ICD-10 is coming in 2013!! Will you be ready?
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2010 1:00p - 2:00p
Location: Webinar (Details TBD)
Hear two industry experts discuss the challenges and opportunities of the mandated ICD-10 implementation.
Topics to be discussed:
Why it’s important to begin your planning NOW
Lessons Learned from the Canadian experience
Implementation Strategies and Tactics
Initial Activities to get started
Click here for more information...or click here to register.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Surviving 2 010: Practice Management Tips You Need to Know
MSSNY is hosting a free half-day, afternoon program at the Westchester Marriott on Thursday, April 15 from 12 noon- 4 pm for physicians and their staff.
Key practice issues and current trends featured are:
Patient-Centered Medical Home: Getting Paid for Loving Medicine (Again)
The Transition to ICD-10
Legal Issues That Could Ruin Your Practice
Eight Essential Steps to Keeping Your Practice Viable in Bad Economic Times
HIT-Where to Get the Help You Need to Get Your Info Systems Up and Running
Pre-registration is required. Call 516-488-6100 ext 403; or go to mssny.org. For a flyer, click here:
MSSNY is hosting a free half-day, afternoon program at the Westchester Marriott on Thursday, April 15 from 12 noon- 4 pm for physicians and their staff.
Key practice issues and current trends featured are:
Patient-Centered Medical Home: Getting Paid for Loving Medicine (Again)
The Transition to ICD-10
Legal Issues That Could Ruin Your Practice
Eight Essential Steps to Keeping Your Practice Viable in Bad Economic Times
HIT-Where to Get the Help You Need to Get Your Info Systems Up and Running
Pre-registration is required. Call 516-488-6100 ext 403; or go to mssny.org. For a flyer, click here:
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Healthcare Informatics 100 issue:Most interesting vendor survey
Here's the link to vote.
Make it count.SV
Here's the link to vote.
Make it count.SV
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
eHealth Initiative Regional Extension Center Webinar Series
Getting Started: Developing a Business Model and Strategy Wednesday, April 7. 2010
REGISTER NOW
Join the eHealth Initiative on Wednesday, April 7th from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. ET for the first in a series of FREE webinars on the Regional Extension Centers which were created through the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support widespread health IT adoption. The series will focus on the challenges and issues facing the Regional Extension Centers and provider communities. During the webinars, a variety of Regional Extension Centers will share insights and lessons learned.
The series will kick off with a level-setting session, Getting Started: Developing a Business Model and Strategy and will feature a presentation from the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) and from first round REC awardees. This session will offer an overview of the program and discuss strategies for implementation.
Featuring:
An Overview of Regional Extension Center Program Mission, Goals, and Milestones
Mat Kendall, Acting Director, Office of Provider Adoption Support, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)
Reactor Panel - Moderated by Derek Schoonover, Vice President of Government & Strategy, McKesson Corporation
Sharon Donnelly, Vice President of Development, Health Insight
Jonathan Fuchs, Chief Operating Officer, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care
Roger Holloway, Executive Director, Rural Health Resources Services, Northern Illinois University Regional Development Institute
Fred Rachman, Executive Director, Chicago Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center
Micky Tripathi, President and CEO, Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative
This webinar is sponsored by McKesson and RelayHealth.
Please contact Jennifer Knowles (jennifer.knowles@ehealthinitiative.org) with any questions about this event.
Getting Started: Developing a Business Model and Strategy Wednesday, April 7. 2010
REGISTER NOW
Join the eHealth Initiative on Wednesday, April 7th from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. ET for the first in a series of FREE webinars on the Regional Extension Centers which were created through the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support widespread health IT adoption. The series will focus on the challenges and issues facing the Regional Extension Centers and provider communities. During the webinars, a variety of Regional Extension Centers will share insights and lessons learned.
The series will kick off with a level-setting session, Getting Started: Developing a Business Model and Strategy and will feature a presentation from the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) and from first round REC awardees. This session will offer an overview of the program and discuss strategies for implementation.
Featuring:
An Overview of Regional Extension Center Program Mission, Goals, and Milestones
Mat Kendall, Acting Director, Office of Provider Adoption Support, Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)
Reactor Panel - Moderated by Derek Schoonover, Vice President of Government & Strategy, McKesson Corporation
Sharon Donnelly, Vice President of Development, Health Insight
Jonathan Fuchs, Chief Operating Officer, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care
Roger Holloway, Executive Director, Rural Health Resources Services, Northern Illinois University Regional Development Institute
Fred Rachman, Executive Director, Chicago Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center
Micky Tripathi, President and CEO, Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative
This webinar is sponsored by McKesson and RelayHealth.
Please contact Jennifer Knowles (jennifer.knowles@ehealthinitiative.org) with any questions about this event.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Quest Diagnostics and Surescripts to Pioneer Integrated Service Combining Lab and Prescription Information to Improve Patient Safety and Clinical Outcomes
We've experienced the benefits of Surescripts for several years both with standalone e-Prescribing software and with an EHR. The ability to potentially have greater access to lab results will improve efficiency and quality of services provided. Another step closer to interoperability between systems. SV
SureScripts
We've experienced the benefits of Surescripts for several years both with standalone e-Prescribing software and with an EHR. The ability to potentially have greater access to lab results will improve efficiency and quality of services provided. Another step closer to interoperability between systems. SV
SureScripts
HHS State Health Information Exchange Awards:$162 Million
HHS Announces Additional $162 Million in Recovery Act Investment to Advance Widespread Meaningful Use of Health IT
Final awards of state health information exchange cooperative agreement program work to build health information exchange infrastructure throughout the states
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced awards to help states facilitate health information exchange and advance health information technology (health IT). Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, today’s awards are part of the $2 billion effort to achieve widespread meaningful use of health IT and provide use of an electronic health record by every citizen by the year 2014. Every state and eligible territory has now been awarded funds under this program.
