Study: Most Hospitals' EHRs Do Not Meet 'Meaningful Use' Rules
A new Health Affairs study suggests that only 2% of hospitals that have adopted electronic health records actually would qualify for the federal government's meaningful use incentive payment program. The study authors note that small, rural and critical access hospitals generally would be less likely to meet the meaningful use criteria than urban facilities. AHA News et al.
Report: Health Providers Must Address Gaps in Health IT Work Force
Health care providers facing a shortage of health IT staff could leverage employees' existing skill sets and explore remote hosting and other alternative health IT implementation strategies, according to a new report from Computer Sciences Corp. CMIO, Health Data Management.
FCC Issues Final Rule on Broadcast of Medical Data Through Radio
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission issued a final rule governing the MedRadio service, which transmits data associated with medical devices. Medical device firms had requested changes to the rule. Health Data Management.
Maine Receives Final Approval of $6.6 Million for Health Exchange
Maine Gov. John Baldacci said the state has won approval from HHS for the full use of a $6.6 million federal grant to expand and coordinate health IT efforts statewide. Maine is the sixth state to have its health IT plan approved by HHS. Waterville Morning Sentinel et al.
Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of August 27, 2010
Brief reports on business deals and developments from the past week: Lockheed Martin has won contracts from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT for work on the Nationwide Health Information Network, and drugmaker Roche will acquire Biolmagene, a software provider.
VA, Indiana Health Exchange Start Pilot Program Using NHIN
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that it is partnering with the Indiana Health Information Exchange to launch a data exchange pilot program for veterans seeking health care treatment. The program is designed to test the framework of the Nationwide Health Information Network and to advance development of VA's Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record. Indianapolis Star et al.
MGMA Seeks Revisions to E-Prescribing, EHR Incentive Pay Policies
The Medical Group Management Association is recommending that CMS make changes to the agency's incentive programs for electronic prescriptions and electronic health records. The comments address CMS' proposed 2011 physician fee schedule. Modern Healthcare, Health Data Management.
HHS Launches Website Search Widget To Find Affordable Health Plans
HHS has launched a new interactive widget on its HealthCare.gov website designed to help consumers find the most suitable health insurance plan for them. The widget can be embedded in websites to send users to the insurance site. Government Health IT, Federal Computer Week.
N.Y. Organization To Use Beacon Grant To Boost Diabetes Management
The Western New York health data exchange HealtheLink plans to use its $16.1 million Beacon Community grant from HHS to improve disease management for residents with diabetes. The project aims to improve care coordination and eliminate inefficiencies. Health Data Management et al.
Sebelius: Government Investments Help Spur Health IT Adoption
In an opinion piece, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius writes that progress in IT is transforming health care, noting that government investments in regional extension centers and health data exchanges have helped promote electronic health record adoption. Kaiser Health News.
Biden: Federal Stimulus Package Is Working To Enhance Health IT
On Tuesday, Vice President Biden revealed a new White House report on the effects of the 2009 economic stimulus package, which provided $20 billion in investments for health IT. For example, the stimulus funding has helped health care providers improve the infrastructure necessary to set up information networks, according to the report. Modern Healthcare et al.
New Work Group To Study Stage 2 Criteria for 'Meaningful Use'
The Health IT Policy Committee has created a new work group to develop recommendations on prioritizing quality measures for the Stage 2 requirements for meaningful use. National Coordinator for Health IT David Blumenthal will chair the work group. Health Data Management.
Local, State Health IT Spending To Hit $10B by 2015, Report Finds
State and local health IT spending is expected to increase by 19% across the next five years to reach nearly $10 billion, a new report finds. Researchers attribute the escalation to funding from the economic stimulus package and other health care trends. Federal Computer Week.
New Wireless Device Could Monitor, Transmit Data on Brain Activity
A California-based startup firm, called NeuroVigil, is testing the iBrain, a new wireless device that could monitor neurological activity to diagnose sleeping disorders. The iBrain also has the capability to transmit brain activity information through a cell phone. San Diego Union-Tribune.
