Harvard partners with Dossia = Indivo and Dossia
This system uses XML as its framework. I look forward to seeing discussion between Dossia and the current group of CCHIT EHRs. SV
On September 17th, 2007, the Children's Hospital Informatics Program and the Dossia Consortium announced that they would be partnering to make the Indivo PCHR the core of the anticipated Dossia Personally Controlled Health Record system. Dossia will provide resources to extend the core Indivo functionality and server architecture, which will remain open source and freely available. CHIP will also serve as an industry adviser to Dossia as the consortium pursues development of a national PCHR ecosystem.
Distinguishing Features of Indivo
The Indivo personally controlled health record differs from other PHR efforts in important ways:
Indivo places a strict emphasis on patient control and ownership of medical information and offers the detailed technical infrastructure to provide this control. Hence we use the term "personally controlled health record" to describe Indivo.
Indivo is an actual medical record, not a portal. (Portals, often provided by healthcare institutions, are windows through which patients can view, but not own or control, a portion of their health data stored at that institution.)
Indivo stores fully detailed clinical encounter records, taken from either electronic systems, paper reports or patient entry. Indivo's XML-based storage allows for a flexible data model and Indivo developers are working closely with the HITSP process to ensure broad interoperability.
Indivo's multi-level security model provides strong data security. Each record is encrypted, protecting against unauthorized access to servers or backup tapes.
Source code for Indivo is open and freely available to all developers, enabling straightforward local customization of Indivo, as well as interoperability between Indivo and other vendor products.
Indivo record owners can subscribe to data updates from hospital information systems, practices, and regional health information organizations (RHIOs) also known as subnetwork organizations (SNOs). Indivo records can also be registered with regional record locator services making their data available to institutions within the RHIOs/SNOs.
Indivo
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Senators Kerry, Ensign Introduce E-Prescribing Bill to Modernize Medicine and Save Lives
I saw one source say the one time grant could be as high as $2000.00.
Similar incentives are being proposed by others for Medicaid and the Commercial plans.
Waivers are in place for hardship cases, though the time line for completion is shorter than many would find reasonable.
Contact your local Senator let them know what you think about e-Prescribing and the time line.
Thank you Senators Kerry and Ensign. SV
Specifically, the bill would:
1. Provide permanent Medicare funding for one-time grants to physicians to help offset the start-up costs to physicians of acquiring and implementing e-prescribing technology.
2. Provide permanent Medicare funding for payment bonuses to physicians for use of e-prescribing. For every Medicare prescription that is written electronically, physicians will be paid an extra 1% bonus.
3. Starting on Jan 1, 2011, physicians will be required to write their Medicare outpatient prescriptions electronically. Physicians that continue to write prescriptions by hand will face a per-claim financial penalty.
4. The Secretary of HHS will be given authority to grant one- or two-year hardship waivers for physicians who face particular difficulties in acquiring and implementing e-prescribing – especially those from rural areas or very small (or solo) practices
5. GAO and CMS will be directed to report within two years on the status of e-prescribing adoption within Medicare
Kerry
I saw one source say the one time grant could be as high as $2000.00.
Similar incentives are being proposed by others for Medicaid and the Commercial plans.
Waivers are in place for hardship cases, though the time line for completion is shorter than many would find reasonable.
Contact your local Senator let them know what you think about e-Prescribing and the time line.
Thank you Senators Kerry and Ensign. SV
Specifically, the bill would:
1. Provide permanent Medicare funding for one-time grants to physicians to help offset the start-up costs to physicians of acquiring and implementing e-prescribing technology.
2. Provide permanent Medicare funding for payment bonuses to physicians for use of e-prescribing. For every Medicare prescription that is written electronically, physicians will be paid an extra 1% bonus.
3. Starting on Jan 1, 2011, physicians will be required to write their Medicare outpatient prescriptions electronically. Physicians that continue to write prescriptions by hand will face a per-claim financial penalty.
4. The Secretary of HHS will be given authority to grant one- or two-year hardship waivers for physicians who face particular difficulties in acquiring and implementing e-prescribing – especially those from rural areas or very small (or solo) practices
5. GAO and CMS will be directed to report within two years on the status of e-prescribing adoption within Medicare
Kerry
Network Magic and Carbonite back up
I've used Network Magic for two years and have been impressed with the ease of use.
It especially comes in handy when a I bring home a new wireless toy or Uncle Billy comes to visit with his laptop.
For a limited time, you can get a one year subscription to Carbonite unlimited backup, a $49 value. SV
Network Magic
Carbonite
I've used Network Magic for two years and have been impressed with the ease of use.
It especially comes in handy when a I bring home a new wireless toy or Uncle Billy comes to visit with his laptop.
For a limited time, you can get a one year subscription to Carbonite unlimited backup, a $49 value. SV
Network Magic
Carbonite
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Health Level Seven, America’s Health Insurance Plans, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Sign MOU to Collaborate on Portability Standards for Personal Health Records
This collaboration will help promote standards across the Insurance Company based PHRs and will benefit people who may need to migrate between plans. SV
ANN ARBOR, Mich., – December 4, 2007 -- Health Level Seven, Inc. (HL7), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a collaborative process for the maintenance of portability standards for personal health records (PHR).
This MOU expands the number of stakeholders involved in the standards development process to help facilitate data portability between health insurance plans to give plan members the ability to move their personal health data when their health coverage changes.
Charles Jaffe, MD, PhD, and CEO of HL7 said, “We applaud AHIP and BCBSA for investing in the early development efforts of the PHR data portability standards and for entrusting HL7 to maintain the standards. PHR’s will give consumers the power to integrate and manage their personal healthcare information and it provides a framework for standards-based interoperability between the consumer and the provider.”
Health insurance plan-based PHRs contain claims encounter and administrative data drawn from health insurance plan data sources as well as individuals’ self-entered information.
HL7
This collaboration will help promote standards across the Insurance Company based PHRs and will benefit people who may need to migrate between plans. SV
ANN ARBOR, Mich., – December 4, 2007 -- Health Level Seven, Inc. (HL7), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a collaborative process for the maintenance of portability standards for personal health records (PHR).
This MOU expands the number of stakeholders involved in the standards development process to help facilitate data portability between health insurance plans to give plan members the ability to move their personal health data when their health coverage changes.
Charles Jaffe, MD, PhD, and CEO of HL7 said, “We applaud AHIP and BCBSA for investing in the early development efforts of the PHR data portability standards and for entrusting HL7 to maintain the standards. PHR’s will give consumers the power to integrate and manage their personal healthcare information and it provides a framework for standards-based interoperability between the consumer and the provider.”
Health insurance plan-based PHRs contain claims encounter and administrative data drawn from health insurance plan data sources as well as individuals’ self-entered information.
HL7
Saturday, December 01, 2007
NORMAN PHYSICIAN HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION SELECTS eCLINICALWORKS UNIFIED EMR/PM SOLUTION
WESTBOROUGH, Mass.—November 28, 2007— eClinicalWorksTM, a market leader in ambulatory clinical systems, today announced that Norman Physician Hospital Organization (NPHO) has purchased licenses of eClinicalWorks electronic medical record (EMR) software to streamline practice operations for more than 100 providers in 31 affiliated practices. E-prescribing along with an interface between eClinicalWorks and Meditech, Norman Regional Health System’s laboratory component, will further automate physicians in their efforts to foster better, more efficient care in both the inpatient and ambulatory settings.
“NPHO’s long-term goal is to create a community health record for its patients,” said Gary Clinton, executive director of Norman Physician Hospital Organization (NPHO). “Implementing a clinical integration system is a major step in achieving this goal. NPHO selected eClinicalWorks for its superior track record in customer satisfaction and its commitment to ensuring its solutions work well with our current systems, including interfacing with Meditech.”
“I am very excited about this development. It is a critical first step towards improving health care and innovation in Norman for the next decade,” said Stephen Connery, MD, NPHO president.
NPHO is implementing eClinicalWorks unified EMR/PM system to streamline the clinical processes between practice locations and promote patient safety while reducing costs. eClinicalWorks is working with the Norman Regional Health System to create an interface with Meditech to streamline the sending and receiving of lab work. NPHO is also utilizing e-prescribing, providing a direct link between the practice and the computer at the pharmacy (not the fax machine), establishing a two-way electronic connection. eClinicalWorks Electronic Health eXchange (eEHX) may be added at a later date to create a community health record.
eClinicalWorks
WESTBOROUGH, Mass.—November 28, 2007— eClinicalWorksTM, a market leader in ambulatory clinical systems, today announced that Norman Physician Hospital Organization (NPHO) has purchased licenses of eClinicalWorks electronic medical record (EMR) software to streamline practice operations for more than 100 providers in 31 affiliated practices. E-prescribing along with an interface between eClinicalWorks and Meditech, Norman Regional Health System’s laboratory component, will further automate physicians in their efforts to foster better, more efficient care in both the inpatient and ambulatory settings.
“NPHO’s long-term goal is to create a community health record for its patients,” said Gary Clinton, executive director of Norman Physician Hospital Organization (NPHO). “Implementing a clinical integration system is a major step in achieving this goal. NPHO selected eClinicalWorks for its superior track record in customer satisfaction and its commitment to ensuring its solutions work well with our current systems, including interfacing with Meditech.”
“I am very excited about this development. It is a critical first step towards improving health care and innovation in Norman for the next decade,” said Stephen Connery, MD, NPHO president.
NPHO is implementing eClinicalWorks unified EMR/PM system to streamline the clinical processes between practice locations and promote patient safety while reducing costs. eClinicalWorks is working with the Norman Regional Health System to create an interface with Meditech to streamline the sending and receiving of lab work. NPHO is also utilizing e-prescribing, providing a direct link between the practice and the computer at the pharmacy (not the fax machine), establishing a two-way electronic connection. eClinicalWorks Electronic Health eXchange (eEHX) may be added at a later date to create a community health record.
eClinicalWorks
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Brooklyn’s Kings County Hospital Center to Introduce Self-Service Kiosks in the Emergency Department
As a person who had the benefit of training at Kings County Hospital, I am proud to see the institution continue its progressive vision. The local community will benefit from the option. SV
MAITLAND, Fla. – Kings County Hospital Center, a 627-bed public hospital located in Brooklyn, N.Y., plans to deploy self-service kiosks in its emergency department to streamline the check-in and triage process. The MediKiosk™ software solution, from Galvanon, an NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) company, automates patient registration and helps emergency department staff prioritize treatment based on medical urgency.
“Like many emergency departments, we experience extremely high patient volumes every day,” said Albert Porco, CIO of Kings County Hospital Center. “By using MediKiosk to expedite the check-in process, we will be able to better manage wait times and decrease stress associated with a visit to the emergency department.”
Galvanon
As a person who had the benefit of training at Kings County Hospital, I am proud to see the institution continue its progressive vision. The local community will benefit from the option. SV
MAITLAND, Fla. – Kings County Hospital Center, a 627-bed public hospital located in Brooklyn, N.Y., plans to deploy self-service kiosks in its emergency department to streamline the check-in and triage process. The MediKiosk™ software solution, from Galvanon, an NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) company, automates patient registration and helps emergency department staff prioritize treatment based on medical urgency.
“Like many emergency departments, we experience extremely high patient volumes every day,” said Albert Porco, CIO of Kings County Hospital Center. “By using MediKiosk to expedite the check-in process, we will be able to better manage wait times and decrease stress associated with a visit to the emergency department.”
Galvanon
Saturday, November 17, 2007
MSSNY HIT GRANT AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
A total of six winners of listed, one in each of the major regions of New York State for an approximate total of $4.58 Million. SV
MSSNY
A total of six winners of listed, one in each of the major regions of New York State for an approximate total of $4.58 Million. SV
MSSNY
Friday, November 16, 2007
CMS Proposes E-Prescribing Standards
On Nov. 13, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced that the department, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is proposing rules to adopt new standards to advance the use of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) for formulary and benefit as well as medication history transactions used under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. The proposed standards will be published in the Nov. 16 Federal Register.
The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 requires CMS to adopt final standards for e-prescribing. All providers and pharmacies transmitting prescriptions electronically for Medicare-covered drugs are required to comply with any CMS standards in effect. The standards cover:
Transactions between prescribers and dispensers for new prescriptions; refill requests and responses; prescription change requests and responses; prescription cancellation, request, and response; and related messaging and administrative transactions
Eligibility and benefits queries and responses between prescribers and Part D sponsors
Eligibility queries between dispensers and Part D sponsors
E-prescribing standards (104 pages)
On Nov. 13, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced that the department, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is proposing rules to adopt new standards to advance the use of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) for formulary and benefit as well as medication history transactions used under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. The proposed standards will be published in the Nov. 16 Federal Register.
The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 requires CMS to adopt final standards for e-prescribing. All providers and pharmacies transmitting prescriptions electronically for Medicare-covered drugs are required to comply with any CMS standards in effect. The standards cover:
Transactions between prescribers and dispensers for new prescriptions; refill requests and responses; prescription change requests and responses; prescription cancellation, request, and response; and related messaging and administrative transactions
Eligibility and benefits queries and responses between prescribers and Part D sponsors
Eligibility queries between dispensers and Part D sponsors
E-prescribing standards (104 pages)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
NYC DOHMH helps EHR software vendor develop features to monitor and improve population health
I have seen the team in action and it is very impressive. Under Dr Mostashari's leadership, a highly motivated group including physicians and public health professionals have significantly accelerated the evolution of Electronic Health Records. SV
Although e-health records are often touted as supporting disease prevention and better patient care, the systems available to doctors and clinics do not achieve those goals, an assistant commissioner of New York City’s health department told a congressional panel.
Even systems certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology generally lack four features needed to improve population health, said Dr. Farzad Mostashari, who heads New York City’s Primary Care Information Project.
He listed these features:
Structured data collection -- using standard terms and codes that can be interpreted by computers -- for a minimal set of priority clinical terms, such as smoking status.
Registry functions, which enable users to generate lists of patients needing certain treatments or tests. For example, a medical practice should be able to compile a list of all patients over age 50 who have not had colon exams and send them reminders.
Quality measures, or built-in capabilities to assess the health of a set of patients and how well they are being treated for priority conditions.
Decision support tools, which deliver reminders and warnings to doctors and inform them of best practices in treatment.
Mostashari said the city is working with its chosen EHR vendor to build these features into its system and will work with users of other products and their software providers to add functionality to those systems. Although Mostashari did not name the vendor, it is Westborough, Mass.-based eClinicalWorks.
He spoke at a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement.
GovHit
I have seen the team in action and it is very impressive. Under Dr Mostashari's leadership, a highly motivated group including physicians and public health professionals have significantly accelerated the evolution of Electronic Health Records. SV
Although e-health records are often touted as supporting disease prevention and better patient care, the systems available to doctors and clinics do not achieve those goals, an assistant commissioner of New York City’s health department told a congressional panel.