“These critical investments will help unleash the power of health information technology to cut costs, eliminate paperwork, and help doctors deliver high-quality, coordinated care to patients,” said Secretary Sebelius. “States are important partners in improving and expanding our electronic health records system. By improving the secure exchange of electronic health records between providers and hospitals within and across states, these awards mark a significant step in bringing our health system into the 21st century.”
The health information exchange HIE awards announced today provide approximately $162 million to 16 states and qualified state designated entities (SDEs) to facilitate non-proprietary health information exchange that adheres to national standards. Health information exchange is critical to enabling care coordination and improving the quality and efficiency of health care.
“Today’s announcement of awards to 16 states and SDEs marks a significant milestone with all states now empowered to start their journey towards identifying innovative ways to break down theses barriers that prevent the seamless exchange of information, so that we can give patients the access to care they deserve and expect,” stated Dr. David Blumenthal, national coordinator for health information technology. “States play a critical leadership role in advancing the development of the exchange capacity of healthcare providers and hospitals within their states and across the nation. Health information exchange will enable eligible healthcare providers to be deemed meaningful users of health IT and receive incentive payments under the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentive program.”
These cooperative agreements were awarded under the authority of Title XIII of ARRA, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act which amends Title XXX of the Public Health Service Act by adding Section 3013, State Grants to Promote Health Information Technology. Section 3013 provides for the awarding of competitive grants to promote health information technology. On February 12, 2010, HHS awarded $385 million to 40 states and SDEs. The awards announced today complete the awarding of cooperative agreements funded by this program.
HHS
HHS Announces Additional $162 Million in Recovery Act Investment to Advance Widespread Meaningful Use of Health IT
Final awards of state health information exchange cooperative agreement program work to build health information exchange infrastructure throughout the states
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced awards to help states facilitate health information exchange and advance health information technology (health IT). Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, today’s awards are part of the $2 billion effort to achieve widespread meaningful use of health IT and provide use of an electronic health record by every citizen by the year 2014. Every state and eligible territory has now been awarded funds under this program.
“These critical investments will help unleash the power of health information technology to cut costs, eliminate paperwork, and help doctors deliver high-quality, coordinated care to patients,” said Secretary Sebelius. “States are important partners in improving and expanding our electronic health records system. By improving the secure exchange of electronic health records between providers and hospitals within and across states, these awards mark a significant step in bringing our health system into the 21st century.”
The health information exchange HIE awards announced today provide approximately $162 million to 16 states and qualified state designated entities (SDEs) to facilitate non-proprietary health information exchange that adheres to national standards. Health information exchange is critical to enabling care coordination and improving the quality and efficiency of health care.
“Today’s announcement of awards to 16 states and SDEs marks a significant milestone with all states now empowered to start their journey towards identifying innovative ways to break down theses barriers that prevent the seamless exchange of information, so that we can give patients the access to care they deserve and expect,” stated Dr. David Blumenthal, national coordinator for health information technology. “States play a critical leadership role in advancing the development of the exchange capacity of healthcare providers and hospitals within their states and across the nation. Health information exchange will enable eligible healthcare providers to be deemed meaningful users of health IT and receive incentive payments under the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentive program.”
These cooperative agreements were awarded under the authority of Title XIII of ARRA, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act which amends Title XXX of the Public Health Service Act by adding Section 3013, State Grants to Promote Health Information Technology. Section 3013 provides for the awarding of competitive grants to promote health information technology. On February 12, 2010, HHS awarded $385 million to 40 states and SDEs. The awards announced today complete the awarding of cooperative agreements funded by this program.
HHS
Saturday, March 06, 2010
AMA platform to include one-stop shop for EMR, information exchange for physicians
These types of collaborations help bring extra value to the organizational membership and reflects the their negotiating power. SV
The AMA and Dell are collaborating to help physicians adopt useful health information technology such as electronic medical records (EMR), ePrescribing and laboratory services through the AMA’s new health information solutions platform for physicians, which will launch nationally later this year.
The new AMA platform is aimed at helping practicing physicians assess and meet their clinical and practice needs and will provide them with access to information, products, services and resources to help facilitate medical practice and ease adoption of health information technology.
The AMA selected Ingenix CareTracker™ as the first electronic health records system offered through the platform, which is being beta tested in Michigan in collaboration with the Michigan State Medical Society. Read more about the Ingenix CareTracker™.
Dell Contact:
Cathie Hargett
512-728-7347
Cathie_Hargett@dell.com
AMA Contact:
Leah Dudowicz
AMA Media Relations
312-464-4813
Leah.dudowicz@ama-assn.org
These types of collaborations help bring extra value to the organizational membership and reflects the their negotiating power. SV
The AMA and Dell are collaborating to help physicians adopt useful health information technology such as electronic medical records (EMR), ePrescribing and laboratory services through the AMA’s new health information solutions platform for physicians, which will launch nationally later this year.
The new AMA platform is aimed at helping practicing physicians assess and meet their clinical and practice needs and will provide them with access to information, products, services and resources to help facilitate medical practice and ease adoption of health information technology.
The AMA selected Ingenix CareTracker™ as the first electronic health records system offered through the platform, which is being beta tested in Michigan in collaboration with the Michigan State Medical Society. Read more about the Ingenix CareTracker™.
Dell Contact:
Cathie Hargett
512-728-7347
Cathie_Hargett@dell.com
AMA Contact:
Leah Dudowicz
AMA Media Relations
312-464-4813
Leah.dudowicz@ama-assn.org
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
NHIN:Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente Share Electronic Health Information to Improve Care for Veterans
At this year's HIMSS 2010, we had the opportunity to see NHIN demonstrations. Many used the open source CONNECT NHIN gateway.
The VA/Kaiser Permanente project will serve as guide for others attempting to do the same. SV
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente recently launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network. This innovative pilot enables clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient’s health using electronic health record information, including information about health issues, medications, and allergies.