Text Message Reminders No More Beneficial for Users of Birth Control
Women who get text message reminders to take birth control pills are just as likely to miss a dose as women who do not receive texts. Text messaging is being tested as a way to boost medication adherence in other areas. MedPage Today, Wall Street Journal's Health Blog.
HHS Funding Includes $4M in Support of Rural Telehealth
The Obama administration has announced $32 million in funding for the development of health care services in rural areas. Part of the funding is geared toward increasing capacity to help communities set up telehealth programs for underserved communities. Funding also will be used to establish health care networks for veterans who live in rural areas. The Hill's Healthwatch et al.
Health IT Policy Group Supports Creation of Eligibility Database
The Health IT Policy Committee is supporting plans to establish a national database that would help states determine residents' eligibility for federal health care programs. The database could be used as part of states' electronic health insurance exchanges. Government Health IT.
FDA, VA Health IT Projects Slated for Cost-Efficiency Review
Health IT-related projects at FDA and the Department of Veterans Affairs are among 26 federal IT projects targeted by the White House for a comprehensive review. The review is part of a budget initiative announced in June. Modern Healthcare, Federal Computer Week.
'Telecaregivers' Monitor Elderly Residents Via Video Cameras, Sensors
Several companies are offering “telecaregiver” services in an effort to help older adults remain independent longer. The services rely on video cameras and motion sensors to remotely monitor and assist elderly individuals in their homes. NPR's Morning Edition.
CHIME Releases Guide To Help CIOs Meet 'Meaningful Use'
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives has published an 80-page guide aimed at helping CIOs and other IT executives implement electronic health records and meet meaningful use requirements to qualify for federal incentive payments. Modern Healthcare et al.
Health IT Policy Panel Endorses Guidelines on Patient Consent
The Health IT Policy Committee recently approved a set of recommendations governing how health care providers should share patient data through health information exchanges. However, some panel members raised concerns about whether physicians should be required to offer alternatives to patients who opt out of health information exchange networks. Government Health IT et al.
Obama Administration Seeks To Strengthen Medical Privacy Rules
The Obama administration is working to enhance patient privacy guidelines after criticism emerged that the proposed rules failed to adequately protect patient data. The issue of patient safety is becoming more widespread as health care providers turn to health IT tools. New York Times.
Researchers Developing Computerized Tool for Autism Diagnosis, Care
Georgia Institute of Technology researchers are working to develop a computerized system to help health care providers diagnose autism earlier in children. Researchers hope to roll out a prototype of the system within the next five years. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Bill Would Restore Site on Physician Profiles for Illinois Residents
A bill in the Illinois Legislature aims to reinstate full public access to a database that provided legal profiles of state physicians, which was removed in February. Meanwhile, a laptop with medical data on Chicago-area patients has been stolen from a hospital. Chicago Tribune et al.
Opinion: EHR Deadlines Could Undermine Health IT Expansion Efforts
The federal government's timeline for health care providers to adopt electronic health records could cause some providers to hastily buy EHRs and others to avoid adopting them entirely, an opinion piece co-authored by former HHS Deputy Secretary Tevi Troy states. Washington Times.
Federal Officials Target Illegal Selling of Prescriptions Online
Federal attorneys are launching a new legal offensive against online pharmacies that deliver prescription medications without requiring valid prescriptions. Two such pharmacies in Illinois and Utah have been identified in court documents. Affidavits indicate that the Illinois pharmacy collaborated in shipping 30,000 packages of drugs nationwide during the first six months of 2010. CNN.
Study: EHR Adoption at Larger Hospitals Often Influences Neighbors
A recent study finds that electronic health record adoption at relatively large, well-known hospitals in densely populated areas can spur EHR adoption at nearby facilities. Researchers also found that a hospital's celebrity status influences neighboring facilities. United Press International, CMIO.
Officials With Homeland Security Dept. Seek EHR System for Immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security is seeking to acquire an electronic health record system from either a government agency or a commercial company to better manage health services for undocumented immigrants and for other government detainees. Government Health IT.