Even systems certified by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology generally lack four features needed to improve population health, said Dr. Farzad Mostashari, who heads New York City’s Primary Care Information Project.
He listed these features:
Structured data collection -- using standard terms and codes that can be interpreted by computers -- for a minimal set of priority clinical terms, such as smoking status.
Registry functions, which enable users to generate lists of patients needing certain treatments or tests. For example, a medical practice should be able to compile a list of all patients over age 50 who have not had colon exams and send them reminders.
Quality measures, or built-in capabilities to assess the health of a set of patients and how well they are being treated for priority conditions.
Decision support tools, which deliver reminders and warnings to doctors and inform them of best practices in treatment.
Mostashari said the city is working with its chosen EHR vendor to build these features into its system and will work with users of other products and their software providers to add functionality to those systems. Although Mostashari did not name the vendor, it is Westborough, Mass.-based eClinicalWorks.
He spoke at a hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization and Procurement.
GovHit
Friday, November 09, 2007
Oregon to receive federal grant money to create database for Medicaid patients
I wonder which company will get the contract. SV
A two-year $5.5 million federal grant aims to help Oregon create a secure online database of health records for the states 400,000 plus Medicaid beneficiaries.
Portland Tribune
I wonder which company will get the contract. SV
A two-year $5.5 million federal grant aims to help Oregon create a secure online database of health records for the states 400,000 plus Medicaid beneficiaries.
Portland Tribune
CMS Medicare to reward use of Electronic medical records and e-prescribing in 2008
In addition to PQRI bonuses related to HIT (up to 1.5% of the their total allowed charges), CMS has pushed back the deadline for conversion to e-prescribing (non-faxed) to January 1, 2009. SV
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued a final physician payment rule designed to improve accuracy of Medicare payments and give physicians and health care professionals additional financial incentives to provide higher quality and value in the delivery of care.
These structural measures, which focus on whether a health care professional uses electronic health records and/or electronic prescribing, emphasize the importance of this technology for delivery of high-quality health care services. Physician and non-physician professionals not meeting PQRI measures will be allowed to participate by reporting on their use of health information technology. The Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund will provide $1.35 billion for physician payment and quality improvement initiatives for services furnished in 2008.
CMS
In addition to PQRI bonuses related to HIT (up to 1.5% of the their total allowed charges), CMS has pushed back the deadline for conversion to e-prescribing (non-faxed) to January 1, 2009. SV
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued a final physician payment rule designed to improve accuracy of Medicare payments and give physicians and health care professionals additional financial incentives to provide higher quality and value in the delivery of care.
These structural measures, which focus on whether a health care professional uses electronic health records and/or electronic prescribing, emphasize the importance of this technology for delivery of high-quality health care services. Physician and non-physician professionals not meeting PQRI measures will be allowed to participate by reporting on their use of health information technology. The Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund will provide $1.35 billion for physician payment and quality improvement initiatives for services furnished in 2008.
CMS
2007 CCHIT inpatient EHR certifications
Here are the product versions and dates of certification.
Just as with the 2007 outpatient certifications, the list is short. SV
Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. (CPSI) (CPSI System, 15) 11/5/2007
Eclipsys Corporation (Sunrise Acute Care, 4.5 SP4) 11/5/2007
Epic Systems Corporation (EpicCare Inpatient, Spring 2007) 11/5/2007
Healthcare Management Systems, Inc. (Healthcare Management Systems, 7.0) 11/5/2007
Pre-market conditionally certified products*
Prognosis Health Information Systems(ChartAccess 1.0) 11/5/2007
Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc.(Soarian Clinicals 2.0C5 with Siemens Pharmacy and Med Administration Check 24.0) 11/5/2007
CCHIT inpatient certification criteria
Here are the product versions and dates of certification.
Just as with the 2007 outpatient certifications, the list is short. SV
Computer Programs and Systems, Inc. (CPSI) (CPSI System, 15) 11/5/2007
Eclipsys Corporation (Sunrise Acute Care, 4.5 SP4) 11/5/2007
Epic Systems Corporation (EpicCare Inpatient, Spring 2007) 11/5/2007
Healthcare Management Systems, Inc. (Healthcare Management Systems, 7.0) 11/5/2007
Pre-market conditionally certified products*
Prognosis Health Information Systems(ChartAccess 1.0) 11/5/2007
Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc.(Soarian Clinicals 2.0C5 with Siemens Pharmacy and Med Administration Check 24.0) 11/5/2007
CCHIT inpatient certification criteria
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Kaiser Permanente Personal Health Record, My Health Manager, has 1.6 million registrants
With 8.7 million insured members, this PHR could become the most used of all. This is a rather robust application. It will be interesting to see if the equipment vendors provide interfaces as they have with Microsoft's HealthVault. SV
My health manager provides critical time-saving features, including online appointment scheduling and prescription refills. In addition, users have 24/7 online access to lab test results, eligibility and benefits information, and even their children's immunization records. With secure e-mail messaging, members can also communicate with their doctors at anytime, from anywhere. More than 275,000 secure e-mail messages are sent each month to Kaiser Permanente doctors and clinicians, demonstrating growing consumer interest in e-visits.
Kaiser Permanente
With 8.7 million insured members, this PHR could become the most used of all. This is a rather robust application. It will be interesting to see if the equipment vendors provide interfaces as they have with Microsoft's HealthVault. SV
My health manager provides critical time-saving features, including online appointment scheduling and prescription refills. In addition, users have 24/7 online access to lab test results, eligibility and benefits information, and even their children's immunization records. With secure e-mail messaging, members can also communicate with their doctors at anytime, from anywhere. More than 275,000 secure e-mail messages are sent each month to Kaiser Permanente doctors and clinicians, demonstrating growing consumer interest in e-visits.
Kaiser Permanente
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Medical Mutual of Ohio and The Doctors Company Join Forces With Ohio Physicians to Deliver Personal Health Records
CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwire - November 6, 2007) - Today, the largest Ohio-based healthcare insurer, Medical Mutual of Ohio, and one of Ohio's largest medical liability carriers, The Doctors Company, and its Ohio based subsidiary OHIC Insurance Company (OHIC) announced an initiative to better connect patients to their physicians using iHealth, a secure, online and transportable personal health record (PHR) service. The initiative will reach out to Medical Mutual's network of physicians in Ohio, several of whom already offer the iHealth service, regarding the patient and practice benefits of secure online connectivity and patient-owned PHRs.
Medem
CLEVELAND, OH--(Marketwire - November 6, 2007) - Today, the largest Ohio-based healthcare insurer, Medical Mutual of Ohio, and one of Ohio's largest medical liability carriers, The Doctors Company, and its Ohio based subsidiary OHIC Insurance Company (OHIC) announced an initiative to better connect patients to their physicians using iHealth, a secure, online and transportable personal health record (PHR) service. The initiative will reach out to Medical Mutual's network of physicians in Ohio, several of whom already offer the iHealth service, regarding the patient and practice benefits of secure online connectivity and patient-owned PHRs.
Medem
Monday, October 29, 2007
Federal legislation promoting Health Data Banks, sponsored by Rep Moore, Dennis
Perhaps the government would submit contracts to Microsoft, ie. HealthVault.
Does anyone have any updates? SV
H.R.2991
Title: To improve the availability of health information and the provision of health care by encouraging the creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records of individuals in independent health record trusts and by providing a secure and privacy-protected framework in which such records are made available only by the affirmative consent of such individuals and are used to build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure.
SUMMARY AS OF:
7/11/2007--Introduced.
Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts (IHRTs).
Establishes a fiduciary duty requiring an IHRT to act for the benefit and interest of participants and of the IHRT as a whole. Sets forth penalties for any knowing or reckless breach of such duty.
Sets forth permitted uses for an electronic health record, including: (1) a primary use for purposes of the individual's self-care or care by health care professionals; and (2) a secondary use for purposes of public health research or related activities.
Directs that participation in an IHRT, or authorizing access to information from such trust, is voluntary. Prohibits any person from requiring that an individual participate in, or authorize access to information from, an IHRT.
Authorizes an IHRT to generate revenue to pay for operations through: (1) charging participants account fees; (2) charging authorized IHRT data users for accessing electronic health records; (3) the sale of information; and (4) any other activity determined appropriate by the FTC. Prohibits an IHRT from charging a fee for the transmittal of information from a health care provider to be included in an independent electronic health record.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of this Act. Requires the National Committee for Vital and Health Statistics to serve as an advisory committee for IHRTs.
Perhaps the government would submit contracts to Microsoft, ie. HealthVault.
Does anyone have any updates? SV
H.R.2991
Title: To improve the availability of health information and the provision of health care by encouraging the creation, use, and maintenance of lifetime electronic health records of individuals in independent health record trusts and by providing a secure and privacy-protected framework in which such records are made available only by the affirmative consent of such individuals and are used to build a nationwide health information technology infrastructure.
SUMMARY AS OF:
7/11/2007--Introduced.
Independent Health Record Trust Act of 2007 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe standards for the establishment, certification, operation, and interoperability of independent health record trusts (IHRTs).
Establishes a fiduciary duty requiring an IHRT to act for the benefit and interest of participants and of the IHRT as a whole. Sets forth penalties for any knowing or reckless breach of such duty.
Sets forth permitted uses for an electronic health record, including: (1) a primary use for purposes of the individual's self-care or care by health care professionals; and (2) a secondary use for purposes of public health research or related activities.
Directs that participation in an IHRT, or authorizing access to information from such trust, is voluntary. Prohibits any person from requiring that an individual participate in, or authorize access to information from, an IHRT.
Authorizes an IHRT to generate revenue to pay for operations through: (1) charging participants account fees; (2) charging authorized IHRT data users for accessing electronic health records; (3) the sale of information; and (4) any other activity determined appropriate by the FTC. Prohibits an IHRT from charging a fee for the transmittal of information from a health care provider to be included in an independent electronic health record.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Steering Committee to coordinate the implementation of this Act. Requires the National Committee for Vital and Health Statistics to serve as an advisory committee for IHRTs.
Microsoft to Acquire Innovative Healthcare Technology and Assets From Global Care Solutions
PHR + Hospital EHR + Outpatient EHR = complete solution
HealthVault + Global Care Solutions + ? = Microsoft Health Solutions
Which EHR do you think is up for grabs? SV
Collaborative alliance with Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok will help bring enterprise-class health information system solutions to market around the world.
BANGKOK, Thailand — Oct. 29, 2007 — Building on a worldwide commitment to improving health through software technology, Microsoft Corp. has agreed to acquire software, intellectual property and other assets from Global Care Solutions (GCS), a privately held company based in Bangkok, Thailand, that develops enterprise-class health information systems. The acquisition complements Microsoft’s already strong portfolio of health solutions and will provide hospitals across international markets with a new alternative to achieve improved workflow and patient safety through information technology. GCS employees will join Microsoft’s Health Solutions Group, which will manage product development and delivery. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Global Care Solutions
PHR + Hospital EHR + Outpatient EHR = complete solution
HealthVault + Global Care Solutions + ? = Microsoft Health Solutions
Which EHR do you think is up for grabs? SV
Collaborative alliance with Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok will help bring enterprise-class health information system solutions to market around the world.
BANGKOK, Thailand — Oct. 29, 2007 — Building on a worldwide commitment to improving health through software technology, Microsoft Corp. has agreed to acquire software, intellectual property and other assets from Global Care Solutions (GCS), a privately held company based in Bangkok, Thailand, that develops enterprise-class health information systems. The acquisition complements Microsoft’s already strong portfolio of health solutions and will provide hospitals across international markets with a new alternative to achieve improved workflow and patient safety through information technology. GCS employees will join Microsoft’s Health Solutions Group, which will manage product development and delivery. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Global Care Solutions
Sunday, October 28, 2007
eClinicalWorks Becomes Part of Hudson Valley Health Information Exchange and will be offered to almost 5000 physicians
Congratulations. SV
WESTBOROUGH, Mass. & FISHKILL, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eClinicalWorks™, a market leader in unified EMR/PM systems, today announced that the company’s unified electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management (PM) system is available to physician practices involved in the Hudson Valley Health Information Exchange (HVHIE). eClinicalWorks is collaborating with the Taconic Health Information Network and Community Regional Health Information Organization (THINC RHIO) on this initiative.
biz.yahoo
Congratulations. SV
WESTBOROUGH, Mass. & FISHKILL, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--eClinicalWorks™, a market leader in unified EMR/PM systems, today announced that the company’s unified electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management (PM) system is available to physician practices involved in the Hudson Valley Health Information Exchange (HVHIE). eClinicalWorks is collaborating with the Taconic Health Information Network and Community Regional Health Information Organization (THINC RHIO) on this initiative.
biz.yahoo
GHI HIP NYCDOHMH Seminar on applying for EHR funding
The Tuesday November 9th, 2007 deadline for receiving city funds for an EHR is fast approaching. SV
Find out how you may receive city funds to improve administrative efficiences and reduce the day-to-day cost of running your practice with an Electronic Health Records system.
Featured Speakers
Mat Kendall, Director of Operations, PCIP NYCDOH
Sidd Shah, Project Director eClinicalWorks
Dr Aron Ron, Chief Medical Officer
Dr Salvatore Volpe, practicing physician, Health information Technology spokesman
Date
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
6-8:30 PM, Buffet Dinner provided
6:00-6:45: Registration and buffet dinner
6:45-7:00: Introduction and opening remarks (Dr. Aron Ron, Chief Medical Officer)
7:00-715: NYCDOH PCIP Program overview (Mat Kendall)
7:15-7:30: Physician eCW user experience (Dr. Sal Volpe)
7:30-8:15: eCW Demo (Sidd Shah)
8:15-8:30: Questions
Location
HIP Health Plan of New York
55 Water Street, third floor
NY NY 10041
Call 1.866.447.9717, option 5 to register or
email providercomm@hipusa.com or
Click on "Conference brochure" and fax completed registration form to 1-877-849-1993
The Tuesday November 9th, 2007 deadline for receiving city funds for an EHR is fast approaching. SV
Find out how you may receive city funds to improve administrative efficiences and reduce the day-to-day cost of running your practice with an Electronic Health Records system.
Featured Speakers
Mat Kendall, Director of Operations, PCIP NYCDOH
Sidd Shah, Project Director eClinicalWorks
Dr Aron Ron, Chief Medical Officer
Dr Salvatore Volpe, practicing physician, Health information Technology spokesman
Date
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
6-8:30 PM, Buffet Dinner provided
6:00-6:45: Registration and buffet dinner
6:45-7:00: Introduction and opening remarks (Dr. Aron Ron, Chief Medical Officer)
7:00-715: NYCDOH PCIP Program overview (Mat Kendall)
7:15-7:30: Physician eCW user experience (Dr. Sal Volpe)
7:30-8:15: eCW Demo (Sidd Shah)
8:15-8:30: Questions
Location
HIP Health Plan of New York
55 Water Street, third floor
NY NY 10041
Call 1.866.447.9717, option 5 to register or
email providercomm@hipusa.com or
Click on "Conference brochure" and fax completed registration form to 1-877-849-1993
Saturday, October 27, 2007
NYS HEAL GRANT 5 Category 3 Questions and Answers
If like me, you lack a legal degree, here are two links to questions and answers for the HEAL grant.