“The Department of Veterans Affairs and the entire administration are encouraged by the opportunities that electronic health record interoperability provides for veterans, service members and their dependents,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are proud to join in this effort with Kaiser Permanente and to achieve the benefits of health data exchange, including improved quality, patient safety, and efficiency.”
The new pilot program connects VA’s VistA (Veterans Affairs Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture) and Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®. VA beneficiaries and Kaiser Permanente members in the San Diego area were the first to be offered the opportunity to sign up for the pilot, with the understanding that their information would not be shared without their consent. The program’s next phase will add authorized data from the U.S. Department of Defense’s health care system to this exchange in early 2010. Ultimately, this program is planned to be made available to all veterans and service members.
Kaiser Permanente
At this year's HIMSS 2010, we had the opportunity to see NHIN demonstrations. Many used the open source CONNECT NHIN gateway.
The VA/Kaiser Permanente project will serve as guide for others attempting to do the same. SV
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente recently launched a pilot medical data exchange program in San Diego using the Nationwide Health Information Network. This innovative pilot enables clinicians from VA and Kaiser Permanente to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient’s health using electronic health record information, including information about health issues, medications, and allergies.
“The Department of Veterans Affairs and the entire administration are encouraged by the opportunities that electronic health record interoperability provides for veterans, service members and their dependents,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We are proud to join in this effort with Kaiser Permanente and to achieve the benefits of health data exchange, including improved quality, patient safety, and efficiency.”
The new pilot program connects VA’s VistA (Veterans Affairs Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture) and Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®. VA beneficiaries and Kaiser Permanente members in the San Diego area were the first to be offered the opportunity to sign up for the pilot, with the understanding that their information would not be shared without their consent. The program’s next phase will add authorized data from the U.S. Department of Defense’s health care system to this exchange in early 2010. Ultimately, this program is planned to be made available to all veterans and service members.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente Completes Electronic Health Record Implementation:largest private sector electronic health record in the world.
At HIMSS 2010, I attend KP's presentation on their Patient Portal. The data that will be available from this implementation will provide powerful arguments to proceed with EHR deployment. SV
HIMSS Analytics Awards Another 12 Kaiser Permanente Hospitals Highest Recognition: Stage 7 Awards
431 Medical Offices and 36 Hospitals Are Now Equipped with Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®
OAKLAND, Calif. — Kaiser Permanente announced today that every medical facility within the health system is now equipped with Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®, the largest private sector electronic health record in the world. Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Oakland, Richmond and Vallejo in Northern California are the most recent facilities to complete the final phase of electronic health record implementation, which includes bedside documentation, clinical decision support and bar-coding for medication administration.
Kaiser Permanente Completes Electronic Health Record Implementation
KP HealthConnect provides care teams with access to patient information and the latest best practices all in one place to further enhance patient safety and quality care while increasing convenience and coordination. The comprehensive health information system securely connects more than 8.6 million people to their physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, personal information, and the latest medical knowledge. Combined with Kaiser Permanente’s integrated approach to health care, KP HealthConnect helps facilitate collaboration among both primary and specialty care teams.
Kaiser Permanente
At HIMSS 2010, I attend KP's presentation on their Patient Portal. The data that will be available from this implementation will provide powerful arguments to proceed with EHR deployment. SV
HIMSS Analytics Awards Another 12 Kaiser Permanente Hospitals Highest Recognition: Stage 7 Awards
431 Medical Offices and 36 Hospitals Are Now Equipped with Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®
OAKLAND, Calif. — Kaiser Permanente announced today that every medical facility within the health system is now equipped with Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®, the largest private sector electronic health record in the world. Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Oakland, Richmond and Vallejo in Northern California are the most recent facilities to complete the final phase of electronic health record implementation, which includes bedside documentation, clinical decision support and bar-coding for medication administration.
Kaiser Permanente Completes Electronic Health Record Implementation
KP HealthConnect provides care teams with access to patient information and the latest best practices all in one place to further enhance patient safety and quality care while increasing convenience and coordination. The comprehensive health information system securely connects more than 8.6 million people to their physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, personal information, and the latest medical knowledge. Combined with Kaiser Permanente’s integrated approach to health care, KP HealthConnect helps facilitate collaboration among both primary and specialty care teams.
Kaiser Permanente
ONC:NPRM proposing the establishment of certification programs
On March 2, 2010, an NPRM proposing the establishment of certification programs for purposes of testing and certifying health information technology was posted.
Certification of Health IT will provide assurance to purchasers and other users that an EHR system, or other relevant technology, offers the necessary technological capability, functionality, and security to help them meet the meaningful use criteria established for a given phase. Providers and patients must also be confident that the electronic health IT products and systems they use are secure, can maintain data confidentially, and can work with other systems to share information. Confidence in health IT systems is an important part of advancing health IT system adoption and allowing for the realization of the benefits of improved patient care.
Eligible professionals and eligible hospitals who seek to qualify for incentive payments under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs are required by statute to use Certified EHR Technology. Once certified, Complete EHRs and EHR Modules would be able to be used by eligible professionals and eligible hospitals, or be combined, to meet the statutory requirement for Certified EHR Technology.
To this end, an NPRM proposing the establishment of certification programs for purposes of testing and certifying health information technology was issued in March 2010 with a request for comments. The NPRM proposes:
* A temporary certification program to assure the availability of Certified EHR Technology prior to the date on which health care providers seeking the incentive payments would begin to report demonstrable meaningful use of Certified EHR Technology.
* A permanent certification program to replace the temporary certification program.
Learn more about the NPRM
* Certification NPRM [PDF - 1.14 MB]
Please note: This PDF file is the version submitted to the Federal Register. The link will be replaced with an official version once it is published in the Federal Register. Persons with disabilities having problems accessing the above pdf file may call 202-690-7151 for assistance.