Mississippi and North Carolina Move Forward With Health IT Plans
Mississippi's Medicaid program has signed a contract with health information exchange company Shared Health to establish electronic health record and electronic-prescribing programs, while North Carolina is adopting a health information exchange system. Healthcare IT News et al.
Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of August 20, 2010
Brief reports on business deals and developments from the past week: UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Ingenix plans to acquire Axolotl for an undisclosed sum. CMS has awarded a contract worth up to $200 million to HP Enterprise Services to improve Medicare claims processing.
Health Projects To Benefit From Stimulus Grants for Broadband
On Wednesday, the departments of Agriculture and Commerce announced grants totaling $1.8 billion for 94 broadband projects across the country. Many of the projects aim to increase broadband connections among hospitals, health care providers and emergency responder networks. Funds for the grants come from the federal economic stimulus package. Computerworld et al.
NIST Publishes Set of Procedures for Testing, Certifying EHR Tools
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released a list of 45 approved steps that certification entities will need to take while evaluating whether an electronic health record system would support meaningful use requirements. Health Data Management et al.
Medical Specialty Group Joins Lawsuit Against FTC's 'Red Flags' Rule
The Council of Medical Specialty Societies has joined a lawsuit seeking to exempt doctors from the Federal Trade Commission's Red Flags rule, which aims to curb identity theft. FTC has delayed enforcement of the rule several times. HealthLeaders Media, Modern Healthcare.
Study: Basic EHRs Might Increase Wait Times at Emergency Departments
A study finds that adopting basic electronic health record systems does not necessarily translate into improved hospital emergency department wait times, citing possible administrative challenges with partial EHR adoption. The Hill's Healthwatch, Wall Street Journal's Health Blog.
ONC: States' Common Data Elements To Aid Insurance Exchanges
Many states use similar data for eligibility and enrollment in health and social service programs, according to an analysis from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. ONC officials said the data could be standardized for health insurance exchanges. Government Health IT.
CMS Advises States on How To Obtain Federal Health IT Funds
In a letter to state Medicaid directors, CMS details three requirements states must meet to receive federal matching funds for administrative expenses related to the meaningful use incentive program. The letter also recommends that states pursue an incremental approach to implementing the electronic health record incentive programs. The Hill's Healthwatch et al.
'Tiger Team' Proposes Privacy Guidelines for Health Data Exchanges
During its meeting on Monday, the privacy and security Tiger Team clarified when health information exchanges should seek patient consent. The group included the guidance in a 19-page letter detailing several privacy and security recommendations. Government Health IT.
Report Says Hospitals Could Save Billions by Implementing Health IT
U.S. hospitals could save an estimated $40 billion annually if facilities effectively implement health IT strategies, according to a new report from consulting firm McKinsey. The report also outlined ways hospital executives could best recover IT investments. Fierce Health IT, NextGov.
Newly Launched Calif. Telehealth Network To Be Largest Nationwide
California's new telemedicine network -- which aims to link up to 900 health care providers -- is poised to be the largest such system in the U.S. The $30 million project represents a new era for health care, according to Gov. Schwarzenegger. Sacramento Bee et al.
Missouri Changes Policy for Posting Online Data on Hospital Infections
Yesterday, Missouri's top health official announced that the state would begin republishing older information on hospital infection rates to its website. Consumer advocates had criticized the state's previous policy of deleting the data after one year. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Report: Adopting EHRs Alone Will Not Meet 'Meaningful Use'
A new report from Computer Sciences Corp. concludes that electronic health record systems that satisfy data capture rules might not meet all of the Stage 1 requirements necessary to demonstrate meaningful use of EHRs under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package. The report classifies 65% of the requirements as hidden elements of meaningful use. InformationWeek.
States Aim To Monitor Insurers by Leveraging Technology, Web Tools
Yesterday, HHS announced $46 million in grants to help states strengthen their ability to regulate health insurance rate increases. Some states plan to use the funds to upgrade existing technology or create new interactive Web tools for consumers. Modern Healthcare et al.
