference, experts discussed Stage 2 of the meaningful use program, health IT usability and other issues. Government Health IT et al.

Investigators Announce Expansion of Probe Into FDA Email Monitoring

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of Special Counsel is broadening its probe into allegations that FDA monitored the personal emails of employees who expressed concern about medical device safety. OSC said the emails monitored by FDA included messages sent to OSC. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Five Things To Watch at the HIMSS12 Conference

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

With more than 300 education sessions and 1,123 exhibitors, there will be plenty to absorb at the annual Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference in Las Vegas.

IT Tools Helped Federal Officials Recover $4.1B in Health Care Fraud

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Federal officials say IT tools and other fraud-fighting techniques helped them recover $4.1 billion in Medicare and Medicaid fraud in 2011. Officials say federal strike force teams are using advanced data analysis to identify and track possible fraud. Healthcare IT News et al.

HHS To Begin Process To Delay ICD-10 Compliance Deadline

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced that HHS will start the process to delay the compliance deadline for transitioning to ICD-10 code sets. According to Sebelius, the agency made its decision after hearing health care providers' concerns about the compliance date. HHS has yet to announce a new timeline for the ICD-10 transition. Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog" et al.

CMS' Plan To Reconsider ICD-10 Timeline Draws Mixed Reviews

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

While some health care stakeholders praised acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner's recent comments that CMS would reconsider the ICD-10 implementation timeline, others expressed concerns about delaying the Oct. 1, 2013, deadline to adopt ICD-10 code sets. HealthLeaders Media et al.

Tavenner Says CMS Will Review ICD-10 Implementation Timeline

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner indicated that CMS could delay the transition to the ICD-10 coding system. The American Medical Association has criticized the switch to ICD-10 code sets, saying the health care industry already is overburdened by requirements under the federal health reform law and health IT incentive programs. Modern Healthcare et al.

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.

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.

Opinion: FDA Regulation of Mobile Health Apps Would Be 'Death Blow'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Joel White -- executive director of the Health IT Now Coalition -- warns that if FDA proceeds with its plan to regulate certain mobile medical applications as medical devices, innovation and growth in the market "could come to a screeching halt." Washington Times.

Peace Corps Planning To Develop EHR System for Volunteers Worldwide

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Peace Corps is hoping to develop an electronic health record system to support corps members stationed in 77 countries around the world. The agency plans to test the EHR system in a pilot program by September and deploy it in fiscal year 2013. Government Health IT.

Grassley Urges FDA To Explain Why it Monitored Staff Emails

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sen. Chuck Grassley has asked FDA to explain why it monitored the personal email of employees who raised concerns about medical device safety. He asked FDA whether the monitoring targeted only whistleblowers and whether the agency still is intercepting personal emails. A spokesperson said FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg will respond to Grassley directly. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Mostashari Says Health Information Exchange Will Ramp Up This Year

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During this week's Health IT Policy Committee meeting, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari said he expects the use of health data exchanges to grow in 2012, partly because health IT systems are becoming more interoperable. Healthcare IT News.

HHS Aims To Streamline Regulations on Patient Data Access, Telehealth

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has released a progress report on its efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. The agency said it is working to boost efficiency through rules that would improve patient access to test results and ease requirements for telehealth providers. AHA News, FierceHealthIT.