* Facts-at-a-Glance
* Frequently Asked Questions
On March 2, 2010, an NPRM proposing the establishment of certification programs for purposes of testing and certifying health information technology was posted.
Certification of Health IT will provide assurance to purchasers and other users that an EHR system, or other relevant technology, offers the necessary technological capability, functionality, and security to help them meet the meaningful use criteria established for a given phase. Providers and patients must also be confident that the electronic health IT products and systems they use are secure, can maintain data confidentially, and can work with other systems to share information. Confidence in health IT systems is an important part of advancing health IT system adoption and allowing for the realization of the benefits of improved patient care.
Eligible professionals and eligible hospitals who seek to qualify for incentive payments under the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs are required by statute to use Certified EHR Technology. Once certified, Complete EHRs and EHR Modules would be able to be used by eligible professionals and eligible hospitals, or be combined, to meet the statutory requirement for Certified EHR Technology.
To this end, an NPRM proposing the establishment of certification programs for purposes of testing and certifying health information technology was issued in March 2010 with a request for comments. The NPRM proposes:
* A temporary certification program to assure the availability of Certified EHR Technology prior to the date on which health care providers seeking the incentive payments would begin to report demonstrable meaningful use of Certified EHR Technology.
* A permanent certification program to replace the temporary certification program.
Learn more about the NPRM
* Certification NPRM [PDF - 1.14 MB]
Please note: This PDF file is the version submitted to the Federal Register. The link will be replaced with an official version once it is published in the Federal Register. Persons with disabilities having problems accessing the above pdf file may call 202-690-7151 for assistance.
* Facts-at-a-Glance
* Frequently Asked Questions
Northeast eClinicalWorks (eCW) Users Conference Update
The Group Meeting is now less than a month away, and the schedule of events is nearly finalized. eClinicalWorks, with help from PCIP staff, has planned a day and a half of informative sessions to help you get the most out of your EHR. Keep checking back at the conference page for updates and to register.
The sessions will be jointly presented by experts from both eClinicalWorks and NYD DOH PCIP.
Schedule of Events
Friday, March 26
Keynote Speakers -- 9:00am - 10:30am
Conference Opening Keynote
Girish Kumar Navani
CEO, eClinicalWorks
Welcome Address
Amanda Parsons, MD, MBA
Assistant Commissioner, PCIP
Conference Opening Keynote
Thomas Farley, MD, MPH
NYC Health Commissioner
Session 1 - 10:40am-11:30am
Patient Centered Medical Home Incentive Programs
Patient Portal Version 3.0 Best Practice/Advanced Training Sharing information w/patients while protecting it (policy and compliant) -
The Big Picture: managing labs, diagnostics and procedures in eCW
Set up of CDSS, Structured Data and Order Sets
Session 2 - 11:40am-12:30pm
A look at how service and technology come together with Gateway EDI
Tips, Tricks and way to save clicks
NYC Extension Center and how it can help your practice
Reframing the Healthcare Reform Debate: US Healthcare efficiency index
Lunch - 12:30pm - 2:00pm - Meaningful Use Lunchtime Plenary with Amanda Parsons, PCIP Assistant Commissioner
Session 3 - 2:10pm-3:10pm: Skill Building Sessions
Billing: Little things mean a lot
CDSS - how does it help with Meaningful Use
Ask the experts: Try to stump the eCW Billing Gurus
Physicians can achieve Meaningful Use by using eCW products, attend this session to learn how !
Session 4 - 3:25pm-4:30pm
Investigating ICD-10, What to come in 20??
Planning and Optimizing your practice workflow, and e-Prescribing best practices
CHC Session
Patient Centered Medical Home Incentive Programs
Saturday, March 27
8:00am 9:00am - Breakfast with Exhibitors
Session 1a - 10:00am-11:00am
Provider Panel: Hear the experiences of providers who have successfully implemented eCW
What's New at eCW Since Last Year
Session 1b - 10:00am-12:00pm
eBO: The Financial Reports and Dashboards You Can't Live Without
eCW Demonstration of complete EMR & PM module for prospective clients
Session 2 - 11:00am-12:00pm
Tips, Tricks and way to save clicks
NYC Extension Center and how it can help your practice
12:00pm - Conference Adjourns
REGISTRATION FEES
$100 per attendee
Register Now
QUESTIONS?
Contact Lynne Haglund
lynneh@eclinicalworks.com
eClinicalWorks, LLC
Tel: 508-475-0450 X 206
Brooklyn Bridge Marriott
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 246-7000
Rate: $159/night
Friday, March 26, 2010: 8 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday, March 27, 2010: 9 am - 12 pm
eClinicalWorks
The Group Meeting is now less than a month away, and the schedule of events is nearly finalized. eClinicalWorks, with help from PCIP staff, has planned a day and a half of informative sessions to help you get the most out of your EHR. Keep checking back at the conference page for updates and to register.
The sessions will be jointly presented by experts from both eClinicalWorks and NYD DOH PCIP.
Schedule of Events
Friday, March 26
Keynote Speakers -- 9:00am - 10:30am
Conference Opening Keynote
Girish Kumar Navani
CEO, eClinicalWorks
Welcome Address
Amanda Parsons, MD, MBA
Assistant Commissioner, PCIP
Conference Opening Keynote
Thomas Farley, MD, MPH
NYC Health Commissioner
Session 1 - 10:40am-11:30am
Patient Centered Medical Home Incentive Programs
Patient Portal Version 3.0 Best Practice/Advanced Training Sharing information w/patients while protecting it (policy and compliant) -
The Big Picture: managing labs, diagnostics and procedures in eCW
Set up of CDSS, Structured Data and Order Sets
Session 2 - 11:40am-12:30pm
A look at how service and technology come together with Gateway EDI
Tips, Tricks and way to save clicks
NYC Extension Center and how it can help your practice
Reframing the Healthcare Reform Debate: US Healthcare efficiency index
Lunch - 12:30pm - 2:00pm - Meaningful Use Lunchtime Plenary with Amanda Parsons, PCIP Assistant Commissioner
Session 3 - 2:10pm-3:10pm: Skill Building Sessions
Billing: Little things mean a lot
CDSS - how does it help with Meaningful Use
Ask the experts: Try to stump the eCW Billing Gurus
Physicians can achieve Meaningful Use by using eCW products, attend this session to learn how !