Remember you only have until November 19, 2007. SV
Question and Answers #1
Questions and Answers #2
If like me, you lack a legal degree, here are two links to questions and answers for the HEAL grant.
Remember you only have until November 19, 2007. SV
Question and Answers #1
Questions and Answers #2
Westchester County Medical Society Medical Trade Show, November 1, 2007
Among the topics to be discussed:
Professional liability cases
Practice Management updates
Health Information Technology:Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Income Enhancement
Coding
Location
Marriott Hotel
670 White plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Westchester County Medical Society
Among the topics to be discussed:
Professional liability cases
Practice Management updates
Health Information Technology:Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Income Enhancement
Coding
Location
Marriott Hotel
670 White plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Westchester County Medical Society
Misys Connect healthcare solution has gone "open source"
Going open source opens up the product to many creative minds and may expedite the acceptance of standards by others. SV
In a ground breaking move today (24 October 2007), Misys plc, the global application software and services company, took the lead in innovation by announcing that it will make the Misys Connect healthcare solution available to the open source development community. Working with open source developers is a pioneering first step towards establishing open standards in healthcare, which will benefit all Americans. Misys Open Source Solutions, a division of Misys plc, was established to create and drive innovation in the marketplace, using open source to move toward open standards is a great step forward.
Misys
Going open source opens up the product to many creative minds and may expedite the acceptance of standards by others. SV
In a ground breaking move today (24 October 2007), Misys plc, the global application software and services company, took the lead in innovation by announcing that it will make the Misys Connect healthcare solution available to the open source development community. Working with open source developers is a pioneering first step towards establishing open standards in healthcare, which will benefit all Americans. Misys Open Source Solutions, a division of Misys plc, was established to create and drive innovation in the marketplace, using open source to move toward open standards is a great step forward.
Misys
Thursday, October 25, 2007
NYC HEAL 5 Grant Category III: Pilot Implementations of Community-wide Interoperable EHRs
If you or a peer practice in NYC, this can be an excellent opportunity.
Please share this with information with others. SV
Background
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)’s Primary Care Information Project (PCIP) is dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care for Medicaid recipients and other underserved populations in New York City through the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs).
As part of a Mayoral initiative, the DOHMH has received $30 million from New York City, to support over 1,300 primary care providers to adopt an EHR that is designed to foster community health. To be eligible to participate in this element of the project, a provider must either practice in a District Public Health Office (DPHO) area, or care for a population where at least 30% of their patients are on Medicaid/Child health plus or are uninsured. These eligible providers will receive assistance that will allow them to implement the Take Care New York (TCNY) version of eClinicalWorks (eCW) EHR that contains special functionalities developed by the DOHMH that are designed to assist providers to deliver high quality preventative health care.
The DOHMH has secured additional external support to enhance the project and expand its eligibility criteria. It received a $3.2 million HEAL I, that will allow 29 NYC Community Health Centers (CHCs), comprised of 648 providers at more than 150 locations, to adopt an interoperable EHR system with public health functionality. It has received a $3 million Center of Excellence grant in public health informatics that it is using to research the optimal ways that EHRs can be used to support public health goals, such as improved population health. Finally, it has received a grant from the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) to evaluate the project and disseminate its findings nationally.
HEAL V Goal
To assist over 650 primary care providers operating in the NYC community, who currently aren’t eligible for the mayoral funded program, to adopt an EHR that will allow them to improve the quality of care they deliver to their entire patient population.
Plan of Action
In HEAL NY Phase 5, DOHMH will serve as the lead applicant, or CHITA, to contract with New York State. This proposal will specifically extend the EHR to 665 providers, who aren’t eligible for the mayoral support project (i.e., do not care for a population where at least 30% of patients are on Medicaid/Child health plus or are uninsured), but who serve Medicaid beneficiaries and are interested in adopting a public health focused EHR including. Specialists would fall to hospitals or pay their own way. Non-eligible providers include:
a) Physician practices and ambulatory care clinicians in solo and small physician offices;
b) General hospital(s) with clinical affiliation to CHITA clinicians
c) Diagnostic and treatment centers and facilities
All providers participating in the project will receive the TCNY eCW EHR system that will contain decision support tools such as point-of-care reminders that incorporate clinical guidelines and specific public health indicators developed by the DOHMH and interfaces with DOHMH information systems such as the Citywide Immunization Registry. Using its existing contract, DOHMH will propose to use HEAL NY funds to purchase the licenses, implementation and support services, necessary to assist primary care providers to adopt the TCNY eCW EHR system, which is valued at approximately $12,000 per provider full time equivalent (FTE). Each provider FTE, however, will be expected to contribute $4,000 to a shared technical assistance pool and document at least $8,000 in in-kind contributions, which can include the purchase of new information technology hardware and lost productivity due to training and go-live scheduling.
Providers that are interested in participating in the project must complete an application (attached), a HEAL NY letter of intent and financial commitment form and return it to DOHMH by Friday November 9th, 2007. Completed documents should be sent via fax to (212) 788-3240 and via email to pcip@health.nyc.gov. Questions should be sent to Mat Kendall, PCIP Director of Operations mkendall@health.nyc.gov or Reena Samantaray, PCIP Outreach Coordinator rsamanta@health.nyc.gov (212) 341-2263
If you or a peer practice in NYC, this can be an excellent opportunity.
Please share this with information with others. SV
Background
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)’s Primary Care Information Project (PCIP) is dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care for Medicaid recipients and other underserved populations in New York City through the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs).
As part of a Mayoral initiative, the DOHMH has received $30 million from New York City, to support over 1,300 primary care providers to adopt an EHR that is designed to foster community health. To be eligible to participate in this element of the project, a provider must either practice in a District Public Health Office (DPHO) area, or care for a population where at least 30% of their patients are on Medicaid/Child health plus or are uninsured. These eligible providers will receive assistance that will allow them to implement the Take Care New York (TCNY) version of eClinicalWorks (eCW) EHR that contains special functionalities developed by the DOHMH that are designed to assist providers to deliver high quality preventative health care.
The DOHMH has secured additional external support to enhance the project and expand its eligibility criteria. It received a $3.2 million HEAL I, that will allow 29 NYC Community Health Centers (CHCs), comprised of 648 providers at more than 150 locations, to adopt an interoperable EHR system with public health functionality. It has received a $3 million Center of Excellence grant in public health informatics that it is using to research the optimal ways that EHRs can be used to support public health goals, such as improved population health. Finally, it has received a grant from the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) to evaluate the project and disseminate its findings nationally.
HEAL V Goal
To assist over 650 primary care providers operating in the NYC community, who currently aren’t eligible for the mayoral funded program, to adopt an EHR that will allow them to improve the quality of care they deliver to their entire patient population.
Plan of Action
In HEAL NY Phase 5, DOHMH will serve as the lead applicant, or CHITA, to contract with New York State. This proposal will specifically extend the EHR to 665 providers, who aren’t eligible for the mayoral support project (i.e., do not care for a population where at least 30% of patients are on Medicaid/Child health plus or are uninsured), but who serve Medicaid beneficiaries and are interested in adopting a public health focused EHR including. Specialists would fall to hospitals or pay their own way. Non-eligible providers include:
a) Physician practices and ambulatory care clinicians in solo and small physician offices;
b) General hospital(s) with clinical affiliation to CHITA clinicians
c) Diagnostic and treatment centers and facilities
All providers participating in the project will receive the TCNY eCW EHR system that will contain decision support tools such as point-of-care reminders that incorporate clinical guidelines and specific public health indicators developed by the DOHMH and interfaces with DOHMH information systems such as the Citywide Immunization Registry. Using its existing contract, DOHMH will propose to use HEAL NY funds to purchase the licenses, implementation and support services, necessary to assist primary care providers to adopt the TCNY eCW EHR system, which is valued at approximately $12,000 per provider full time equivalent (FTE). Each provider FTE, however, will be expected to contribute $4,000 to a shared technical assistance pool and document at least $8,000 in in-kind contributions, which can include the purchase of new information technology hardware and lost productivity due to training and go-live scheduling.
Providers that are interested in participating in the project must complete an application (attached), a HEAL NY letter of intent and financial commitment form and return it to DOHMH by Friday November 9th, 2007. Completed documents should be sent via fax to (212) 788-3240 and via email to pcip@health.nyc.gov. Questions should be sent to Mat Kendall, PCIP Director of Operations mkendall@health.nyc.gov or Reena Samantaray, PCIP Outreach Coordinator rsamanta@health.nyc.gov (212) 341-2263
Monday, October 22, 2007
Charleston Retirement community and St Agnes hospital to forge HIT link
Retirement communities and nursing homes are often left out of HIE (health information exchange discussions). This is a wonderful example of two institutions with two different HIT systems bridging the void. Bravo. SV
BALTIMORE, MD – A recent collaborative project between Erickson Retirement Communities and St. Agnes Hospital established instant patient data exchange between their respective Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, marking the first time in the United States that such as system has been developed between a hospital and a continuing care retirement provider. The health information exchange (HIE) system demonstrates the feasibility of efficient and secure healthcare data interchange while proving the value of technology in health settings.
The HIE allows residents from Charlestown Retirement Community, a campus developed and managed by Erickson, to be referred to St. Agnes Hospital for inpatient services as well as emergency care with their medical records electronically shared between the two institutions. The solution facilitates the exchange of information such as patient demographics, allergies, medications, discharge summaries and clinical summaries. It allows for both viewing as well as importing of standards-based clinical documents between the Meditech clinical information system at St. Agnes Hospital and the GE Centricity electronic medical system used by Erickson Health, the nation’s largest health and wellness system for older adults.
Erickson
Retirement communities and nursing homes are often left out of HIE (health information exchange discussions). This is a wonderful example of two institutions with two different HIT systems bridging the void. Bravo. SV
BALTIMORE, MD – A recent collaborative project between Erickson Retirement Communities and St. Agnes Hospital established instant patient data exchange between their respective Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems, marking the first time in the United States that such as system has been developed between a hospital and a continuing care retirement provider. The health information exchange (HIE) system demonstrates the feasibility of efficient and secure healthcare data interchange while proving the value of technology in health settings.
The HIE allows residents from Charlestown Retirement Community, a campus developed and managed by Erickson, to be referred to St. Agnes Hospital for inpatient services as well as emergency care with their medical records electronically shared between the two institutions. The solution facilitates the exchange of information such as patient demographics, allergies, medications, discharge summaries and clinical summaries. It allows for both viewing as well as importing of standards-based clinical documents between the Meditech clinical information system at St. Agnes Hospital and the GE Centricity electronic medical system used by Erickson Health, the nation’s largest health and wellness system for older adults.
Erickson
Thursday, October 18, 2007
New ACP PIER Point-of-Care CME Program
Here is another option for those of you who would like to get credit for looking up a medical topic while treating a patient.
Skyscape offers a similar service for a fee. SV
ACP Members can now earn 10 free AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by using the new PIER Point-of-Care CME tool. You can access this tool by clicking on the "CME Diary" link in the upper right corner of any PIER page.
This CME program enables you to record your clinical questions in a "diary" and document the location of the answers to these questions in PIER. Before submitting your questions for credit, the PIER Point-of-Care CME tool also requests that you complete an evaluation form.
Each question you answer is worth 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Once you have completed 4 questions, you may submit them to earn 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. All entries must be submitted in sets of 4 questions.
After using your 10 free credits, you have the option of purchasing another 10 credits. Please note that AMA rules limit you to earning 20 credits per year through the PIER Point-of-Care CME program.
ACP PIER
Skyscape
Here is another option for those of you who would like to get credit for looking up a medical topic while treating a patient.
Skyscape offers a similar service for a fee. SV
ACP Members can now earn 10 free AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by using the new PIER Point-of-Care CME tool. You can access this tool by clicking on the "CME Diary" link in the upper right corner of any PIER page.
This CME program enables you to record your clinical questions in a "diary" and document the location of the answers to these questions in PIER. Before submitting your questions for credit, the PIER Point-of-Care CME tool also requests that you complete an evaluation form.
Each question you answer is worth 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Once you have completed 4 questions, you may submit them to earn 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. All entries must be submitted in sets of 4 questions.
After using your 10 free credits, you have the option of purchasing another 10 credits. Please note that AMA rules limit you to earning 20 credits per year through the PIER Point-of-Care CME program.
ACP PIER
Skyscape
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Quest Diagnostics and NEPSI
QUEST joins National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative
October is the month of collaborations: NEPSI, eHealthVault. SV
eRx NOW TM Functionality Expanded to Include Quest Diagnostics Care360™ Physician
Portal Lab Order and Results Capabilities
The collaboration between Quest Diagnostics and Allscripts adds significant new capabilities to the NEPSI solution. Quest Diagnostics will provide physician users of eRx NOW with access to the electronic laboratory order and results module within its Care360 Physician Portal at no charge. Now, in addition to ePrescribing, through a single sign-on , eRx NOW subscribers will be able to see how many lab results are pending and will be able to click through to the Care360 Physician Portal to order lab tests and view, flow, and graph laboratory results, as well as run analyses on their patient population. This integrated access is expected to be available later this year.
NEPSI
QUEST joins National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative
October is the month of collaborations: NEPSI, eHealthVault. SV
eRx NOW TM Functionality Expanded to Include Quest Diagnostics Care360™ Physician
Portal Lab Order and Results Capabilities
The collaboration between Quest Diagnostics and Allscripts adds significant new capabilities to the NEPSI solution. Quest Diagnostics will provide physician users of eRx NOW with access to the electronic laboratory order and results module within its Care360 Physician Portal at no charge. Now, in addition to ePrescribing, through a single sign-on , eRx NOW subscribers will be able to see how many lab results are pending and will be able to click through to the Care360 Physician Portal to order lab tests and view, flow, and graph laboratory results, as well as run analyses on their patient population. This integrated access is expected to be available later this year.
NEPSI
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Allscripts and HealthVault PHR
Allscripts is on board as well as NextGen.
Microsoft seems to have overcome the inertia that has delayed interoperablity between EHRs. If they can transfer information with HealthVault can direct communication be far behind? SV
Allscripts (Nasdaq: MDRX), the leading provider of clinical software, connectivity and information solutions that physicians use to improve healthcare, was featured in today’s launch of Microsoft HealthVault at a Washington, DC press conference announcing the new consumer health platform. Allscripts is the first market-leading Electronic Health Record company to offer its products on the HealthVault platform, providing physicians a means of sharing health information over the Internet with their patients.
