NYS HEAL 10 Awards

Nearly $60 million of the funding, through HEAL NY Phase 10, will go to community-based health information technology (IT) projects to build a more streamlined approach to sharing patient information. These projects will lead to significant savings in health care in the coming years. Unnecessary paperwork and redundancies throughout the system will be removed, and doctors and nurses will have better access to information of patients who transfers from one medical center to another.

These reforms are based on the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, which health care professionals believe to be the most effective in treating a patient – by establishing a partnership among doctors, nurses, patients and their families to ensure that patients have the support they need to participate in their own care.

Big local winners:

IPRO
Maimonides
North Shore/LIJ
NYC DOHMH PCIP

HEAL NY Phase 10, 11, 12 by Region

HHS Secretary Sebelius Releases $27.8 Million in HIT Recovery Act Funds

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced awards totaling $27.8 million to health center-controlled networks and large multi-site health centers to implement electronic health records (EHR) and other health information technology (HIT) innovations. The funds are part of the $2 billion allotted to HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to expand health care services to low-income and uninsured individuals through its health center program.

HHS

NYC DOHMH PCIP:Electronic Health Records: Free Open House

On Thursday, October 15, 2009 the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is hosting the first PCIP Open House, where providers can meet the PCIP team and hear how to switch from paper records to secure Electronic Health Records. Presentations will cover how to use an EHR to improve patient care, meet federal incentive payment requirements, and protect sensitive patient data.

If you are already using eClinicalWorks, you can earn $500 in eCW credit by referring a colleague to the program. Feel free to pass along the flyer to any interested physicians.

161 William St. 6th Floor
Google Map

If you or any colleagues would like to attend, simply RSVP to pcip@health.nyc.gov.

For more info, see the full invitation.

North Shore-LI Investing $400M to Connect Physicians with HIT powered by Allscripts


GREAT NECK, NY -- The North Shore-LIJ Health System announced today it is subsidizing up to 85 percent of the cost of implementing and operating an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system in the offices of its more than 7,000 affiliated physicians in New York City and Long Island – part of a $400 million investment to strengthen the quality of care throughout the region by automating inpatient and outpatient records in all medical settings, including 13 hospitals. In implementing the largest EHR program in the New York metropolitan area and one of the largest in the nation, North Shore-LIJ will provide physicians with individual subsidies of up to $40,000 over five years.

To market the service to North Shore-LIJ’s vast network of physicians, Allscripts is working with Henry Schein Inc., (NASDAQ: HSIC), the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners. While all physicians are eligible to enroll in the EHR, initial priority will be given to primary care physicians and specialists treating chronic diseases affecting large segments of the population.


NSLIJ

Allscripts

NY TIMES

Biden announces $1.2 Billion Grants to assist hosptials and physicians implement EHRs in 2010

The regional health extension centers could help fast track practices that have not yet implemented EHRs so as to qualify for the 2011 ARRA grants. SV

The grants made available today include:

* Grants totaling $598 million to establish approximately 70 Health Information Technology Regional Extension Centers, which will provide hospitals and clinicians with hands-on technical assistance in the selection, acquisition, implementation, and meaningful use of certified electronic health record systems.
* Grants totaling $564 million to States and Qualified State Designated Entities (SDEs) to support the development of mechanisms for information sharing within an emerging nationwide system of networks.

The Extension Center grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, with the first awards being issued in fiscal year 2010. Grants to States will be made in fiscal year 2010. Those interested in applying for these grants may visit http://HealthIT.HHS.gov for more information.

Health Information Technology Extension Program

State Health Information Exchange Cooperative Programb

Stethoscopes, Scalpels, and Electronic Health Records (EHRs) – Required Tools of the Trade

September 25, 2009

Conference Agenda

Registration Link

7:15 – 8:00 AM Registration

8:00 – 8:30 AM
Opening Welcome
Introduction by George Hickman, FHIMSS, CPHIMS, EVP & CIO, Albany Medical Center
Julie Brucker, Director of HIM, Seton Health; President, NYHIMA
Sal Volpe, MD, Private Practice, Staten Island, NY; President, NY HIMSS