Session 4 - 3:25pm-4:30pm
Investigating ICD-10, What to come in 20??
Planning and Optimizing your practice workflow, and e-Prescribing best practices
CHC Session
Patient Centered Medical Home Incentive Programs
Saturday, March 27
8:00am 9:00am - Breakfast with Exhibitors
Session 1a - 10:00am-11:00am
Provider Panel: Hear the experiences of providers who have successfully implemented eCW
What's New at eCW Since Last Year
Session 1b - 10:00am-12:00pm
eBO: The Financial Reports and Dashboards You Can't Live Without
eCW Demonstration of complete EMR & PM module for prospective clients
Session 2 - 11:00am-12:00pm
Tips, Tricks and way to save clicks
NYC Extension Center and how it can help your practice
12:00pm - Conference Adjourns
REGISTRATION FEES
$100 per attendee
Register Now
QUESTIONS?
Contact Lynne Haglund
lynneh@eclinicalworks.com
eClinicalWorks, LLC
Tel: 508-475-0450 X 206
Brooklyn Bridge Marriott
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 246-7000
Rate: $159/night
Friday, March 26, 2010: 8 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday, March 27, 2010: 9 am - 12 pm
eClinicalWorks
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Panasonic:World’s Lightest 12.1” Convertible Tablet PC
This could turn out to be my next work/play pc. It may be pricer than some, but I think the physical durability will be worth it. Share your experience with it here. SV
The 3.2 lb. Panasonic Toughbook C1. It features an array of industry-leading advancements, such as being the first rugged convertible to offer hot-swappable twin batteries for continuous use. The Toughbook C1 is available with a multi-touch + digitizer screen for finger and gesture computing and an electronic stylus. The ergonomic strap and dome cradle the hand for comfortable long-term use. The Toughbook C1 features a unique, durable triple hinge design-- two hinges for opening and closing the screen, and another hinge for rotating the screen into tablet mode.
Panasonic
This could turn out to be my next work/play pc. It may be pricer than some, but I think the physical durability will be worth it. Share your experience with it here. SV
The 3.2 lb. Panasonic Toughbook C1. It features an array of industry-leading advancements, such as being the first rugged convertible to offer hot-swappable twin batteries for continuous use. The Toughbook C1 is available with a multi-touch + digitizer screen for finger and gesture computing and an electronic stylus. The ergonomic strap and dome cradle the hand for comfortable long-term use. The Toughbook C1 features a unique, durable triple hinge design-- two hinges for opening and closing the screen, and another hinge for rotating the screen into tablet mode.
Panasonic
Monday, March 01, 2010
ONC:popHealth open source tool that automates population health reporting
In addition,to ARRA funds and the recent of the NHIN open source gateway CONNECT, effective open source solutions should help accelerate the use of HIT to improve health care. SV
popHealth is a prototype open source tool that automates population health reporting. popHealth integrates with a provider’s electronic health record (EHR) system to produce summary quality measures on the provider’s patient population and streamlines the reporting of these measures.
Screen Shots
Video
In addition,to ARRA funds and the recent of the NHIN open source gateway CONNECT, effective open source solutions should help accelerate the use of HIT to improve health care. SV
popHealth is a prototype open source tool that automates population health reporting. popHealth integrates with a provider’s electronic health record (EHR) system to produce summary quality measures on the provider’s patient population and streamlines the reporting of these measures.
Screen Shots
Video
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Acumen Solutions/Salesforce:RHITEC: off the shelf HIT CRM
This should help entities that have not operated in the space get up and running relatively quickly and exchange best practices.SV
Vienna, VA — February 17, 2010 – Acumen Solutions, a leading business and technology consulting firm that specializes in bringing cloud computing solutions to government agencies and large enterprises, has been selected to provide a cloud-computing CRM and Project Management solution to the US Department of Health & Human Services - Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).
In order to support the nationwide upgrade of our Health IT infrastructure, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has allocated funding for medical providers to implement Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. ONC has been tasked with encouraging the adoption of health information technology and the promotion of a nationwide Health Information Exchange (HIE) to improve health care. In order to effectively distribute these grants into the market, ONC is creating a network of Regional Extension Centers (REC) that will provide regionalized support to medical providers for the selection and implementation of an EHR.
To track, manage and report on this critical effort, Acumen Solutions will implement a cloud computing CRM and Project Management solution from Salesforce.com that will be used nationally across all Regional Extension Centers. This solution will provide the REC’s with the ability to manage all interactions with medical providers related to their selection and implementation of an EHR solution.
“We are pleased to support ONC as they embark upon this critical project to improve our nation’s Health IT infrastructure”, says Marty Young, Managing Director, Acumen Solutions. “By choosing a cloud computing platform ONC is leading the way in innovation. We are proud to have been chosen for our demonstrated ability to help Federal Agencies weave cloud computing strategies into their enterprise architecture and as well as our strong background in the healthcare industry. ”
Acumen Solutions is a select consulting partner of Salesforce.com supporting Federal Agencies such as Census, DoD, GSA, IRS, SEC, and TSA with solutions for case and constituent management, call centers, customer relationship management, grants management, and program management as well as an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act solution called START™ - Stimulus Tracking and Recipient Transparency. With hundreds of enterprise-class cloud computing projects delivered including engagements leveraging Google Enterprise, Salesforce.com, SpringCM, and other cloud offerings, Acumen Solutions brings a proven track record in cloud computing strategy and integration to meet the needs of government agencies in record time.