During the press conference, Allscripts revealed its first product to connect to HealthVault – eRx NOW™, the web-based electronic prescribing solution offered at no cost to physicians across America as a key part of the National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative™, (NEPSI™), a coalition of the nation's leading technology and healthcare organizations, including Allscripts and Microsoft.
Allscripts
Allscripts is on board as well as NextGen.
Microsoft seems to have overcome the inertia that has delayed interoperablity between EHRs. If they can transfer information with HealthVault can direct communication be far behind? SV
Allscripts (Nasdaq: MDRX), the leading provider of clinical software, connectivity and information solutions that physicians use to improve healthcare, was featured in today’s launch of Microsoft HealthVault at a Washington, DC press conference announcing the new consumer health platform. Allscripts is the first market-leading Electronic Health Record company to offer its products on the HealthVault platform, providing physicians a means of sharing health information over the Internet with their patients.
During the press conference, Allscripts revealed its first product to connect to HealthVault – eRx NOW™, the web-based electronic prescribing solution offered at no cost to physicians across America as a key part of the National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative™, (NEPSI™), a coalition of the nation's leading technology and healthcare organizations, including Allscripts and Microsoft.
Allscripts
HHS Awards Contracts for Trial Implementations of the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN)
Let's hear it for NY! Some good news this week. SV
Awardees include the following organizations, representing broad-based state and regional health information exchanges:
CareSpark -- Tricities region of Eastern Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia
Delaware Health Information Network -- Delaware
Indiana University -- Indianapolis metroplex
Long Beach Network for Health -- Long Beach and Los Angeles, California
Lovelace Clinic Foundation -- New Mexico
MedVirginia -- Central Virginia
New York eHealth Collaborative -- New York
North Carolina Healthcare Information and Communications Alliance, Inc. -- North Carolina
West Virginia Health Information Network -- West Virginia
HHS.GOV
NYehealth
Let's hear it for NY! Some good news this week. SV
Awardees include the following organizations, representing broad-based state and regional health information exchanges:
CareSpark -- Tricities region of Eastern Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia
Delaware Health Information Network -- Delaware
Indiana University -- Indianapolis metroplex
Long Beach Network for Health -- Long Beach and Los Angeles, California
Lovelace Clinic Foundation -- New Mexico
MedVirginia -- Central Virginia
New York eHealth Collaborative -- New York
North Carolina Healthcare Information and Communications Alliance, Inc. -- North Carolina
West Virginia Health Information Network -- West Virginia
HHS.GOV
NYehealth
Monday, October 08, 2007
NextGen and Microsoft HealthVault
NextGen's ChartMail to become interoperable with Microsoft's HealthVault.
First EHR so far.
Let us know of any other EHRs that you may be aware of joining the HealthVault community. SV
NextGen
NextGen's ChartMail to become interoperable with Microsoft's HealthVault.
First EHR so far.
Let us know of any other EHRs that you may be aware of joining the HealthVault community. SV
NextGen
Adam Bosworth, has left Google Health
Marrissa Mayer has taken over the the health team until a permanent replacement is named.
According to his blog he has taken up some code writing again.
I look forward to see where it takes him. SV
Adam Bosworth
Marrissa Mayer has taken over the the health team until a permanent replacement is named.
According to his blog he has taken up some code writing again.
I look forward to see where it takes him. SV
Adam Bosworth
Friday, October 05, 2007
Microsoft PHR: Healthvault (beta) has arrived!
I am surprised that they "beat" Google on this one.
Perhaps they are waiting to see the public's response to a non-physician/medical society/managed care based service?
Microsoft has already lined up some impressive partners:
American Heart Association
American Stroke Association
CapMed
Kryptiq
Johnson and Johnson (glucometers)
Microlife (blood pressure monitors)
Omron (blood pressure monitors)
Polar (heart rate monitors)
and others.
I didn't see CCHIT or HL7 listed, nor EHR vendors. SV
Healthvault
I am surprised that they "beat" Google on this one.
Perhaps they are waiting to see the public's response to a non-physician/medical society/managed care based service?
Microsoft has already lined up some impressive partners:
American Heart Association
American Stroke Association
CapMed
Kryptiq
Johnson and Johnson (glucometers)
Microlife (blood pressure monitors)
Omron (blood pressure monitors)
Polar (heart rate monitors)
and others.
I didn't see CCHIT or HL7 listed, nor EHR vendors. SV
Healthvault
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Medication Reconciliation Solution from RelayHealth Helps to Address Patient Safety in Emergency Rooms Across the Nation
I look forward to learning more details, ie. integration with RxHub and Surescripts Databases as well as EMRs. SV
IntegrateRx™ - Medication History offers patient’s prescription history to help hospital efficiency and prevent harmful drug interaction
Atlanta, GA, Aug 13, 2007 — RelayHealth, the leader in connective healthcare solutions, today announced an electronic medication reconciliation solution designed to increase efficiency and eliminate blind encounters in hospital emergency rooms. Designed to create a HIPAA-compliant, nationwide patient safety initiative, IntegrateRx™ - Medication History provides healthcare organizations with a record of a patient's medications based on information extracted from insurance claims and/or prescription records. The solution is made possible through the participation of leading national pharmacies, pharmacy system vendors, hospital medication reconciliation vendors and the power of RelayHealth's intelligent pharmacy claims processing network, which processes prescription claims for more than 70% of the nation's pharmacies.
RelayHealth
I look forward to learning more details, ie. integration with RxHub and Surescripts Databases as well as EMRs. SV
IntegrateRx™ - Medication History offers patient’s prescription history to help hospital efficiency and prevent harmful drug interaction
Atlanta, GA, Aug 13, 2007 — RelayHealth, the leader in connective healthcare solutions, today announced an electronic medication reconciliation solution designed to increase efficiency and eliminate blind encounters in hospital emergency rooms. Designed to create a HIPAA-compliant, nationwide patient safety initiative, IntegrateRx™ - Medication History provides healthcare organizations with a record of a patient's medications based on information extracted from insurance claims and/or prescription records. The solution is made possible through the participation of leading national pharmacies, pharmacy system vendors, hospital medication reconciliation vendors and the power of RelayHealth's intelligent pharmacy claims processing network, which processes prescription claims for more than 70% of the nation's pharmacies.
RelayHealth
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Illinois hospital receives grant to create network for rural facilities
Salem Township Hospital will play a key role in an effort to improve health care in rural areas of the state and nation. The hospital has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to help create a network that will allow medical facilities in three southern Illinois counties to confidentially share patient information electronically. The Salem facility will act as a pilot for rural facilities in both the state and the country. Salem will partner with three other area hospitals in this endeavor.
Salem-Times Commoner
Salem Township Hospital will play a key role in an effort to improve health care in rural areas of the state and nation. The hospital has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to help create a network that will allow medical facilities in three southern Illinois counties to confidentially share patient information electronically. The Salem facility will act as a pilot for rural facilities in both the state and the country. Salem will partner with three other area hospitals in this endeavor.
Salem-Times Commoner
IBM uses 3D imaging to visualise patient records
Takes "graphical" user interface to a whole new level. SV
Researchers at IBM have developed new visualisation software that will allow doctors to view personal medical records on an animated human body.
Developed at IBM’s Zurich Research Lab, the Anatomic and Symbolic Mapper Engine (ASME) uses an avatar – a 3D representation of the human body – to allow doctors to see where a patient has injuries from their medical records.
Using the software, doctors can click on a particular part of the illustrated body and retrieve medical records with relevant information about any problems in this particular part.
e-Health Europe
Monday, October 01, 2007
SureScripts Launches Prescriber Vendor Advisory Council
Increased use of "true" e-Prescribing should help reduce costs.
The savings could then be shared by patients and health care providers alike. SV
Alexandria, VA – September 24, 2007 – SureScripts today announced the formation of the Prescriber Vendor Advisory Council, a group of 10 executives representing vendors of third-party electronic prescribing and electronic health record software from across the U.S. The council will advise SureScripts on programs designed to increase the adoption and use of electronic prescribing by physicians in the U.S.
Members of the council are experts in the design and application of information technology used by physicians and practice staff:
Allscripts – David Pearah, vice president of product management and operations;
DrFirst – Cameron Deemer, president;
eClinicalWorks – Dr. Raj Dharampuriya, chief medical officer;
e-MDs – Chuck Frederick, RPh, vice president of medical informatics;
MedPlus – Edward Bayliss, vice president, Care360 professional services;
RelayHealth – Ken Tarkoff, vice president and general manager;
NextGen – Steven Saitsky, vice president, partnership executive;
RxNT – Mark Wiggins, chief operating officer;
Wellogic – Sumit Nagpal, president and CEO;
Zix – Curtiss Hurst, partner services manager.
As part of its mission, the Council will provide insight on key variables that are known to impact a physician’s decision to begin e-prescribing and their level of satisfaction once they start:
Technology Design – Council members will review and provide feedback on the results of ongoing research and analysis by SureScripts that examines how changes in electronic prescribing technology and making fuller use of pharmacy interoperability can improve the minute-by-minute practice of medicine – in industry parlance, the “workflow” – by professionals in the physicians office and behind the pharmacy counter.
Education and Support – Council members will assist SureScripts in the rollout of its ongoing educational efforts to all physicians. These efforts are designed to provide physicians and their staff with information and resources that help them anticipate and address some of the challenges associated with implementing e-prescribing technology and the impact that can have on how a physician’s office manages all aspects of patient medications.
Conversion – Participating vendors will engage in outreach programs to their own customers who are among the estimated 150,000 physicians that use electronic medical record (EMR) or e-prescribing software to send new prescriptions and receive refill requests by fax – instead of electronically. Most of these physicians are unaware that their computer is only sending faxes to pharmacies. Many do not know that they have software that has been certified for an NCPDP-compliant electronic connection to the Pharmacy Health Information Exchange™, operated by SureScripts.
SureScripts
Increased use of "true" e-Prescribing should help reduce costs.
The savings could then be shared by patients and health care providers alike. SV
Alexandria, VA – September 24, 2007 – SureScripts today announced the formation of the Prescriber Vendor Advisory Council, a group of 10 executives representing vendors of third-party electronic prescribing and electronic health record software from across the U.S. The council will advise SureScripts on programs designed to increase the adoption and use of electronic prescribing by physicians in the U.S.
Members of the council are experts in the design and application of information technology used by physicians and practice staff:
Allscripts – David Pearah, vice president of product management and operations;
DrFirst – Cameron Deemer, president;
eClinicalWorks – Dr. Raj Dharampuriya, chief medical officer;
e-MDs – Chuck Frederick, RPh, vice president of medical informatics;
MedPlus – Edward Bayliss, vice president, Care360 professional services;
RelayHealth – Ken Tarkoff, vice president and general manager;
NextGen – Steven Saitsky, vice president, partnership executive;
RxNT – Mark Wiggins, chief operating officer;
Wellogic – Sumit Nagpal, president and CEO;
Zix – Curtiss Hurst, partner services manager.
As part of its mission, the Council will provide insight on key variables that are known to impact a physician’s decision to begin e-prescribing and their level of satisfaction once they start:
Technology Design – Council members will review and provide feedback on the results of ongoing research and analysis by SureScripts that examines how changes in electronic prescribing technology and making fuller use of pharmacy interoperability can improve the minute-by-minute practice of medicine – in industry parlance, the “workflow” – by professionals in the physicians office and behind the pharmacy counter.
Education and Support – Council members will assist SureScripts in the rollout of its ongoing educational efforts to all physicians. These efforts are designed to provide physicians and their staff with information and resources that help them anticipate and address some of the challenges associated with implementing e-prescribing technology and the impact that can have on how a physician’s office manages all aspects of patient medications.
Conversion – Participating vendors will engage in outreach programs to their own customers who are among the estimated 150,000 physicians that use electronic medical record (EMR) or e-prescribing software to send new prescriptions and receive refill requests by fax – instead of electronically. Most of these physicians are unaware that their computer is only sending faxes to pharmacies. Many do not know that they have software that has been certified for an NCPDP-compliant electronic connection to the Pharmacy Health Information Exchange™, operated by SureScripts.
SureScripts
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) evaluating EHRs for its members
Cudos to Liz,Ron and Tom for helping the committee with this project.
Stay tuned for the final list of EHR vendors to published. SV
MSSNYe-news
September 21st, 2007
Weekly Update for New York State Physicians
Volume 7, Number 37
On another front, the HIT Committee chaired by Drs. Zeb Taintor and Sal Volpe and staffed by Liz Dears and Ron Pucherelli, the impossible has been conquered. After a year of an intense interviewing process of electronic health record (EHR) firms, they have almost completed their findings. After investigating and interviewing only CCHIT-qualified vendors with a 30-page questionnaire regarding stability, reliability, accessibility and ease-of-use, they are narrowing down the list. They are identifying which vendors are best suited to our needs, be it a large, high-volume practices or one more finely tuned to solo practices, and every type in between. We expect to publish the finding shortly.
In the meantime, Co-Chair Dr. Volpe recommends that physicians check out ePrescribing. They offer free software that will help reduce drug interactions.
Robert B. Goldberg, DO
President
MSSNY’s Council Meeting Involved Important Actions and Awards
At its September 20 meeting in Lake Success – with satellite connections to Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse – MSSNY Council took the following actions:
* Authorized MSSNY staff to negotiate discount fees for MSSNY members with vendors of electronic medical records (EMR), with contract provisions preventing the endorsed vendors from granting similar or lower discounts to non-MSSNY members. The approved vendors will be announced shortly. The chosen vendors are to include two that specialize in servicing large practices and have the capability of connecting EMRs to hospitals, and the remainder are to cater to small and medium-sized practices. All will provide software that has a practice management component, is culturally sensitive and is CCHIT-certified.
* The Council vote was preceded by a brief update from MSSNY Executive Vice President Rick Abrams of MSSNY’s $9M health information technology (HIT) grant activities and a presentation by MSSNY’s HIT Task Force chairs, Zebulon Taintor, MD, and Salvatore Volpe, MD, who described the task force’s years of work and explained the importance of HIT for reducing medical errors and practice overhead. Mr. Abrams reported that MSSNY was awaiting DOH approval to announce its $4.6M grants to practices in six NYS regions. Dr. Volpe reported that he was able to recover the cost of his EMR and e-prescribing systems with reduced overhead expenses within a year and that he had a $30,000 surplus the following year.
MSSNY eNews
Cudos to Liz,Ron and Tom for helping the committee with this project.
Stay tuned for the final list of EHR vendors to published. SV
MSSNYe-news
September 21st, 2007
Weekly Update for New York State Physicians
Volume 7, Number 37
On another front, the HIT Committee chaired by Drs. Zeb Taintor and Sal Volpe and staffed by Liz Dears and Ron Pucherelli, the impossible has been conquered. After a year of an intense interviewing process of electronic health record (EHR) firms, they have almost completed their findings. After investigating and interviewing only CCHIT-qualified vendors with a 30-page questionnaire regarding stability, reliability, accessibility and ease-of-use, they are narrowing down the list. They are identifying which vendors are best suited to our needs, be it a large, high-volume practices or one more finely tuned to solo practices, and every type in between. We expect to publish the finding shortly.