8:30 – 9:30 AM
Session 1: Life with an EHR – Physician Practice Perspective
Clinician Adoption Best Practice Uses and Lessons Learned

Fred Venditti, MD, Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, Albany Medical Center
Mary Ellen Ehlers, MD, Albany Medical Center

Introduction by Chris Harris, VP IS, Albany Medical Center; Past President, NY HIMSS

9:30 – 10:30 AM
Session 2: Life with an EHR – Hospital Perspective
Issues with Legal Health Record and Privacy Security

Nancy Binder, Director of HIM, Ellis Hospital
Donna Barnard, Director of HIM, Strong Memorial
Sharon Goettel, Director of HIM, St. Joseph’s Hospital
Kris Kusche, ISSO, AVP of IS, Albany Medical Center

Introduction by Vera Rulon, President, AHIMA and member NYHIMA

10:30 – 10:45 AM Break

10:45 – Noon
Session 3: EHR Implementation Lessons Learned
If I Had The Chance To Do It Over Again

Panel Presentation:
Michael Piplani, MD, Bethlehem Family Practice
John Collins, MD Chief Medical Officer, North East Health

Moderated by Eileen Clinton, Program Coordinator, MSSNY

Noon – 12:15 PM Working Lunch

12:15 – 1:15 PM
Session 4: Medical Home
Is It Impossible To Achieve?

Sal Volpe, MD; Private Practice, Staten Island, NY; President, NY HIMSS

Introduction by Ronald Pucherelli, CPHIT, HIT Project Administrator, MSSNY

1:15 – 2:15 PM
Session 5: The Influence of Environmental Factors
ARRA, Stark, Vendor Capabilities, NYDOH and New Technologies and Trends

Co-Presentation
John Blair, MD, Chairman & CEO, MedAllies; Board member, HIMSS National
Barry Chaiken, MD, Chief Medical Officer, DocsNetwork, Ltd.; Chair, HIMSS National

Introduction by George Hickman, FHIMSS, CPHIMS, EVP & CIO, Albany Medical Center

2:15 – 2:30 PM Break

2:30 – 3:30 PM
Session 6: SHIN-NY Buses, Connected Enterprises, Symantec Interoperability and Other Adventures for the Courageous

Co-Presentation
Rachel Block, Deputy Commissioner for HIT, NYS DOH
Micky Tripathi, MD, President & CEO, MAeHC

Introduced by John Blair, MD Chairman & CEO, MedAllies; Board member, HIMSS National

3:30 – 3:45 PM
Closing Remarks and Thanks

Introduction by George Hickman, FHIMSS, CPHIMS, EVP & CIO, Albany Medical Center

4:30 – 5:30 PM Networking Hour – Recovery Room (Hilton Garden Inn Sports Bar)

Kentucky eHealth Office:soon open for business

Kentucky joins many other states that have chosen to consolidate activities. SV

Office will serve as single point of contact on Kentucky’s health information technology efforts

FRANKFORT, Ky. – To coincide with the national priority of implementation of health information technology (HIT), Governor Steve Beshear announced today the creation of the Governor’s Office of Electronic Health Information within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

The Kentucky E-Health Network Board, which is administratively attached to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, will also serve as an integral resource to the Office as it moves forward.

Kentucky

Connected Care Telehealth network: UHC CISCO

One of the country's largest health insurance companies has joined with one of America's best known telecommunication manufacturers to improve access to care. SV


UnitedHealth Group [NYSE: UNH] and Cisco [NASDAQ: CSCO] announced they are partnering to build the first national telehealth network, which will give patients access to physicians and specialists when in-person visits are not possible. The new “Connected Care” program combines audio and video technology and health resources to greatly expand physicians‟ reach into rural, urban and other underserved areas. UnitedHealth Group has committed tens of millions of dollars toward the new initiative.

UnitedHealth Group‟s national care provider network, including 590,000 physicians and care professionals and more than 4,900 hospitals, combined with Cisco‟s industry-leading video conferencing and other collaborative network technologies, will help connect patients more easily with primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals. Connected Care will make clinics available in the workplace, as well as in rural and retail locations. In-home visits using similar technology will also be introduced to truly bring care to the patient.