Acumen Solutions
This should help entities that have not operated in the space get up and running relatively quickly and exchange best practices.SV
Vienna, VA — February 17, 2010 – Acumen Solutions, a leading business and technology consulting firm that specializes in bringing cloud computing solutions to government agencies and large enterprises, has been selected to provide a cloud-computing CRM and Project Management solution to the US Department of Health & Human Services - Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).
In order to support the nationwide upgrade of our Health IT infrastructure, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) has allocated funding for medical providers to implement Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. ONC has been tasked with encouraging the adoption of health information technology and the promotion of a nationwide Health Information Exchange (HIE) to improve health care. In order to effectively distribute these grants into the market, ONC is creating a network of Regional Extension Centers (REC) that will provide regionalized support to medical providers for the selection and implementation of an EHR.
To track, manage and report on this critical effort, Acumen Solutions will implement a cloud computing CRM and Project Management solution from Salesforce.com that will be used nationally across all Regional Extension Centers. This solution will provide the REC’s with the ability to manage all interactions with medical providers related to their selection and implementation of an EHR solution.
“We are pleased to support ONC as they embark upon this critical project to improve our nation’s Health IT infrastructure”, says Marty Young, Managing Director, Acumen Solutions. “By choosing a cloud computing platform ONC is leading the way in innovation. We are proud to have been chosen for our demonstrated ability to help Federal Agencies weave cloud computing strategies into their enterprise architecture and as well as our strong background in the healthcare industry. ”
Acumen Solutions is a select consulting partner of Salesforce.com supporting Federal Agencies such as Census, DoD, GSA, IRS, SEC, and TSA with solutions for case and constituent management, call centers, customer relationship management, grants management, and program management as well as an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act solution called START™ - Stimulus Tracking and Recipient Transparency. With hundreds of enterprise-class cloud computing projects delivered including engagements leveraging Google Enterprise, Salesforce.com, SpringCM, and other cloud offerings, Acumen Solutions brings a proven track record in cloud computing strategy and integration to meet the needs of government agencies in record time.
Acumen Solutions
CMS HITECH and Meaninful Use Teleconference
Have You Heard about HITECH and Meaningful Use?
Do you want to learn more about the upcoming Medicare and EHR incentive programs?CMS invites you to join us for a teleconference on Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentives on Tuesday, February 23, from 1:30-2:30 pm.
CMS has issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs established by the Recovery Act. The HITECH provisions are a subset of the Recovery Act. The rule, sometimes called the “meaningful use NPRM,” proposes a definition for the meaningful use of certified EHR technology as well as many other policy proposals. Learn the basics of the rule from the CMS experts.
Learn about CMS’ proposed rule for the EHR incentive programs including:
Who is eligible
What constitutes meaningful use
How to demonstrate meaningful use
What incentives are available under Medicare and Medicaid
How to make comments
Where to find additional resources
Call in early as lines are limited.
To join the meeting, dial 1-866-501-5502. The conference ID is 58353012. Materials will be available on the morning of the call at this website.
Have You Heard about HITECH and Meaningful Use?
Do you want to learn more about the upcoming Medicare and EHR incentive programs?CMS invites you to join us for a teleconference on Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentives on Tuesday, February 23, from 1:30-2:30 pm.
CMS has issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs established by the Recovery Act. The HITECH provisions are a subset of the Recovery Act. The rule, sometimes called the “meaningful use NPRM,” proposes a definition for the meaningful use of certified EHR technology as well as many other policy proposals. Learn the basics of the rule from the CMS experts.
Learn about CMS’ proposed rule for the EHR incentive programs including:
Who is eligible
What constitutes meaningful use
How to demonstrate meaningful use
What incentives are available under Medicare and Medicaid
How to make comments
Where to find additional resources
Call in early as lines are limited.
To join the meeting, dial 1-866-501-5502. The conference ID is 58353012. Materials will be available on the morning of the call at this website.
NCQA Public Comment on Patient Experiences
NCQA seeks public comment on a core set of topics on patient experiences for evaluating practices that want to serve as medical homes. All topics are based on patient surveys/experiences of care.
Please tell us what topics of patient experiences you think NCQA should include when evaluating medical homes. Click here to access the public comment on patient experiences.
A medical home is a medical office or clinic where a team of health professionals work together to provide a new, expanded type of care to patients. Having a medical home feels like having an "old-style," traditional family doctor, but with a team of professionals that uses modern knowledge and technology to provide the best possible care for you in one location.
NCQA will consider the recommended topics of patient experience as we develop the next version of our evaluation criteria.
Members of the public are invited to comment through March 5.
Topics of Patient Experiences
Getting routine care
Getting care after hours
Access to help without making a visit
Wait time
Explains care to you
Listens and answers your questions
Respects you as a person
Seeing the same doctor or nurse
Knows you well
Involves you in decisions about your care
Helps you manage your health
Has confidence in your ability to manage your health
Is aware of your medications
Is aware of care you get from other doctors or places
Follows up on your test results
Getting all of your primary care at one location
Access to your medical records
Asks you about the quality of your care
Office staff
NCQA appreciates the time and effort organizations invest in providing comments. All feedback submitted within the public comment period is reviewed by NCQA.
For more information on public comment, contact NCQA Customer Support at (888) 275-7585.
NCQA seeks public comment on a core set of topics on patient experiences for evaluating practices that want to serve as medical homes. All topics are based on patient surveys/experiences of care.
Please tell us what topics of patient experiences you think NCQA should include when evaluating medical homes. Click here to access the public comment on patient experiences.
A medical home is a medical office or clinic where a team of health professionals work together to provide a new, expanded type of care to patients. Having a medical home feels like having an "old-style," traditional family doctor, but with a team of professionals that uses modern knowledge and technology to provide the best possible care for you in one location.