In the meantime, Co-Chair Dr. Volpe recommends that physicians check out ePrescribing. They offer free software that will help reduce drug interactions.
Robert B. Goldberg, DO
President
MSSNY’s Council Meeting Involved Important Actions and Awards
At its September 20 meeting in Lake Success – with satellite connections to Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse – MSSNY Council took the following actions:
* Authorized MSSNY staff to negotiate discount fees for MSSNY members with vendors of electronic medical records (EMR), with contract provisions preventing the endorsed vendors from granting similar or lower discounts to non-MSSNY members. The approved vendors will be announced shortly. The chosen vendors are to include two that specialize in servicing large practices and have the capability of connecting EMRs to hospitals, and the remainder are to cater to small and medium-sized practices. All will provide software that has a practice management component, is culturally sensitive and is CCHIT-certified.
* The Council vote was preceded by a brief update from MSSNY Executive Vice President Rick Abrams of MSSNY’s $9M health information technology (HIT) grant activities and a presentation by MSSNY’s HIT Task Force chairs, Zebulon Taintor, MD, and Salvatore Volpe, MD, who described the task force’s years of work and explained the importance of HIT for reducing medical errors and practice overhead. Mr. Abrams reported that MSSNY was awaiting DOH approval to announce its $4.6M grants to practices in six NYS regions. Dr. Volpe reported that he was able to recover the cost of his EMR and e-prescribing systems with reduced overhead expenses within a year and that he had a $30,000 surplus the following year.
MSSNY eNews
HEAL NY Phase 5 Health Information Technology Grants: Advancing Interoperability and Community-wide EHR Adoption
Attention fellow New Yorkers, over 100 Million is available to improve HIT in NY. SV
Questions Due October 12, 2007
Applicant Conference September 28, 2007
Applications Due November 19, 2007
HEAL NY
Attention fellow New Yorkers, over 100 Million is available to improve HIT in NY. SV
Questions Due October 12, 2007
Applicant Conference September 28, 2007
Applications Due November 19, 2007
HEAL NY
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Governor Fletcher authorizes Kentucky e-health corporation
Here's another state providing a " statewide backbone" for EHRs.
It's sort of like biology. Each community is like a single nerve. The states would act like a plexus and finally the a Federally "encouraged" set of standards would serve as the national backbone. The "organism" is slowly coming together. SV
Gov. Ernie Fletcher today authorized creation of a corporation to advance the state’s goal of creating an electronic health network, or “e-health” system in Kentucky.
Electronic Health Records - Expand e-Health funding to assist health care providers to adopt electronic medical records and ensure there is a secure, statewide network to allow those records to be appropriately exchanged.
“Every Kentuckian in the next four years should have the choice of having an electronic medical record that would be available to them and their doctors to ensure the best quality and most efficient health care,” said Governor Fletcher.
Courier Journal
Governor Kentucky
Here's another state providing a " statewide backbone" for EHRs.
It's sort of like biology. Each community is like a single nerve. The states would act like a plexus and finally the a Federally "encouraged" set of standards would serve as the national backbone. The "organism" is slowly coming together. SV
Gov. Ernie Fletcher today authorized creation of a corporation to advance the state’s goal of creating an electronic health network, or “e-health” system in Kentucky.
Electronic Health Records - Expand e-Health funding to assist health care providers to adopt electronic medical records and ensure there is a secure, statewide network to allow those records to be appropriately exchanged.
“Every Kentuckian in the next four years should have the choice of having an electronic medical record that would be available to them and their doctors to ensure the best quality and most efficient health care,” said Governor Fletcher.
Courier Journal
Governor Kentucky
Saturday, September 15, 2007
ehealth.johnwsharp recommends our site.
Mr Sharp has an fine site that also discusses eHealth topics. SV
John W Sharp
Mr Sharp has an fine site that also discusses eHealth topics. SV
John W Sharp
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Minnesota Health Information Exchange to be among largest 'e-initiatives' in the nation
I am amazed that will be able to go live by early 2008. SV
MINNEAPOLIS 09/10/2007--Governor Tim Pawlenty joined with leaders from Minnesota's largest health care organizations to announce an electronic health information exchange that will connect doctors, hospitals and clinics across health care systems so they can quickly access medical records needed for patient treatment during a medical emergency or for delivering routine care.
The Minnesota Health Information Exchange will improve patient safety, increase efficiency among health care providers, and reduce administrative costs for all health care organizations.
"This exchange is the only public-private partnership of its kind," Governor Pawlenty said. "It will support and build on the critical initiatives taking place in the health care system today, including quality improvement efforts of our providers, the availability of quality and pricing information to consumers, paying providers for good outcomes and the adoption of evidence based guidelines."
ALLINA
I am amazed that will be able to go live by early 2008. SV
MINNEAPOLIS 09/10/2007--Governor Tim Pawlenty joined with leaders from Minnesota's largest health care organizations to announce an electronic health information exchange that will connect doctors, hospitals and clinics across health care systems so they can quickly access medical records needed for patient treatment during a medical emergency or for delivering routine care.
The Minnesota Health Information Exchange will improve patient safety, increase efficiency among health care providers, and reduce administrative costs for all health care organizations.
"This exchange is the only public-private partnership of its kind," Governor Pawlenty said. "It will support and build on the critical initiatives taking place in the health care system today, including quality improvement efforts of our providers, the availability of quality and pricing information to consumers, paying providers for good outcomes and the adoption of evidence based guidelines."
ALLINA
Certification Commission and MITRE collaborate on open source health IT testing resource
CHICAGO, IL and McLEAN, VA - September 10, 2007 - Today, the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHITSM) and the MITRE Corporation announced a collaborative relationship to begin building a testing resource to evaluate compliance of electronic health records (EHR) and networks with certification criteria for interoperability. This new initiative will make it easier for health information technology companies to add standards-based information exchange capabilities to their products and prepare those products for certification. The testing software will be developed under an open source license so that it is free and publically available, and the Certification Commission will use the software running on a secure platform during its inspection of a product's compliance.
CHICAGO, IL and McLEAN, VA - September 10, 2007 - Today, the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHITSM) and the MITRE Corporation announced a collaborative relationship to begin building a testing resource to evaluate compliance of electronic health records (EHR) and networks with certification criteria for interoperability. This new initiative will make it easier for health information technology companies to add standards-based information exchange capabilities to their products and prepare those products for certification. The testing software will be developed under an open source license so that it is free and publically available, and the Certification Commission will use the software running on a secure platform during its inspection of a product's compliance.
NYCLIX Selects FirstGateways to Build Regional Health Information Exchange Infrastructure in New York City
New York, August 27, 2007 – NYCLIX, Inc., a New York City-based regional health information organization (RHIO) whose mission is to establish a clinical data exchange capability in the New York City region to improve the care of New Yorkers, has entered into a contract with First Consulting Group (FCG- NASDAQ: FCGI) to provide the technical infrastructure for NYCLIX’s health information exchange services. FCG’s FirstGateways™ technology will allow clinical data to be exchanged securely among the participating NYCLIX (New York Clinical Information Exchange) provider organizations and used by clinicians at the point of care. NYCLIX includes the largest hospitals in Manhattan and hospitals in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, a major faculty practice organization, a multi-site Federally Qualified Health Center, and the nation’s largest not-for-profit home healthcare provider.
NYCLIX
New York, August 27, 2007 – NYCLIX, Inc., a New York City-based regional health information organization (RHIO) whose mission is to establish a clinical data exchange capability in the New York City region to improve the care of New Yorkers, has entered into a contract with First Consulting Group (FCG- NASDAQ: FCGI) to provide the technical infrastructure for NYCLIX’s health information exchange services. FCG’s FirstGateways™ technology will allow clinical data to be exchanged securely among the participating NYCLIX (New York Clinical Information Exchange) provider organizations and used by clinicians at the point of care. NYCLIX includes the largest hospitals in Manhattan and hospitals in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, a major faculty practice organization, a multi-site Federally Qualified Health Center, and the nation’s largest not-for-profit home healthcare provider.
NYCLIX
myPHR ,a guide to PHRs by (AHIMA) American Health Information Management Association
This a an excellent resource for researching PHR options.SV
Individuals can create their own PHR, or may be offered one by a variety of sources, such as a healthcare provider, insurer, employer or a commercial supplier of PHRs. Each supplier has different policies and practices regarding how they may use data they store for the individual. Study the policies and procedures carefully to make sure you understand how your personal health information will be used and protected. Policies to look for include privacy and security; the ability of the individual, or those they authorize, to access their information; and control over accessibility by others. If the PHR contains the same information that the doctor has seen, it has more usefulness for tracking purposes than information from insurance forms. For example, insurance claims information may list the diagnosis or medication but not the details (for example, actual blood pressure reading or dose of the medication taken).
A wide range of products are currently available to help you create your own personal health record (PHR). Below you can search a list of options, by format and cost, and decide for yourself which works best for you.
myPHR
This a an excellent resource for researching PHR options.SV
Individuals can create their own PHR, or may be offered one by a variety of sources, such as a healthcare provider, insurer, employer or a commercial supplier of PHRs. Each supplier has different policies and practices regarding how they may use data they store for the individual. Study the policies and procedures carefully to make sure you understand how your personal health information will be used and protected. Policies to look for include privacy and security; the ability of the individual, or those they authorize, to access their information; and control over accessibility by others. If the PHR contains the same information that the doctor has seen, it has more usefulness for tracking purposes than information from insurance forms. For example, insurance claims information may list the diagnosis or medication but not the details (for example, actual blood pressure reading or dose of the medication taken).
A wide range of products are currently available to help you create your own personal health record (PHR). Below you can search a list of options, by format and cost, and decide for yourself which works best for you.
myPHR
2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI)
National Provider Question & Answer Session
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider
Communications Group will host the seventh in a series of national
provider conference calls on the 2007 Physician Quality Reporting
Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. –
3:30 p.m., EDT, on Wednesday, September 26, 2007.
National Provider Question & Answer Session
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider
Communications Group will host the seventh in a series of national
provider conference calls on the 2007 Physician Quality Reporting
Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. –
3:30 p.m., EDT, on Wednesday, September 26, 2007.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Pay for Performance Programs for Providers Now Total 150 as of August 29 2007
The evidence continues to grow in favor of P4P. SV
The number of provider “pay for performance” (P4P) programs nationwide has grown dramatically from 39 (2003) to approximately 148 (March 2007), according to the P4P and Consumer Incentive Survey conducted jointly by Med-Vantage® and The Leapfrog Group. There were 84 programs in 2004 and 107 in 2005.
Recent survey results from 75 purchasers, government agencies and health plans, revealed several important findings:
1. Since 2004, the top reason for implementing P4P remains improving clinical outcomes.
2. More than 60% of P4P survey respondents have now evaluated their programs and at least half of the evaluated programs find that clinical performance improved significantly.
3. About one third of all P4P survey respondents have been able to demonstrate cost savings.
4. Over 70% of all P4P programs are working to expand the scope or number of performance measures they use. P4P programs now rely largely on well-established or co-authored measures from national standard setting organizations such as AQA, NCQA, NQF, the Joint Commission, The Leapfrog Group and others.
5. Over 30% of P4P survey respondents posted information publicly on provider performance in their provider directories.
6. Advanced P4P programs are now developing tools to measure improvements in outcomes and eligibility for rewards directly from medical charts.
“The P4P and Consumer Incentive Survey demonstrates clear evolution in P4P programs. They are assessing hospital and physician quality more broadly and beginning to emphasize measures of efficiency. The programs also directly lead to greater availability of publicly reported information that is useful to employers and consumers,” said Suzanne Delbanco, CEO of The Leapfrog Group.
Geof Baker, CEO of Med-Vantage added that “P4P will continue to expand in the government sector, particularly Medicaid, with greater focus on clinical IT adoption by physician practices and capture of chart information for outcomes reporting.”
Results of the P4P and Consumer Incentive Survey will be made publicly available on the Leapfrog and Med-Vantage web sites.
Leapfrog Group
The evidence continues to grow in favor of P4P. SV
The number of provider “pay for performance” (P4P) programs nationwide has grown dramatically from 39 (2003) to approximately 148 (March 2007), according to the P4P and Consumer Incentive Survey conducted jointly by Med-Vantage® and The Leapfrog Group. There were 84 programs in 2004 and 107 in 2005.
Recent survey results from 75 purchasers, government agencies and health plans, revealed several important findings:
1. Since 2004, the top reason for implementing P4P remains improving clinical outcomes.
2. More than 60% of P4P survey respondents have now evaluated their programs and at least half of the evaluated programs find that clinical performance improved significantly.
3. About one third of all P4P survey respondents have been able to demonstrate cost savings.
4. Over 70% of all P4P programs are working to expand the scope or number of performance measures they use. P4P programs now rely largely on well-established or co-authored measures from national standard setting organizations such as AQA, NCQA, NQF, the Joint Commission, The Leapfrog Group and others.
5. Over 30% of P4P survey respondents posted information publicly on provider performance in their provider directories.
6. Advanced P4P programs are now developing tools to measure improvements in outcomes and eligibility for rewards directly from medical charts.
“The P4P and Consumer Incentive Survey demonstrates clear evolution in P4P programs. They are assessing hospital and physician quality more broadly and beginning to emphasize measures of efficiency. The programs also directly lead to greater availability of publicly reported information that is useful to employers and consumers,” said Suzanne Delbanco, CEO of The Leapfrog Group.
Geof Baker, CEO of Med-Vantage added that “P4P will continue to expand in the government sector, particularly Medicaid, with greater focus on clinical IT adoption by physician practices and capture of chart information for outcomes reporting.”
Results of the P4P and Consumer Incentive Survey will be made publicly available on the Leapfrog and Med-Vantage web sites.
Leapfrog Group
Columbia University Medical Center Physicians Select Allscripts Electronic Health Record for 2,200 Physicians
This will have a major ripple effect in the community as physicians attempt to research EHR products for their practice.
The NYC DOH PCIP has chosen eClinicalworks for it roll out to over 1000 physicians.
Interoperablity between major EHRs such Allscripts, eClinicalworks and Eclipsys would be boon for patients and health care providers alike. SV
Allscripts
This will have a major ripple effect in the community as physicians attempt to research EHR products for their practice.
The NYC DOH PCIP has chosen eClinicalworks for it roll out to over 1000 physicians.
Interoperablity between major EHRs such Allscripts, eClinicalworks and Eclipsys would be boon for patients and health care providers alike. SV
Allscripts
Thursday, September 06, 2007
UPMC Health Plan rolls out PHR for over 500,000 members
As more Plan originated PHRs appear, the need for standards and interoperablity increases. SV
UPMC Health plan
As more Plan originated PHRs appear, the need for standards and interoperablity increases. SV
UPMC Health plan
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Misys has agreed to license iMedica
Great news for iMedica.