Connected Care America

HIMSS New York Chapter - NY Mini-HIMSS Event


Date: 10/2/2009

Location: The Digital Sandbox
55 Broad St
New York, NY 10004

Description:

We have invited nationally recognized speakers to discuss the following topics:

- Mobile Computing
- Implementation and Project Delivery
- Governance and Policy
- Service Bureaus and Support

In addition to providing an educational and networking event, we will be offering a night on the town: two tickets to a Broadway show and dinner. You need to register in advance to have qualify for the drawing!

Note: The CPHIMS exam will also be available to attendees of this event. Complete and return the registration form if you are interested in taking the exam.

This is merely a save-the-date reminder and more information will be available soon. Feel free to visit the New York Chapter Website.

HIMSS NYS event information
HIMSS NYS event registration
CPHIMS registration

The best new software for your PDA/Smartphone


Here is a short review of software to help make practicing medicine a little easier.

Includes a review of device characteristics:

Android,Apple,BlackBerry,Palm,Symbian,Windows, memory issues, input methods, WiFi, 3G and EHR integration.

Includes products from:

AAP,AAFP,ACP,Epocrates,Johns Hopkins, Merck,Skyscape, UpToDate. SV

Medical Economics Article

Modern Medicine Podcast

Electronic laboratory reminder system assists with Lipid management

A recent study by Kaiser found that automated systems can be useful. SV


American Journal of Managed Care

AMA Physicians Forum Teleconference

Get the inside scoop on health legislation

Reserve your spot for the AMA Physicians Forum today!
AMA Physicians Forum
6 p.m. EST
Thursday, Aug. 6
Featuring AMA leadership

The American Medical Association (AMA) invites you to participate in the AMA Physicians Forum, featuring an exclusive conference call with Immediate Past President Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, PhD.

Join us at 6 p.m. EST Thursday, Aug. 6, to get inside information about health system reform straight from Washington, D.C. — and get your questions answered. This is a private conference call for a limited number of physicians in your area. If you are unable to join us, your spot will be given to a physician on the waiting list.

We look forward to your participation!

To participate in the AMA Physicians Forum:

* Reserve your spot

On Thursday dial in to the call using the number and code below:

* Dial (877) 269-7289
* Enter ID code 13149

State Guide for HITECH

Preparing to Implement HITECH: A State Guide for Electronic Health Information Exchange is now available. It provides a fine overview for states that have not initiated HIT plans or for states that want to bring there plans in better alignment with the Federal view. SV


NGA 2009 Report from the State Alliance for e-Health Report

AMA Vision for Health System Reform

Protects the sacred relationship between patients and their physicians, without interference by insurance companies or the government

Provides affordable health insurance for all through a choice of plans and eliminates denials for pre-existing conditions

Promotes quality, prevention and wellness initiatives

Repeals the Medicare physician payment system that harms seniors’ access to care

Eases the crushing weight of medical liability and insurance company bureaucracy

Share your opinions with the AMA, we can effect change via a meaningful dialogue. SV

AMA reform

HITSP Approves New Specifications in Line with ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009)

As the various groups coordinate their activities, we should progress accelerate. SV

The Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel (HITSP) is pleased to announce that it has approved the following specifications at its July 8, 2009, panel meeting in Arlington, Virginia:

* HITSP/IS107 – Electronic Health Record (EHR)-Centric Interoperability Specification
* HITSP/TN904 – Exchange Architecture & Harmonization Framework Technical Note
* HITSP/TN903 – Data Architecture Technical Note
* HITSP/SC108- SC116 – Service Collaborations


HITSP

Medfusion and Medem iHealth portal = iHealth Medfusion


This will create a 28,000 physician network., 8,000 from iHealth plus 20,000 from Medfusion. Perhaps another "plug-in" for the AMA Covisint platform? SV

Medfusion's solutions include interactive online patient-provider communications for:

* Pre-registration
* Appointment requests
* Remote or onsite check in
* Online bill payment
* Secure messaging

* Prescription renewal
* Online consultations
* Personal health records
* Fully-functional web sites
* Physician-to-physician referrals


Medfusion press release

Medfusion information request

Medfusion demo

AMA ALLSCRIPTS free e-Prescribing offer

The AMA is definitely in the game! SV

Allscripts announced July 14, 2009 that it is working with the American Medical Association (AMA) to offer to physicians nationwide an AMA-branded electronic prescribing tool based on Allscripts award-winning e-prescribing technology. It will be the only AMA-branded electronic prescribing solution available at no cost to subscribers of a new online solution being developed by the AMA. The collaboration is an effort to help practicing physicians adopt and implement health information technology for improved patient safety and enhanced practice efficiency.