Panel: Federal Agencies Can Serve as Models for Insurance Exchanges
Last week, the Health IT Policy Committee's enrollment work group recommended that states model their forthcoming health insurance exchanges on existing electronic systems that federal agencies use to verify personal income, citizenship and legal residence. Government Health IT.
New Senate Legislation Tackles Data Breaches, Echoes HITECH Act
A Senate bill introduced recently includes strict data breach notification requirements that are similar to data protections in the HITECH Act. Health care entities that comply with the HITECH provisions would be exempt from the proposed legislation. HealthLeaders Media.
University of California, Coalition Launch New Telemedicine Network
Today, a coalition of health care organizations, technology firms and government agencies partnered with the University of California to launch a telehealth network that aims to connect more than 300 medical facilities and 800 physicians' offices. San Francisco Business Times.
HHS Draft Strategic Plan Points to Health IT To Improve Care
In its Draft Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2010-2015, HHS emphasizes the potential of health IT to foster innovation and transform the health care system. The plan describes how the agency intends to promote public awareness about health IT and advance its health care goals through blogs, text messages, online competitions and other Web 2.0 strategies. Federal Computer Week.
ONC Sets Up Committee To Oversee Rulemaking Processes for NHIN
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT created a new governance group that will help develop an official set of rules for organizations participating in the Nationwide Health Information Network, as required by the 2009 HITECH Act. Government Health IT.
VA Officials To Post Reports of Security, Data Breaches on Website
Roger Baker, CIO of the Department of Veterans Affairs, announced that VA will start posting online its reports to Congress on data and security breaches. The number of total security breaches at VA declined from June to July. Government Health IT, InformationWeek.
Physicians Approaching Retirement Weigh Pros, Cons of Adopting EHRs
Physicians who are near retirement are considering whether to adopt electronic health records before leaving the business. Experts say that physicians should determine if deploying EHRs would produce financial benefits by the time they retire. American Medical News.
Missouri Officials Delete Hospital Infection Data From Public Website
Missouri health officials have purged a website containing hospital infection rates from 2005 to 2008, saying the information is too costly and sensitive to maintain. Consumer advocates say the information is necessary to assess hospital performance. St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
CMS Officials Hear Hospitals' Concerns on 'Meaningful Use'
CMS recently addressed a range of questions from hospital representatives about the federal government's regulations on the meaningful use of electronic health records. CMS provided several pieces of information during the meeting. The question-and-answer session is part of the agency's efforts to address health care providers' concerns about the incentive program. InformationWeek.
Officials Proceed With 'Meaningful Use' Pay, NHIN Design Strategies
National Government Services, a Medicare contractor, has secured a CMS contract to help prepare and process meaningful use incentive payments. Meanwhile, HHS has awarded contracts for work on the Nationwide Health Information Network. Government Health IT, Washington Technology.
Security Breaches May Cause Entities To Pay as Much as $834M
More than 100 entities that have reported data breaches affecting at least 500 individuals could pay about $834 million in total costs to address the violations, according to a new report. Since September of last year, there have been 130 reported security breaches involving patient data. HealthLeaders Media.
Survey Finds Limited Support for Expanding Broadband, Telehealth
More than half of U.S. residents do not believe expanding broadband access should be a major priority, according to a new survey. The findings come after recent efforts to improve broadband networks for health care and other purposes. Washington Post, Central Valley Business Times.
Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of August 13, 2010
Brief reports on business deals and developments from the past week: IBM has acquired document imaging and management technology vendor Datacap for an undisclosed amount, and CliniComp's Essentris EHR has been chosen by seven Air Force, Army and Navy facilities.
VA, DOD Agree To Adopt Single Personal Identifier for EHRs
The Veterans Affairs and Defense departments have reached an agreement to assign a common personal identifier code that would follow a service member from enlistment until death. The identifier, which would be a nine- or 10-digit number, would be used in electronic health records and other military systemwide data exchanges. Federal Computer Week et al.