This should mean more exposure.
Misys has been undergoing a good of changes lately but I didn't see this one coming.
Perhaps it will become akin to the Allscripts/A4Health merger?
Small practice EHRs will probably become attractive acquisitions based upon their lower cost to install and run. SV
iMedica
Great news for iMedica.
This should mean more exposure.
Misys has been undergoing a good of changes lately but I didn't see this one coming.
Perhaps it will become akin to the Allscripts/A4Health merger?
Small practice EHRs will probably become attractive acquisitions based upon their lower cost to install and run. SV
iMedica
Thursday, August 30, 2007
ZIX Corp (ZIXI) Announces Contract with United HealthCare (UNH)
Cudos to UnitedHealthCare for paying a transaction fee for each prescription.
Eventually, a portion of the money saved via ePrescribing through increased formulary compliance, decreased drug interactions and improved medication choices will need to trickle to front line providers of care. SV
Zix Corporation is announcing that it has signed a contract with United HealthCare (NYSE: UNH) for an e-prescribing program with the Company's PocketScript® e-prescribing service, including new prescriber sponsorships and a nationwide script fee. The new sponsorship will consist of 100 new prescribers, to be split between Florida and Ohio to evaluate the impact of e-prescribing in the first phase of this e-prescribing program.
The script fee component will enable the full functionality and decision support of the Company's e-prescribing service to all of its between 3,100 to 3,200 existing active prescribers and any new doctors deployed in the future whenever they see a member of a United insured health plan. The $1.50 script fee would be paid for all qualified scripts for United's members written by any PocketScript user, with a portion of the fee to go towards sponsoring additional new prescribers.
Streetinsider.com
Cudos to UnitedHealthCare for paying a transaction fee for each prescription.
Eventually, a portion of the money saved via ePrescribing through increased formulary compliance, decreased drug interactions and improved medication choices will need to trickle to front line providers of care. SV
Zix Corporation is announcing that it has signed a contract with United HealthCare (NYSE: UNH) for an e-prescribing program with the Company's PocketScript® e-prescribing service, including new prescriber sponsorships and a nationwide script fee. The new sponsorship will consist of 100 new prescribers, to be split between Florida and Ohio to evaluate the impact of e-prescribing in the first phase of this e-prescribing program.
The script fee component will enable the full functionality and decision support of the Company's e-prescribing service to all of its between 3,100 to 3,200 existing active prescribers and any new doctors deployed in the future whenever they see a member of a United insured health plan. The $1.50 script fee would be paid for all qualified scripts for United's members written by any PocketScript user, with a portion of the fee to go towards sponsoring additional new prescribers.
Streetinsider.com
Monday, August 27, 2007
HRSA Awards $31.4 Million to Expand Use of Health Information Technology at Health Centers
HRSA Administrator Elizabeth M. Duke today announced $31.4 million in grants to help health centers prepare to adopt and implement Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other health information technology (HIT) innovations.
HRSA
HRSA Administrator Elizabeth M. Duke today announced $31.4 million in grants to help health centers prepare to adopt and implement Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other health information technology (HIT) innovations.
HRSA
Friday, August 24, 2007
CCHIT 2007 Certified Ambulatory EHRs
Well folks, remember that long list of 2006 products?
The current list for 2007 is significantly shorter.
The bar got raised a little higher, as it will each year.
Among the new criteria:
true eRx, not just faxing of labs
receipt of lab results electronically. SV
2007 Ambulatory EHR Certified Products
Community Computer Service (MEDENT 17) 7/11/2007
eClinicalWorks, LCC (eClinicalWorks 7.6.15) 8/10/2007
e-MDs, Inc. (e-MDs Solution Series 6.1.2) 7/18/2007
Greenway Medical Technologies (PrimeSuite 2007 R2) 6/22/2007
McKesson Provider Technologies (Practice Partner 9.2.1) 7/17/2007
NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Inc. (NextGen EMR 5.4.29) 6/25/2007
Purkinje (CareSeries EHR 2.0) 7/27/2007
CCHIT
Well folks, remember that long list of 2006 products?
The current list for 2007 is significantly shorter.
The bar got raised a little higher, as it will each year.
Among the new criteria:
true eRx, not just faxing of labs
receipt of lab results electronically. SV
2007 Ambulatory EHR Certified Products
Community Computer Service (MEDENT 17) 7/11/2007
eClinicalWorks, LCC (eClinicalWorks 7.6.15) 8/10/2007
e-MDs, Inc. (e-MDs Solution Series 6.1.2) 7/18/2007
Greenway Medical Technologies (PrimeSuite 2007 R2) 6/22/2007
McKesson Provider Technologies (Practice Partner 9.2.1) 7/17/2007
NextGen Healthcare Information Systems, Inc. (NextGen EMR 5.4.29) 6/25/2007
Purkinje (CareSeries EHR 2.0) 7/27/2007
CCHIT
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
CalRHIO to provide $340,000 to health care information networks
Savings from efficiences may not have been enough to pay for expansion. SV
CalRHIO, a statewide initiative to create a secure health care information network linking California hospitals, doctors and clinics, said Monday it is funneling up to $340,000 to four "safety net" health information exchanges in San Francisco, Healdsburg, Santa Clara and Southern California's Tehachapi Valley.
Three of the four networks are based in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The funding was made available through an earlier grant from Blue Shield of California Foundation, officials at San Francisco-based CalRHIO said Aug. 20. The four awardees, who will net up to $85,000 each to strengthen or expand existing information networks, include:
The San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium.
Healdsburg's Alliance Medical Center.
Santa Clara's Community Health Partnership.
The Tehachapi Valley Health Care District.
East Bay Business Times
Savings from efficiences may not have been enough to pay for expansion. SV
CalRHIO, a statewide initiative to create a secure health care information network linking California hospitals, doctors and clinics, said Monday it is funneling up to $340,000 to four "safety net" health information exchanges in San Francisco, Healdsburg, Santa Clara and Southern California's Tehachapi Valley.
Three of the four networks are based in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The funding was made available through an earlier grant from Blue Shield of California Foundation, officials at San Francisco-based CalRHIO said Aug. 20. The four awardees, who will net up to $85,000 each to strengthen or expand existing information networks, include:
The San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium.
Healdsburg's Alliance Medical Center.
Santa Clara's Community Health Partnership.
The Tehachapi Valley Health Care District.
East Bay Business Times
Monday, August 20, 2007
Minnesota e-Health Initiative Summit
Plans on each citizen having access to a PHR and inter-operable EHRs for all physicians by 2015.
Great news for a great state.
More details are needed on the financing. SV
Minnesota Summit
Minnesota e-health
Plans on each citizen having access to a PHR and inter-operable EHRs for all physicians by 2015.
Great news for a great state.
More details are needed on the financing. SV
Minnesota Summit
Minnesota e-health
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Corsair’s Flash Padlock USB
How this for security?
Now if they could just add a keychain loop. SV
Corsair’s Flash Padlock gives users the confidence of having a hardware-secured lock to protect their data on an USB drive. Featuring auto-lock hardware security, Flash Padlock is the best way to secure your data while on the go. This prevents any unauthorized access or “Brute Force” attack to the data on Flash Padlock. Users can program in a PIN, much like they do for an ATM machine, to lock/unlock their data. An easy to use keypad in conjunction with lock/unlock indicator lights makes the Flash Padlock highly intuitive to use. Lastly, the Flash Padlock is fully plug-and-play, and requires no software or drivers to work properly.
Features:
Auto-Locking – Self locking after removal from computer
Customizable PIN – Set your own PIN and make it easy to remember
Easy to Use – Direct keypad access and indicator lights make locking/unlocking simple
Plug and Play – Hardware based security works without installing or running software
Platform independent – Works on Windows, MAC and Linux platforms without the use of software
Flash Padlock 1GB ~ $29.99 USD MSRP
Flash Padlock 2GB ~ $39.99 USD MSRP
Corsair
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Trade group: More government action needed on e-health
What does everyone think?
Should health related communications have routing priorty over entertainment and others? SV
An ISP trade group says government regulation ensures health initiatives get transmission priority.
Grant Gross
PC World
Wednesday, August 15, 2007; 9:19 AM
U.S. lawmakers should avoid passing net neutrality laws as a way to help electronic-health initiatives move forward, an Internet provider trade group said Tuesday.
E-health and telemedicine applications will need to have priority routing over broadband networks in order to function properly, said David McClure, president and CEO of the U.S. Internet Industry Association (USIIA), which represents broadband providers and other Internet-based companies. Any legislation that would prohibit providers from prioritizing network traffic would be detrimental to e-health initiatives, he said.
WashingtonPost
What does everyone think?
Should health related communications have routing priorty over entertainment and others? SV
An ISP trade group says government regulation ensures health initiatives get transmission priority.
Grant Gross
PC World
Wednesday, August 15, 2007; 9:19 AM
U.S. lawmakers should avoid passing net neutrality laws as a way to help electronic-health initiatives move forward, an Internet provider trade group said Tuesday.
E-health and telemedicine applications will need to have priority routing over broadband networks in order to function properly, said David McClure, president and CEO of the U.S. Internet Industry Association (USIIA), which represents broadband providers and other Internet-based companies. Any legislation that would prohibit providers from prioritizing network traffic would be detrimental to e-health initiatives, he said.
WashingtonPost
State Alliance for e-Health Adopts Taskforce Recommendations
BURLINGTON, VT—The State Alliance for e-Health (State Alliance) today adopted the following recommendations from two of its three taskforces. Full text of the recommendations will be available Thursday, August 16, please visit www.nga.org/center/ehealth.
The Health Care Practice Taskforce is charged by the State Alliance with identifying and addressing issues pertaining to the regulatory, legal and professional standards that have an impact on the practice of medicine and create barriers to interoperable, electronic health information exchange.
The Health Information Protection Taskforce is charged by the State Alliance with identifying and addressing issues pertaining to the privacy and security of consumer health information while allowing for seamless electronic health information exchange within and across states
National Governors Association
BURLINGTON, VT—The State Alliance for e-Health (State Alliance) today adopted the following recommendations from two of its three taskforces. Full text of the recommendations will be available Thursday, August 16, please visit www.nga.org/center/ehealth.
The Health Care Practice Taskforce is charged by the State Alliance with identifying and addressing issues pertaining to the regulatory, legal and professional standards that have an impact on the practice of medicine and create barriers to interoperable, electronic health information exchange.
The Health Information Protection Taskforce is charged by the State Alliance with identifying and addressing issues pertaining to the privacy and security of consumer health information while allowing for seamless electronic health information exchange within and across states
National Governors Association
The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services is now available
The 2nd Edition of The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Physicians, Providers, Suppliers, and Other Health Care Professionals is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Learning Network (MLN). This comprehensive guide provides fee-for-service health care providers and suppliers with coverage, coding, billing and reimbursement information for preventive services and screenings covered by Medicare. This guide gives clinicians and their staff the information they need to help them in recommending Medicare-covered preventive services and screenings that are right for their Medicare patients and provides information needed to effectively bill Medicare for services furnished. To view online, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/mps_guide_web-061305.pdf (5.05MB) on the CMS website.
The 2nd Edition of The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Physicians, Providers, Suppliers, and Other Health Care Professionals is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Learning Network (MLN). This comprehensive guide provides fee-for-service health care providers and suppliers with coverage, coding, billing and reimbursement information for preventive services and screenings covered by Medicare. This guide gives clinicians and their staff the information they need to help them in recommending Medicare-covered preventive services and screenings that are right for their Medicare patients and provides information needed to effectively bill Medicare for services furnished. To view online, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/mps_guide_web-061305.pdf (5.05MB) on the CMS website.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Center for Improving Medication Management:SURESCRIPTS® JOINS WITH PHYSICIANS, PAYERS AND EMPLOYERS TO IMPROVE TECHNOLOGY’S IMPACT ON MEDICATION SAFETY
It is good to see the private sector working with a Medical Academy to promote best practices. SV
SureScripts, founded by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), today announced that it is collaborating with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), Humana Inc., Intel Corporation, and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) to launch The Center for Improving Medication Management.
Operating as a center of excellence, The Center will initiate programs to gather and disseminate best practices for deployment of technology that electronically links physicians, pharmacists and patients. The Center will conduct research that details how physicians, pharmacists and patients can use technology and health information exchange to improve the way medications are prescribed, filled, used and evaluated for patient outcomes – i.e. to improve the way medications are managed. For certain projects, SureScripts and The Center’s co-founders – AAFP, BCBS Association, Humana Inc., Intel, MGMA – will work with additional organizations to support The Center’s mission, including some of the nation’s leading research organizations.
The Center for Improving Medication Management
It is good to see the private sector working with a Medical Academy to promote best practices. SV
SureScripts, founded by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), today announced that it is collaborating with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), Humana Inc., Intel Corporation, and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) to launch The Center for Improving Medication Management.
Operating as a center of excellence, The Center will initiate programs to gather and disseminate best practices for deployment of technology that electronically links physicians, pharmacists and patients. The Center will conduct research that details how physicians, pharmacists and patients can use technology and health information exchange to improve the way medications are prescribed, filled, used and evaluated for patient outcomes – i.e. to improve the way medications are managed. For certain projects, SureScripts and The Center’s co-founders – AAFP, BCBS Association, Humana Inc., Intel, MGMA – will work with additional organizations to support The Center’s mission, including some of the nation’s leading research organizations.
The Center for Improving Medication Management
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Fujitsu LifeBook T2010 Tablet PC just released.
I've used the 1510 for almost two years. It has an 8.9 inch screen and has worked very well. This could very well become my second Fujitsu once they offer the solid state hard drive. SV
The newest, innovative LifeBook T2010 sports the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor, a brilliant 12.1-inch wide active digitizer display with wide viewing angles, and a robust bi-directional hinge. Weighing approximately 3.5 lbs, with durable magnesium-alloy housing and extensive security features, the T2010 is perfect for users who desire a reliable, ultra-light yet powerful Tablet PC with all-day computing capability with the optional high-capacity battery to get your work done.
Fujitsu
I've used the 1510 for almost two years. It has an 8.9 inch screen and has worked very well. This could very well become my second Fujitsu once they offer the solid state hard drive. SV
The newest, innovative LifeBook T2010 sports the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor, a brilliant 12.1-inch wide active digitizer display with wide viewing angles, and a robust bi-directional hinge. Weighing approximately 3.5 lbs, with durable magnesium-alloy housing and extensive security features, the T2010 is perfect for users who desire a reliable, ultra-light yet powerful Tablet PC with all-day computing capability with the optional high-capacity battery to get your work done.
Fujitsu
ACP joins UnitedHealth and physician groups on medical home in Florida
It wouldn't hurt to have an EHR.
I know a few groups in NYC that would like to participate. SV
Last week ACP joined with UnitedHealth Group, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to announce the planned launch a pilot project of the patient-centered medical home.