The AMA-branded Allscripts electronic prescribing solution requires no download, minimal training and can be accessed from any Web-enabled device. The solution quickly generates secure electronic prescriptions and delivers them computer-to-computer or via electronic fax to all U.S. pharmacies via the national e-prescribing communications network operated by Surescripts. All prescriptions are instantly checked for potentially harmful interactions with a patient’s other medications using a real-time complete medication database, as well as real-time notification of insurance formulary status from leading payers, plans and pharmacy benefit managers. Clinicians also can use the solution to search and find targeted health-related information for themselves or patients using a custom search engine provided exclusively for Allscripts by Google.

AMA

HHS CMS Meaningful Use Matrix

Just released. SV

HHS

World Congress event August 3-5 2009

The 7th Annual Health Care Quality & Payment Reform Congress convenes action-oriented executives dedicated to advancing the Nation's quality agenda through system-wide health care reform. Data-driven case studies and forward-thinking strategies combine to address the obstacles and opportunities impacting the five key pillars that support and define high-quality health care, including Performance Measurement and Reimbursement, Patient Safety, Care Management, Transparency and Efficiency. As the only quality event featuring perspectives from 80+ of today's most prominent speakers, the 2009 Congress leads the nation in developing solutions that achieve and reward for quality improvements across all industry sectors.

World Congress

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Rewards Physicians 27 Million Details

BCBSMA was kind enough to provide details on the program. The incentive program is one of the most generous I've seen to date. SV

PCPIP Background:

1.) The PCP Incentive Program was among the first of its kind in the nation. It was introduced in 2000 in order to:
· Collaborate with our Providers to improve systems and processes that prevent medical errors and improve quality of care
· Support our Providers with data that assists them in practicing more effective and efficient care
· Increase the amount of provider reimbursement that is linked to incentives (Quality/Safety, Technology Adoption, Satisfaction, Reporting/Transparency)
· Evolve the payment methodology over time so that providers are paid differently for providing safe, effective and efficient care.

2.) Measures used in 2007 fall in three categories:
· Quality Outcomes, which includes such measures as mammography, diabetes management, and reporting outcomes for chronic conditions (for practitioners who care for adults), and well visits, BMI tracking (for practitioners who care for children)
· Efficiency, which looks at generic prescribing and laboratory utilization
· Electronic Technology, which measures use of electronic medical records and e-prescribing.

3.) Through the PCP Incentive program, we have shown increased HEDIS rates (the Industry standard for measuring health plan performance) on targeted measures, enhanced technology adoption (making Massachusetts the top e-prescribing state nationwide for the last 3 years), and providing funding that has enabled PCPs to make additional investments in their practices.

4.) The PCP incentive program is run on a calendar year; each year there are a number of measures with a potential incentive amount, expressed as a per member per month figure. PCPs receive reports mid-year to let them know how they are doing and to provide data so that they can improve their performance on relevant measures. Once the performance year ends, we calculate their results on each measure and provide them with an end-of-year report that communicates the per member per month amount they earned. They receive their payments in two halves, with the final payment being in December of the year FOLLOWING the performance period based. The results are being publicly announced now.

5.) In 2007, all PCP Incentive Program participants were eligible to earn incentives of $4.00 per member per month (PMPM). Providers whose results fall in the top 10% of all PCP Incentive Program participants were eligible to earn an additional $1.00 PMPM, enabling top performing providers to earn up to $5.00 PMPM. These physicians were also recognized through our Excellence in Primary Care award program.

6.) There were 3,194 PCP participants that received payments:
- 752 Pediatricians
- 741 Family Practioners
- 1701 Internal Medicine

7.) 636 PCPs were recognized with Excellence in Primary Care certificates