Report Finds Barriers to Use of Primary Care Population Health Data
A recent federal report found several barriers to greater use of technology that performs practice-based population health functions. Physicians with electronic health records are more likely to perform PBPH functions than those with paper records. InformationWeek.
Pennsylvania Develops System To Streamline EHR Incentive Program
The state's Office of Medical Assistance Programs will launch a program that officials say will perform all of the tasks needed to establish the Medicaid incentive program for health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records. Government Health IT.
Health Care Services Group Awards $1M in Grants to Health Firms
More than 40 health care providers have received grants from the Cardinal Health Foundation to improve care quality and efficiency. Several grants apply to health IT-related projects in hospital operating rooms and for medication management. Healthcare IT News.
Mass. Council Approves Online Tracking System for Misuse of Rx Drugs
The new system will allow physicians and pharmacists to review an online database containing data on patients' previous prescriptions for painkillers. State authorities plan to randomly check the system to ensure that the information is not being misused. Boston Globe.
ONC Prepares To Set Governance Standards for NHIN Participation
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is gearing up to launch a formal rulemaking process to govern the Nationwide Health Information Network. Officials expect the rules to allow more organizations to participate in the NHIN Exchange, a collection of federal agencies and health care groups that contract with them. ONC aims to release a proposed rule by early 2011. Government Health IT.
Veterans Affairs Dept. Plans Pilot Project To Test Paperless Claims
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it will launch a pilot project to test a new paperless claims processing system at its regional benefits office in Providence, R.I. The project's goal is to reduce a backlog of disability claims. Federal Computer Week.
Medical Students Say Video Game Technology Could Improve Training
A new survey concludes that 98% of medical school students think virtual reality training can help them learn skills they will need as physicians. A majority of students also believe role-playing in online health care settings can have educational value. HealthDay, International Business Times.
Sending Text Messages to Teens With Diabetes Boosts Drug Adherence
A study from an Ohio hospital has found that sending personalized text messages to teenage diabetes patients about their condition improved adherence to their medication regimen. Teens who received text reminders were three times less likely to skip a dose. Healthcare IT News.
Arkansas Officials Seek Creation of State Adult Immunization Registry
Officials with the Arkansas Department of Health are considering proposals to expand the state's existing children's immunization registry to include adults. Such legislation would create a centralized database of residents' vaccination histories. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
FDA Warns Pharmaceutical Firm Over Advertising on Social Media
In a Facebook application, Novartis included misleading information about a leukemia drug and failed to comply with FDA regulations on advertising, the agency said in a letter to the drugmaker. The case is indicative of larger issues surrounding drug and medical advertising on social media websites, according to some advocates. CongressDaily's Tech Daily Dose et al.
IT Problems Complicate Recruitment of Doctors to Rural Communities
Limited IT capabilities pose a challenge to the Obama administration's efforts to recruit more physicians to rural areas. Rural offices should become more accommodating to IT-savvy doctors to boost physician retention, one physician suggested. Washington Post.
HHS Gives Innovation Awards to 3 Programs for Improving Services
HHS has granted innovation awards to three programs that improve the agency's services, enhance its transparency and advance public engagement. The awards highlight programs that use technology to engage U.S. residents. InformationWeek, ExecutiveGov.
Ala. Hospital Unveils Simulation Laboratory for Medical Scenarios
A new patient simulation laboratory at Alabama's Jackson Hospital uses state-of-the-art manikins equipped with special software to help health workers and medical students prepare for potential emergency situations in a safe, controlled environment. Montgomery Advertiser.
Oil Rig Companies Use Telemedicine To Link Workers to Physicians
The number of oil rig companies using telemedicine to make emergency medical personnel more accessible to employees is growing. Physicians receive patient information through webcams, smartphones and other data transmission devices. United Press International.
Bills Address EHR Incentive Pay for Hospitals, Mental Health Care
New legislation introduced in the Senate would make mental health care providers eligible for federal incentive payments for the meaningful use of electronic health records. Meanwhile, a separate Senate bill would permit multicampus hospital systems to collect EHR incentive payments for each hospital in their system. The Hill's Healthwatch, AHA News.