NCQA will consider the recommended topics of patient experience as we develop the next version of our evaluation criteria.
Members of the public are invited to comment through March 5.
Topics of Patient Experiences
Getting routine care
Getting care after hours
Access to help without making a visit
Wait time
Explains care to you
Listens and answers your questions
Respects you as a person
Seeing the same doctor or nurse
Knows you well
Involves you in decisions about your care
Helps you manage your health
Has confidence in your ability to manage your health
Is aware of your medications
Is aware of care you get from other doctors or places
Follows up on your test results
Getting all of your primary care at one location
Access to your medical records
Asks you about the quality of your care
Office staff
NCQA appreciates the time and effort organizations invest in providing comments. All feedback submitted within the public comment period is reviewed by NCQA.
For more information on public comment, contact NCQA Customer Support at (888) 275-7585.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2010 eClinicalWorks North East Regional Users' Group Meeting
Be sure to register by February 19th to get the Early Bird price! Visit the conference page to register and see the schedule of events, including new sessions of interest to eClinicalWorks users who adopted through PCIP.
Keynote by Dr. Thomas Farley, NYC Health Commissioner
Welcome Address by Dr. Amanda Parsons, Assistant Commissioner and head of PCIP
Patient Centered Medical Home incentives
Achieving Meaningful Use
If you have any open technical support tickets, eClinicalWorks staff will address them on site and offer additional tips and training!
Brooklyn Bridge Marriott
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 246-7000
Rate: $159/night
Friday, March 26, 2010: 8 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday, March 27, 2010: 9 am - 12 pm
Register now
Be sure to register by February 19th to get the Early Bird price! Visit the conference page to register and see the schedule of events, including new sessions of interest to eClinicalWorks users who adopted through PCIP.
Keynote by Dr. Thomas Farley, NYC Health Commissioner
Welcome Address by Dr. Amanda Parsons, Assistant Commissioner and head of PCIP
Patient Centered Medical Home incentives
Achieving Meaningful Use
If you have any open technical support tickets, eClinicalWorks staff will address them on site and offer additional tips and training!
Brooklyn Bridge Marriott
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 246-7000
Rate: $159/night
Friday, March 26, 2010: 8 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday, March 27, 2010: 9 am - 12 pm
Register now
Friday, February 12, 2010
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius REC (Regional Extension Center) HIT (RHITEC) Awards
Congratulations to Fund for Public Health NY (thanks to the hard work of NYC DOHMH PCIP) and the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC). SV
NYS HIE Award
New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) $22,364,782.00
NYS Regional Extension Center Awards:
Fund for Public Health New York $21,754,010.00
New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) $26,534,999.00
Sebelius, Solis Announce Nearly $1 Billion Recovery Act Investment in Advancing Use of Health IT, Training Workers for Health Jobs of the Future
Grant Awards to Help Make Health IT Available to Over 100,000 Health Providers by 2014, Support Tens of Thousands of Jobs Nationwide
WASHINGTON, DC - Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis today announced a total of nearly $1 billion in Recovery Act awards to help health care providers advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (IT) and train workers for the health care jobs of the future. The awards will help make health IT available to over 100,000 hospitals and primary care physicians by 2014 and train thousands of people for careers in health care and information technology. This Recovery Act investment will help grow the emerging health IT industry which is expected to support tens of thousands of jobs ranging from nurses and pharmacy techs to IT technicians and trainers.
The over $750 million in HHS grant awards Secretary Sebelius announced today are part of a federal initiative to build capacity to enable widespread meaningful use of health IT. This assistance at the state and regional level will facilitate health care providers' efforts to adopt and use electronic health records (EHRs) in a meaningful manner that has the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of health care for all Americans. Of the over $750 million investment, $386 million will go to 40 states and qualified State Designated Entities (SDEs) to facilitate health information exchange (HIE) at the state level, while $375 million will go to an initial 32 non-profit organizations to support the development of regional extension centers (RECs) that will aid health professionals as they work to implement and use health information technology - with additional HIE and REC awards to be announced in the near future. RECs are expected to provide outreach and support services to at least 100,000 primary care providers and hospitals within two years.
"Health information technology can make our health care system more efficient and improve the quality of care we all receive," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. "These grant awards, the first of their kind, will help develop our electronic infrastructure and give doctors and other health care providers the support they need as they adopt this powerful technology."
The more than $225 million in DOL grant awards Secretary Solis announced will be used to train 15,000 people in job skills needed to access careers in health care, IT and other high growth fields. Through existing partnerships with local employers, the recipients of these grants have already identified roughly 10,000 job openings for skilled workers that likely will become available in the next two years in areas like nursing, pharmacy technology and information technology. The grants will fund 55 separate training programs in 30 states to help train people for secure, well-paid health jobs and meet the growing employment demand for health workers. Employment services will be available via the Department of Labor's local One Stop Career Centers, and training will be offered at community colleges and other local education providers.
Additional information about the state HIE and RECs may be found at
http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/02/20100212a.html
http://HealthIT.HHS.gov/statehie and http://healthit.hhs.gov/extensionprogram
Information about other health IT programs funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 can be found here: http://HealthIT.HHS.gov
Information about Healthcare/High Growth Grants, and other DOL training programs is available at http://www.doleta.gov/.
For more information about the Recovery Act, please visit: www.hhs.gov/recovery , www.dol.gov/recovery and www.recovery.gov.