The patient-centered medical home is a model of care designed to improve patients’ total health and care delivery through patients partnering with their primary care physicians. The physician, as leader of a multidisciplinary care team, takes responsibility for the whole care of the patient and coordinates that care with other physicians and professionals across the full spectrum on an ongoing basis. The pilot program will be launched in approximately six primary care practices in Florida.
This program will mark the first time that physicians are compensated with enhanced payments to reward the extensive work related to patient care that takes place outside the physician-patient encounter and to recognize the costs to the practice of maintaining the capability to provide patient-centered care. UnitedHealth Group and the medical societies have commissioned an independent research study on the pilot program.
ACP
It wouldn't hurt to have an EHR.
I know a few groups in NYC that would like to participate. SV
Last week ACP joined with UnitedHealth Group, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to announce the planned launch a pilot project of the patient-centered medical home.
The patient-centered medical home is a model of care designed to improve patients’ total health and care delivery through patients partnering with their primary care physicians. The physician, as leader of a multidisciplinary care team, takes responsibility for the whole care of the patient and coordinates that care with other physicians and professionals across the full spectrum on an ongoing basis. The pilot program will be launched in approximately six primary care practices in Florida.
This program will mark the first time that physicians are compensated with enhanced payments to reward the extensive work related to patient care that takes place outside the physician-patient encounter and to recognize the costs to the practice of maintaining the capability to provide patient-centered care. UnitedHealth Group and the medical societies have commissioned an independent research study on the pilot program.
ACP
Friday, August 10, 2007
Commissioner Daines Announces Statewide Plan to Enable Improvements in Health Care Quality, Affordability and Outcomes Through Health Information Technology
This represents an excellent opportunity to bring EHRs and HIT Collaboratives to small and medium sized practices. SV
ALBANY, N.Y., August 8, 2007 – Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today announced the launch of a comprehensive health information technology program, part of Governor Eliot Spitzer's agenda to advance patient-centered care and enable improvements in health care quality, affordability and outcomes for each person, family and business in New York.
An initial $106 million will be invested in the health care community during 2007-2008 to support the implementation of health IT tools to allow portability of patients' medical records and new tools to assess and target improvements in health care quality.
The Commissioner has charged his new Office of Health Information Technology Transformation with coordinating health IT programs and policies across the public and private health care sectors. These programs and policies will establish the health IT infrastructure and capacity to support clinicians in quality-based reimbursement programs and new models of care delivery.
DOH's effort is part of Governor Spitzer's 'Patients First' health care agenda to improve the quality of health care as it shifts from institution-based care to community care. The following key objectives will drive DOH's investment in a community-based health information infrastructure, including:
* Ensuring the privacy and security of patients' individually identified health information, and supporting the right of New Yorkers to have greater control over and secure access to their personal health information.
* Providing public information about the quality and cost of care by payers and providers so consumers can compare costs and value.
* Using health IT as a tool to support better management of chronic disease, community-based long-term care, improved public health surveillance and reporting, and a modified certificate-of-need process to advance health care reform.
* Providing health IT tools required for validated quality measurement and reporting to support reimbursement reform, which is under way in the Medicaid program – the largest health care insurance payer in the state.
* Helping prepare New Yorkers for health care emergencies by developing the capacity to receive and exchange health care information, such as medications and lab test results.
* Helping clinicians and providers in small practices, community health centers and rural and under-served areas close the health IT gap between them and larger or urban institutions. This requires development of a sustainable financing plan, which includes public- and private-sector investment in health IT.
* Increasing the use of telemedicine, remote monitoring devices and other medical device applications to exchange information regardless of the venue where the patient receives services.
NY HEALTH
This represents an excellent opportunity to bring EHRs and HIT Collaboratives to small and medium sized practices. SV
ALBANY, N.Y., August 8, 2007 – Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., today announced the launch of a comprehensive health information technology program, part of Governor Eliot Spitzer's agenda to advance patient-centered care and enable improvements in health care quality, affordability and outcomes for each person, family and business in New York.
An initial $106 million will be invested in the health care community during 2007-2008 to support the implementation of health IT tools to allow portability of patients' medical records and new tools to assess and target improvements in health care quality.
The Commissioner has charged his new Office of Health Information Technology Transformation with coordinating health IT programs and policies across the public and private health care sectors. These programs and policies will establish the health IT infrastructure and capacity to support clinicians in quality-based reimbursement programs and new models of care delivery.
DOH's effort is part of Governor Spitzer's 'Patients First' health care agenda to improve the quality of health care as it shifts from institution-based care to community care. The following key objectives will drive DOH's investment in a community-based health information infrastructure, including:
* Ensuring the privacy and security of patients' individually identified health information, and supporting the right of New Yorkers to have greater control over and secure access to their personal health information.
* Providing public information about the quality and cost of care by payers and providers so consumers can compare costs and value.
* Using health IT as a tool to support better management of chronic disease, community-based long-term care, improved public health surveillance and reporting, and a modified certificate-of-need process to advance health care reform.
* Providing health IT tools required for validated quality measurement and reporting to support reimbursement reform, which is under way in the Medicaid program – the largest health care insurance payer in the state.
* Helping prepare New Yorkers for health care emergencies by developing the capacity to receive and exchange health care information, such as medications and lab test results.
* Helping clinicians and providers in small practices, community health centers and rural and under-served areas close the health IT gap between them and larger or urban institutions. This requires development of a sustainable financing plan, which includes public- and private-sector investment in health IT.
* Increasing the use of telemedicine, remote monitoring devices and other medical device applications to exchange information regardless of the venue where the patient receives services.
NY HEALTH
ONCHIT's report for reducing fraud and improving data accuracy available
Of the recommendations:
22% can be mapped to current CCHIT criteria
45% can be partially mapped
23% are completely new
There's a lot of work ahead.
SV
ONCHIT
Of the recommendations:
22% can be mapped to current CCHIT criteria
45% can be partially mapped
23% are completely new
There's a lot of work ahead.
SV
ONCHIT
Friday, August 03, 2007
Rhode Island to Statewide Health Information Exchange System with EDS
A well-funded and designed "backbone" will greatly facilitate transfer of information from the multiple IT silos: doctors' and hospitals' EHRs. SV
Rhode Island is now one step closer to implementing a health information system that will allow physicians, with their patient's permission, to access important patient health data from a variety of sources when and where it is needed. The State has chosen Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS), and its subcontractor InterSystems Corporation, to build and integrate the necessary technology and software.
Rhode Island
A well-funded and designed "backbone" will greatly facilitate transfer of information from the multiple IT silos: doctors' and hospitals' EHRs. SV
Rhode Island is now one step closer to implementing a health information system that will allow physicians, with their patient's permission, to access important patient health data from a variety of sources when and where it is needed. The State has chosen Electronic Data Systems Corporation (EDS), and its subcontractor InterSystems Corporation, to build and integrate the necessary technology and software.
Rhode Island
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Vermont Health Information Technology (VITL) Plan Completed
Congratulations Vermont! SV
Monday, July 30, 2007
Montpelier, Vt. – Vermont Information Technology Leaders, Inc. (VITL), a non-profit public-private partnership, today announced the completion of the Vermont Health Information Technology Plan. The 140-page document provides Vermont with a roadmap for encouraging the use of health information technology and creating a statewide secure network for exchanging data between health care organizations.
The Vermont Health Information Technology Plan identifies a set of four core objectives for a five-year planning cycle:
Encourage and enable the deployment and use of electronic health record systems within the state to increase the amount of health information that exists in electronic form.
Establish and operate the infrastructure necessary to promote a secure electronic health information exchange to achieve the plan’s vision.
Empower consumers to take an active role in electronic health information initiatives in Vermont.
Enable public health agencies to leverage health information technology/health information exchange investments to monitor and ensure the public’s health more transparently and quickly.
VITL
Congratulations Vermont! SV
Monday, July 30, 2007
Montpelier, Vt. – Vermont Information Technology Leaders, Inc. (VITL), a non-profit public-private partnership, today announced the completion of the Vermont Health Information Technology Plan. The 140-page document provides Vermont with a roadmap for encouraging the use of health information technology and creating a statewide secure network for exchanging data between health care organizations.
The Vermont Health Information Technology Plan identifies a set of four core objectives for a five-year planning cycle:
Encourage and enable the deployment and use of electronic health record systems within the state to increase the amount of health information that exists in electronic form.
Establish and operate the infrastructure necessary to promote a secure electronic health information exchange to achieve the plan’s vision.
Empower consumers to take an active role in electronic health information initiatives in Vermont.
Enable public health agencies to leverage health information technology/health information exchange investments to monitor and ensure the public’s health more transparently and quickly.
VITL
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) EHR guidelines
Here's an easy to read resource. SV
HRSA
Here's an easy to read resource. SV
HRSA
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Online Podcast: Online CME, What's Available?
This podcast is provided by Medical Economics and Ortho-McNeil Neurologics
Online CME podcast #2 of 3
This podcast is provided by Medical Economics and Ortho-McNeil Neurologics
Online CME podcast #2 of 3
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Dell Latitude XT convertible tablet PC, first look
Should be coming out later this year.
More details as they become available. SV
Dell video demo
Should be coming out later this year.
More details as they become available. SV
Dell video demo
Saturday, July 28, 2007
THE PRESIDENT’S COMMISSION ON CARE FOR AMERICA’S RETURNING WOUNDED WARRIORS
A key recommendation is to facilitate the seemless transfer of medical information between the DoD and the VA as well as a site to review benefit information. Perhaps a PHR is in the works, if so, hopefully it will be built along standards that permit bi-directional transfer with commercial products. SV
Recommendation #5: DoD and VA must move quickly to get clinical and benefit data to users. In addition, DoD and VA should jointly develop an interactive “My eBenefits” website that provides a single information source for service members.
Goals: Support a patient-centered system of care and efficient practices.
Commission Report
A key recommendation is to facilitate the seemless transfer of medical information between the DoD and the VA as well as a site to review benefit information. Perhaps a PHR is in the works, if so, hopefully it will be built along standards that permit bi-directional transfer with commercial products. SV
Recommendation #5: DoD and VA must move quickly to get clinical and benefit data to users. In addition, DoD and VA should jointly develop an interactive “My eBenefits” website that provides a single information source for service members.
Goals: Support a patient-centered system of care and efficient practices.
Commission Report
EHR study: Practices without EHRs faired better overall on Quality Score Review, Archives of Internal Medicine
The study is based upon data from 2003-2004. Many of the systems lacked Clinical Decision Support as well as e-Prescribing. While four years may not seem like long time for some people, a lot has happened since 2004: CCHIT, SureScripts adoption, RxHub adoption, inclusion of Epocrates, Skyscapes and Multum into EHRs. As the products have evolved, they have moved from simple documentation systems to health guidance systems. The real challenge, is to teach the practices to use the Decision Support/Point of Care options that are increasing available and help them be more comfortable with the transition from a paper based practice to an electronic one. SV
Archives of Internal Medicine
The study is based upon data from 2003-2004. Many of the systems lacked Clinical Decision Support as well as e-Prescribing. While four years may not seem like long time for some people, a lot has happened since 2004: CCHIT, SureScripts adoption, RxHub adoption, inclusion of Epocrates, Skyscapes and Multum into EHRs. As the products have evolved, they have moved from simple documentation systems to health guidance systems. The real challenge, is to teach the practices to use the Decision Support/Point of Care options that are increasing available and help them be more comfortable with the transition from a paper based practice to an electronic one. SV
Archives of Internal Medicine
Monday, July 23, 2007
QuadraMed to Acquire Misys Computerized Patient Record (CPR)
Reston, VA — July 22, 2007 — QuadraMed® Corporation (Amex: QD) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Computerized Patient Record (CPR) assets of Misys Healthcare, a division of Misys plc (FTSE: MSY.L), for $33 million in cash. Misys CPR is a leading enterprise-wide computerized patient record and electronic health record system. This transaction is expected to close within sixty days. Following the closing, QuadraMed will file additional financial information in connection with its public company reporting obligations.
"Adding the CPR product to QuadraMed’s suite of healthcare solutions is a key step in our plan to accelerate QuadraMed’s growth while delivering on our Care-Based Revenue Cycle strategy," said Keith Hagen, CEO of QuadraMed. "As a result of this acquisition, QuadraMed will be positioned to support the clinical information systems needs of large complex hospitals and healthcare delivery systems, particularly those focused on full clinical integration, clinical decision support and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). Each of these is an important component of our healthcare industry’s quest to increase patient safety and quality.
QuadraMed
Reston, VA — July 22, 2007 — QuadraMed® Corporation (Amex: QD) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Computerized Patient Record (CPR) assets of Misys Healthcare, a division of Misys plc (FTSE: MSY.L), for $33 million in cash. Misys CPR is a leading enterprise-wide computerized patient record and electronic health record system. This transaction is expected to close within sixty days. Following the closing, QuadraMed will file additional financial information in connection with its public company reporting obligations.
"Adding the CPR product to QuadraMed’s suite of healthcare solutions is a key step in our plan to accelerate QuadraMed’s growth while delivering on our Care-Based Revenue Cycle strategy," said Keith Hagen, CEO of QuadraMed. "As a result of this acquisition, QuadraMed will be positioned to support the clinical information systems needs of large complex hospitals and healthcare delivery systems, particularly those focused on full clinical integration, clinical decision support and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE). Each of these is an important component of our healthcare industry’s quest to increase patient safety and quality.
QuadraMed
Sunday, July 22, 2007
PHYSICIAN GROUPS IMPROVE QUALITY AND GENERATE SAVINGS UNDER MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAY FOR PERFORMANCE DEMONSTRATION
I believe most if not all had HIT in place.SV
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced today that all participating physician groups improved the clinical management of diabetes patients in the first year of the three-year Medicare Physician Group Practice (PGP) Demonstration. This demonstration rewards providers for coordinating and managing the overall health care needs of Medicare patients with chronic conditions.
Under the demonstration, which began April 1, 2005, physician groups continue to be paid on a fee-for-service basis and have the opportunity to share in savings generated from enhancements in care management.
All ten of the participating physician groups - Billings Clinic, Everett Clinic, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic, Forsyth Medical Group, Geisinger Clinic, Middlesex Health System, Marshfield Clinic, Park Nicollet Health Services, St. John's Health System, and the University of Michigan Faculty Group Practice - achieved benchmark or target performance on at least seven of the ten diabetes clinical quality measures. Two physician groups -- Forsyth Medical Group and St. John's Health System - met all ten benchmarks.
These physician groups have redesigned care to improve clinical quality and to create more efficient and effective delivery systems. As a result, in addition to the quality improvements across all groups, two groups - Marshfield Clinic and University of Michigan Faculty Group Practice - earned performance payments for quality and efficiency of $7.3 million as their share of the $9.5 million in savings to the Medicare program. Additional groups had lower Medicare spending growth rates than their local markets but not sufficiently lower to share in savings.