Health Care Providers Grapple With Concerns of Using Social Media
The growth in social media has led health care facilities to set rules for how staff can work with the technology. Many hospitals already have faced numerous issues as they incorporate social media into their marketing plans. Los Angeles Times, Baltimore Business Journal.
Senate VA Panel OKs Bill To Waive Veterans' Copays for Telehealth
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee has approved a bill that would waive copayments for veterans using telehealth services. The full Senate now will vote on the measure, and the House is expected to hold a hearing on a companion bill next month. Government Executive.
Study: Telemonitoring Improves Outcomes for Heart Failure Patients
A new study concludes that heart failure patients who used telemonitoring systems had better outcomes and lower mortality and hospitalization rates. However, it is unclear whether such systems are cost-effective or ensure the security of patient data. MedPage Today, DOTmed News.
British Websites Offer Consults, Medications Without Doctor Meeting
A growing number of British websites are offering physician consultations and medication without requiring patients to meet with doctors in person or speak to them via phone or webcam. Some experts believe the trend will spread to other countries. AP/Washington Post.
Health Care Providers, Insurers Lay Out Plans To Boost EHR Use
On Thursday, a number of health care providers, insurance groups and licensure organizations discussed plans to increase the use of electronic health records nationwide. Federal health care officials noted that achieving meaningful use of EHRs will take a sustained, coordinated effort from both the private sector and the national government. CQ HealthBeat et al.
Medicare Providers May Have To Re-Enroll in CMS Security Database
CMS is urging Medicare providers to update information in an agency database to ensure prompt and accurate payments. In addition, reports of hospital-acquired infections will be required starting next year. NextGov, Health Data Management.
End of Google Wave Leads to Questions on Its Use as EHR System
Google will stop development of its Google Wave application as a stand-alone product, raising questions as to whether the company will use the technology for an electronic health record platform. Healthcare IT News, InformationWeek.
Washington State's New Online Database Tracks Hospital Medical Errors
Yesterday, Washington state health officials unveiled a new database that aims to provide consumers with information about the number, type and date of serious medical errors that have occurred at hospitals and other medical facilities statewide. Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Health IT Business News Roundup for the Week of August 6, 2010
Brief reports on business deals and developments from the past week: The Indiana Health IT Extension Center has selected athenahealth, iSALUS Healthcare and MDLand as its EHR vendors, and Ingenix has announced plans to acquire Executive Health Resources.
USDA Provides $1.2B in Funds for Rural Broadband Internet Efforts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is increasing access to broadband Internet service in the rural areas of 38 states and several American Indian reservations through $1.2 billion in grants and loans. Part of the funding will be used to expand telemedicine services. Federal officials will announce additional funding for related projects in the next few months. Grand Forks Herald et al.
Recommendations From Tiger Team Favor Data Controls for Patients
This week, the privacy and security Tiger Team met to discuss how to give patients control of sensitive data contained in their electronic health records. Members suggested that health care providers should discuss EHR privacy concerns with patients. Government Health IT, Modern Healthcare.
Nominee for DOD Post Cites Advanced Military EHRs as a Major Goal
During his confirmation hearing, Jonathan Woodson -- nominee for assistant secretary of Defense for Health Affairs -- said the Department of Defense should improve its electronic health record system to better serve health care providers in an effort to improve clinical care. NextGov, American Forces Press Service.
Survey Finds Increase in Online Users Seeking Health-Related Data
Nearly 175 million U.S. adults say they use the Internet regularly to search for health-related information, according to a new poll. The figure represents a significant jump from 2009, according to researchers. ComputerWorld, HealthDay.
New Contact Lens Lets Wearer See Personal Health Measurements
Researchers have created a new contact lens that monitors an individual's health through biochemical readings on the surface of the eye. The lens is designed to track a number of health-related statistics. Newport News Daily Press.
CMS Awards Funding to 6 States, D.C. for EHR Incentive Programs
CMS recently awarded $5.75 million in federal matching funds to Medicaid programs in six states and the District of Columbia for their plans related to implementing electronic health record incentive programs. To date, the agency has provided more than $73 million in funding for 45 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Modern Healthcare et al.
FDA, ONC Clash Over Need for Regulation, Oversight of EHRs
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and FDA differ in their approach to electronic health record system regulation. FDA advocates for more controls to ensure EHR safety, while ONC states that strict regulations could hinder EHR adoption. Huffington Post Investigative Fund.
Health Providers Turn to New Mobile Tools To Enhance Patient Care
Many health care providers are using smartphones and tablet computers to instantly access supporting data on any medical situation. Meanwhile, some health care clinics are inviting patients to fill out medical questionnaires on electronic tablets. San Jose Mercury News, Durham Herald Sun.
'Hackathon' To Modify Federal Database for Lactation, Other Drugs
A software coding event this fall aims to make federal information about drugs more accessible for consumers. The National Library of Medicine plans to reconstruct a database for use by breastfeeding women based on feedback from physicians and researchers. Government Health IT.
Utah Health Network Receives Accreditation From Not-for-Profit
The Utah Health Information Network is the first network to be accredited by the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission. The network manages the exchange of administrative, clinical and financial data. Health Data Management et al.
GE, Intel To Promote Telehealth in New Joint Health Care Venture
Intel and General Electric have announced plans to form a jointly owned health care technologies firm to advance the use of telemedicine. The new company intends to offer programs to assist in chronic disease management and independent living. The joint venture is expected to build on an alliance the two companies created last year. Wall Street Journal et al.
HHS Enters Into New Contract To Help Build National Health Network
HHS has contracted with IT services provider Stanley to help federal health officials with developing the Nationwide Health Information Network. As part of the two-year agreement, Stanley will help to enroll participants into the NHIN. Washington Technology, Washington Business Journal.
Popularity of Physician Rating Websites Likely To Grow Amid Concerns
Health insurance companies and other stakeholders are increasingly putting physician rating information online. While consumers are gaining access to more information, some analysts are concerned that rating systems are not entirely accurate. Kaiser Health News/Washington Post.
Technology From Dept. of Homeland Security Aids First Responders
Department of Homeland Security researchers are designing technology that can track emergency responders and monitor their vital signs for oncoming health conditions. Much of the technology is based on devices that already exist, such as GPS. Emergency Management.
FDA Grants Approval to Mobile Phone App for Managing Diabetes
FDA recently granted 510(k) approval to WellDoc's mobile phone-based software system, which provides diabetes management guidelines based on real-time patient data. WellDoc said it eventually might apply the tool to other chronic conditions. The Gazette, Mobihealthnews.
Bills Would Adjust Provisions on EHR 'Meaningful Use' Payments
Rep. Zack Space has introduced a bill to adjust a CMS plan to make single payments to multicampus hospitals for the meaningful use of electronic health records. Meanwhile, a bill by Rep. Michael Burgess would facilitate incentive payments to health care providers who are using EHRs that have not yet received federal certification from verified groups. AHA News, Modern Healthcare.
Panel: Physicians Must Understand Patients' Bond With Their Phones
Doctors looking to use mobile phones to reach out to patients face several obstacles, including lack of standards and the need to align interests of various stakeholders, according to a panel at the World Congress Summit on mHealth. Computerworld, PC World.
'Smart' Medical Devices Aim To Enhance Remote Monitoring of Patients
A new remote monitoring system that resembles a Band-Aid could help patients and physicians better monitor chronic conditions. Although such devices could improve care, some experts say more regulation is needed. NPR's All Things Considered.
Systems Allow Adult Children To Monitor Parents' Daily Habits
New technology allows adult children to monitor their elderly parents' daily routines and habits to help the parents live independently longer. Specifically, the systems allow relatives to monitor their parents' daily medication intake and track their motions. New York Times.
State CIO Group Posts Report on State-Run Information Exchanges
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers recently released a report aimed at keeping track of 56 state-run and federally funded health IT projects and health information exchanges. Government Technology, Modern Healthcare.