CMS
I believe most if not all had HIT in place.SV
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced today that all participating physician groups improved the clinical management of diabetes patients in the first year of the three-year Medicare Physician Group Practice (PGP) Demonstration. This demonstration rewards providers for coordinating and managing the overall health care needs of Medicare patients with chronic conditions.
Under the demonstration, which began April 1, 2005, physician groups continue to be paid on a fee-for-service basis and have the opportunity to share in savings generated from enhancements in care management.
All ten of the participating physician groups - Billings Clinic, Everett Clinic, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic, Forsyth Medical Group, Geisinger Clinic, Middlesex Health System, Marshfield Clinic, Park Nicollet Health Services, St. John's Health System, and the University of Michigan Faculty Group Practice - achieved benchmark or target performance on at least seven of the ten diabetes clinical quality measures. Two physician groups -- Forsyth Medical Group and St. John's Health System - met all ten benchmarks.
These physician groups have redesigned care to improve clinical quality and to create more efficient and effective delivery systems. As a result, in addition to the quality improvements across all groups, two groups - Marshfield Clinic and University of Michigan Faculty Group Practice - earned performance payments for quality and efficiency of $7.3 million as their share of the $9.5 million in savings to the Medicare program. Additional groups had lower Medicare spending growth rates than their local markets but not sufficiently lower to share in savings.
CMS
Dell Vostro, a better solution for small business?
It looks like Dell may be taking customer feedback more seriously:
no trialware, better support, off-site back up, easy networking.
In Italian, Vostro means your, as in "your business computer".
What do you think? SV
Introducing DellTM VostroTM , a new suite of notebooks, desktops and services designed exclusively for small businesses with 1-25 employees, simple or no networks and limited or no in-house IT support. Every Vostro comes complete with:
No trialware.
Customers said they hated trialware, so we took it away. Vostro systems come without annoying trialware pre-installed. You only get the software you want.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee1.
No restocking or return shipping fees. Try yours today, worry-free.
Dell's most comprehensive standard services for small businesses.
Vostro systems come with the level of services small businesses need: Let Dell technicians remotely troubleshoot your system with DellConnectTM 2.
Includes 1-Year 10GB DataSafeTM Online Data Backup subscription to help protect your data.
Includes 1-Year PC TuneUp3 to keep your system running efficiently.
Connect easily to simple networks with Network Assistant.
DELL
It looks like Dell may be taking customer feedback more seriously:
no trialware, better support, off-site back up, easy networking.
In Italian, Vostro means your, as in "your business computer".
What do you think? SV
Introducing DellTM VostroTM , a new suite of notebooks, desktops and services designed exclusively for small businesses with 1-25 employees, simple or no networks and limited or no in-house IT support. Every Vostro comes complete with:
No trialware.
Customers said they hated trialware, so we took it away. Vostro systems come without annoying trialware pre-installed. You only get the software you want.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee1.
No restocking or return shipping fees. Try yours today, worry-free.
Dell's most comprehensive standard services for small businesses.
Vostro systems come with the level of services small businesses need: Let Dell technicians remotely troubleshoot your system with DellConnectTM 2.
Includes 1-Year 10GB DataSafeTM Online Data Backup subscription to help protect your data.
Includes 1-Year PC TuneUp3 to keep your system running efficiently.
Connect easily to simple networks with Network Assistant.
DELL
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Parkland Hospital Deploys Galvanon’s MediKiosk™ in the ER to Decrease Patient Wait Times
MAITLAND, Fla. – Parkland Health & Hospital System, based in Dallas, recently launched self-service check-in kiosks in the emergency room to speed the delivery of care and streamline registration processes. The technology, called MediKiosk, is provided by Galvanon, a subsidiary of NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR).
“My hope with this system is that we can provide a more comfortable check-in process,” said Jennifer Sharpe, director, emergency services, at Parkland Hospital. “It also allows us to better manage those who are waiting, by selecting patients based on medical criteria, not waiting time.”
According to a June 2007 report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of patient visits to emergency rooms increased to an all-time high of 115 million in 2005. The National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey shows an increase of 5.1 million emergency room visits in 2005. This represents an average of 219 visits to U.S. emergency rooms every minute.
Three self-service check-in stations in the Parkland emergency room triage area offer patients the option of interacting in either English or Spanish. Instead of waiting in line to explain their symptoms, patients can identify themselves at one of the kiosks by entering their name, along with an additional identifier, such as a birth date. Patients then use the kiosk’s touch screen to identify their symptoms by pointing to areas on a body diagram where they feel pain and answering brief questions about the nature of their visit.
Video
Galvanon
MAITLAND, Fla. – Parkland Health & Hospital System, based in Dallas, recently launched self-service check-in kiosks in the emergency room to speed the delivery of care and streamline registration processes. The technology, called MediKiosk, is provided by Galvanon, a subsidiary of NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR).
“My hope with this system is that we can provide a more comfortable check-in process,” said Jennifer Sharpe, director, emergency services, at Parkland Hospital. “It also allows us to better manage those who are waiting, by selecting patients based on medical criteria, not waiting time.”
According to a June 2007 report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of patient visits to emergency rooms increased to an all-time high of 115 million in 2005. The National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey shows an increase of 5.1 million emergency room visits in 2005. This represents an average of 219 visits to U.S. emergency rooms every minute.
Three self-service check-in stations in the Parkland emergency room triage area offer patients the option of interacting in either English or Spanish. Instead of waiting in line to explain their symptoms, patients can identify themselves at one of the kiosks by entering their name, along with an additional identifier, such as a birth date. Patients then use the kiosk’s touch screen to identify their symptoms by pointing to areas on a body diagram where they feel pain and answering brief questions about the nature of their visit.
Video
Galvanon
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
PQRI: Is your claims clearing house stripping away your NPI?
It has come to the attention of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that some Clearinghouses are stripping the National Provider Identifier (NPI) prior to submission of the claim to Medicare. This will adversely affect Eligible Professionals in that these claims will not count toward PQRI participation. CMS urges Eligible Professionals that use clearinghouses to check with their clearinghouse to assure NPIs are not being stripped from claims. If the Eligible Professional determines that their clearinghouse is stripping NPIs from the claim, the Eligible Professional may want to consider other billing options.
It has come to the attention of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that some Clearinghouses are stripping the National Provider Identifier (NPI) prior to submission of the claim to Medicare. This will adversely affect Eligible Professionals in that these claims will not count toward PQRI participation. CMS urges Eligible Professionals that use clearinghouses to check with their clearinghouse to assure NPIs are not being stripped from claims. If the Eligible Professional determines that their clearinghouse is stripping NPIs from the claim, the Eligible Professional may want to consider other billing options.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Web 2.0 vs Onboard Software Survey for the iPhone
Are the limited number of software options blocking your purchase of the iPhone?
Let us know. SV
iPhone survey
Are the limited number of software options blocking your purchase of the iPhone?
Let us know. SV
iPhone survey
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
CCHIT Town Call: Inpatient EHR Certification for 2007
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) regularly schedules Town Calls to discuss its progress and proposed direction with members of the healthcare community.
NEXT TOWN CALL: Inpatient EHR Certification
11 AM EDT / 8 AM PDT
July 12, 2007
Call-in Number: (877) 313-5342
Conference ID Number: 5450233
The presentation will be available prior to the call at www.cchit.org/towncall.
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) regularly schedules Town Calls to discuss its progress and proposed direction with members of the healthcare community.
NEXT TOWN CALL: Inpatient EHR Certification
11 AM EDT / 8 AM PDT
July 12, 2007
Call-in Number: (877) 313-5342
Conference ID Number: 5450233
The presentation will be available prior to the call at www.cchit.org/towncall.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Health Information Technology (HIT) Implementation Testing and Support web site for the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) Initiative launched
This web site, developed in partnership between the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT), Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) provides HIT implementers with access to the tools and resources needed to support and test their implementation of standards-based health systems.
This site provides information about the key initiatives that serve as the foundation for the nationwide health IT infrastructure. It provides an overview of the HITSP Interoperability Specifications and the standards that they reference; and provides access to the test resources that are available to support their implementations. On this site, you will also find links to additional information about CCHIT, HITSP, our test approach, and how you can contribute to the on-going expansion of this site as a testing partner.
NIST
This web site, developed in partnership between the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT), Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) provides HIT implementers with access to the tools and resources needed to support and test their implementation of standards-based health systems.
This site provides information about the key initiatives that serve as the foundation for the nationwide health IT infrastructure. It provides an overview of the HITSP Interoperability Specifications and the standards that they reference; and provides access to the test resources that are available to support their implementations. On this site, you will also find links to additional information about CCHIT, HITSP, our test approach, and how you can contribute to the on-going expansion of this site as a testing partner.
NIST
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Tennessee uses Shared Health's Clinical Health Record (CHR)
Until individual practices are set up with EHRs, state wide initiatives like Shared Health can provide access to some helpful data such immunizations, lab results from reference labs and prescription data from PBMs. Since this is based on claims data, some reservations about its accuracy remain. SV
Shared Health
Until individual practices are set up with EHRs, state wide initiatives like Shared Health can provide access to some helpful data such immunizations, lab results from reference labs and prescription data from PBMs. Since this is based on claims data, some reservations about its accuracy remain. SV
Shared Health
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Missouri CyberAccess, Electronic Health Record Program for Medicaid
Health Information Technology is increasingly being used by states to improve care and potentially find savings for their Medicaid programs. SV
An innovative Electronic Health Record (EHR) program for Medicaid recipients is available to their healthcare providers. The Web-based tool, called CyberAccess sm , allows physicians to prescribe electronically, view diagnosis data, receive alerts, select appropriate preferred medications, and electronically request drug and medical prior authorizations for their Medicaid patients.
The Division of Medical Services contracts with ACS Heritage, Inc. to provide CyberAccesssm. To become a CyberAccesssm user, contact the ACS Heritage help desk at 888-581-9797 or 573-632-9797, or send an E-mail to MoMedCyberaccess@heritage-info.com. ACS Heritage staff will set up individual training sessions with each provider site that requests access to the Web tool.
CyberAccess sm is the first step toward a comprehensive electronic health record for Medicaid recipients. In the coming months, the Division will continue its commitment to EHR by expanding the number of providers with access to the system and by implementing a Web based plan of care for certain recipients.
MISSOURI DSS
Health Information Technology is increasingly being used by states to improve care and potentially find savings for their Medicaid programs. SV
An innovative Electronic Health Record (EHR) program for Medicaid recipients is available to their healthcare providers. The Web-based tool, called CyberAccess sm , allows physicians to prescribe electronically, view diagnosis data, receive alerts, select appropriate preferred medications, and electronically request drug and medical prior authorizations for their Medicaid patients.
The Division of Medical Services contracts with ACS Heritage, Inc. to provide CyberAccesssm. To become a CyberAccesssm user, contact the ACS Heritage help desk at 888-581-9797 or 573-632-9797, or send an E-mail to MoMedCyberaccess@heritage-info.com. ACS Heritage staff will set up individual training sessions with each provider site that requests access to the Web tool.
CyberAccess sm is the first step toward a comprehensive electronic health record for Medicaid recipients. In the coming months, the Division will continue its commitment to EHR by expanding the number of providers with access to the system and by implementing a Web based plan of care for certain recipients.
MISSOURI DSS
Thursday, July 05, 2007
CMS (Medicare) will retire exemption permitting electronic prescriptions sent by fax in 2009
This will have a major impact on the industry for all involved. Pharmacies stand to save $1 to $2 by having prescriptions submitted directly via network like SureScripts using the NCPDP standards. Software vendors should see a boost in sales. Of course, the ball is now in their court to make sure their products are up to the task. Physicians will have to modify their workflow to include e-Prescribing. Fortunately there are free solutions like NEPSI and MCO sponsored initiatives that should absorb the cost of software and hardware. Perhaps some PBMs will even share in the savings with the physician community. Patient safety and convenience will improve also.
For the non-speed readers, the important pages are 394 and 401. SV
CMS Ruling
This will have a major impact on the industry for all involved. Pharmacies stand to save $1 to $2 by having prescriptions submitted directly via network like SureScripts using the NCPDP standards. Software vendors should see a boost in sales. Of course, the ball is now in their court to make sure their products are up to the task. Physicians will have to modify their workflow to include e-Prescribing. Fortunately there are free solutions like NEPSI and MCO sponsored initiatives that should absorb the cost of software and hardware. Perhaps some PBMs will even share in the savings with the physician community. Patient safety and convenience will improve also.
For the non-speed readers, the important pages are 394 and 401. SV
CMS Ruling
Monday, July 02, 2007
Apple iPhone medical applications from Unbound Medicine
While the iPhone does not permit loading applications the way Symbian and Windows Mobile do, you can use the cellular or WiFi connection to view books online. While not as convenient as non-connected access, it also means that the references should be updated centrally as with any ASP system. Let us know how what you think. SV
Unbound Medicine offers a wide choice of medical products for the iPhone, placing emphasis on well known, regularly updated references. Among the popular titles available are Harrison’s Manual of Medicine and Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests from McGraw-Hill, 5-Minute Clinical Consult from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Red Book® from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Davis’s Drug Guide and Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary from F.A. Davis. Unbound MEDLINE rounds out the offering, allowing clinicians to track favorite medical journals and quickly search more than 17 million journal articles.
Unbound Medicine’s customized iPhone interface takes full advantage of the built-in Safari™ web browser to give health professionals quick answers over cellular and WiFi networks. Users navigate intuitively
by tapping on index terms or by entering searches into clinician-friendly forms. Cross-links and lists of related content instantly take a clinician from a disease management discussion to a drug monograph for the correct dose, possible interactions, and adverse effects of a recommended medication.
Unbound Medicine
While the iPhone does not permit loading applications the way Symbian and Windows Mobile do, you can use the cellular or WiFi connection to view books online. While not as convenient as non-connected access, it also means that the references should be updated centrally as with any ASP system. Let us know how what you think. SV
Unbound Medicine offers a wide choice of medical products for the iPhone, placing emphasis on well known, regularly updated references. Among the popular titles available are Harrison’s Manual of Medicine and Pocket Guide to Diagnostic Tests from McGraw-Hill, 5-Minute Clinical Consult from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Red Book® from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Davis’s Drug Guide and Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary from F.A. Davis. Unbound MEDLINE rounds out the offering, allowing clinicians to track favorite medical journals and quickly search more than 17 million journal articles.
Unbound Medicine’s customized iPhone interface takes full advantage of the built-in Safari™ web browser to give health professionals quick answers over cellular and WiFi networks. Users navigate intuitively
by tapping on index terms or by entering searches into clinician-friendly forms. Cross-links and lists of related content instantly take a clinician from a disease management discussion to a drug monograph for the correct dose, possible interactions, and adverse effects of a recommended medication.
Unbound Medicine
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