Congratulations to Fund for Public Health NY (thanks to the hard work of NYC DOHMH PCIP) and the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC). SV
NYS HIE Award
New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) $22,364,782.00
NYS Regional Extension Center Awards:
Fund for Public Health New York $21,754,010.00
New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) $26,534,999.00
Sebelius, Solis Announce Nearly $1 Billion Recovery Act Investment in Advancing Use of Health IT, Training Workers for Health Jobs of the Future
Grant Awards to Help Make Health IT Available to Over 100,000 Health Providers by 2014, Support Tens of Thousands of Jobs Nationwide
WASHINGTON, DC - Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis today announced a total of nearly $1 billion in Recovery Act awards to help health care providers advance the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (IT) and train workers for the health care jobs of the future. The awards will help make health IT available to over 100,000 hospitals and primary care physicians by 2014 and train thousands of people for careers in health care and information technology. This Recovery Act investment will help grow the emerging health IT industry which is expected to support tens of thousands of jobs ranging from nurses and pharmacy techs to IT technicians and trainers.
The over $750 million in HHS grant awards Secretary Sebelius announced today are part of a federal initiative to build capacity to enable widespread meaningful use of health IT. This assistance at the state and regional level will facilitate health care providers' efforts to adopt and use electronic health records (EHRs) in a meaningful manner that has the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of health care for all Americans. Of the over $750 million investment, $386 million will go to 40 states and qualified State Designated Entities (SDEs) to facilitate health information exchange (HIE) at the state level, while $375 million will go to an initial 32 non-profit organizations to support the development of regional extension centers (RECs) that will aid health professionals as they work to implement and use health information technology - with additional HIE and REC awards to be announced in the near future. RECs are expected to provide outreach and support services to at least 100,000 primary care providers and hospitals within two years.
"Health information technology can make our health care system more efficient and improve the quality of care we all receive," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. "These grant awards, the first of their kind, will help develop our electronic infrastructure and give doctors and other health care providers the support they need as they adopt this powerful technology."
The more than $225 million in DOL grant awards Secretary Solis announced will be used to train 15,000 people in job skills needed to access careers in health care, IT and other high growth fields. Through existing partnerships with local employers, the recipients of these grants have already identified roughly 10,000 job openings for skilled workers that likely will become available in the next two years in areas like nursing, pharmacy technology and information technology. The grants will fund 55 separate training programs in 30 states to help train people for secure, well-paid health jobs and meet the growing employment demand for health workers. Employment services will be available via the Department of Labor's local One Stop Career Centers, and training will be offered at community colleges and other local education providers.
Additional information about the state HIE and RECs may be found at
http://www.dhhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/02/20100212a.html
http://HealthIT.HHS.gov/statehie and http://healthit.hhs.gov/extensionprogram
Information about other health IT programs funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 can be found here: http://HealthIT.HHS.gov
Information about Healthcare/High Growth Grants, and other DOL training programs is available at http://www.doleta.gov/.
For more information about the Recovery Act, please visit: www.hhs.gov/recovery , www.dol.gov/recovery and www.recovery.gov.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
HIMSS ARRA Webinar Series on Meaningful Use and Certification Criteria
Start the journey for achieving meaningful use with the most up-to-date information!
Join top leaders as they bring you the most relevant, up-to-date information you need now to take advantage of ARRA funding TOMORROW.
And - with the meaningful use draft regulations due in just days, you can’t afford to miss this one!
ARRA Webinar Series on Meaningful Use and Certification Criteria
Workforce Development: An Industry Update
Find out how TIGER (Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform) and community colleges have responded to meet the growing education and training needs of the evolving HIT workforce.
February 10, 2010
1:00 – 2:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm CT
11:00am – 12:00 pm MT
10:00 – 11:00 am PT
Speakers:
Patricia Dombrowski, MA
Director, Life Science Informatics Center
Bellevue Community College
Patricia Hinton Walker, PhD, RN, FAAN
Vice President for Nursing Policy
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
To Register
Start the journey for achieving meaningful use with the most up-to-date information!
Join top leaders as they bring you the most relevant, up-to-date information you need now to take advantage of ARRA funding TOMORROW.
And - with the meaningful use draft regulations due in just days, you can’t afford to miss this one!
ARRA Webinar Series on Meaningful Use and Certification Criteria
Workforce Development: An Industry Update
Find out how TIGER (Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform) and community colleges have responded to meet the growing education and training needs of the evolving HIT workforce.
February 10, 2010
1:00 – 2:00 pm ET
12:00 – 1:00 pm CT
11:00am – 12:00 pm MT
10:00 – 11:00 am PT
Speakers:
Patricia Dombrowski, MA
Director, Life Science Informatics Center
Bellevue Community College
Patricia Hinton Walker, PhD, RN, FAAN
Vice President for Nursing Policy
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
To Register
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Voxiva Text4baby: Healthy baby campaign uses texts to reach mothers
Cell phones have become ubiquitous.
Many Americans have given up on landlines altogether. In many less industrialized countries, it is cheaper to set up cell phone service than pulling wire for traditional phones. Even the least expensive cell phones can accept text messages are becoming the medium of choice to deliver information to patients. SV
WASHINGTON (AP)
Expectant mothers are getting a new tool to help keep themselves and their babies healthy: pregnancy tips sent directly to their cell phones.
The so-called text4baby campaign is the first free, health education program in the U.S. to harness the reach of mobile phones, according to its sponsors, which include Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, WellPoint and CareFirst BlueCross and Blue Shield. Wireless carriers including AT&T, Verizon and Sprint have agreed to waive all fees for receiving the texts.
Organizers say texting is an effective means of delivering wellness tips because 90 percent of people in the U.S. have cell phones.
"Especially if you start talking about low-income people, cell phones are the indispensable tool for reaching them and engaging them about their health," said Paul Meyer, president of Voxiva, a company which operates health texting programs in Africa, Latin America and India.
Studies in those countries have shown that periodic texts can reduce smoking and other unhealthy behaviors in pregnant mothers.
Meyer said the U.S. program, run by Voxiva, will be the largest health-related texting program ever undertaken.
Under the new service, mothers-to-be who text "BABY" to 511411 will receive weekly text messages, timed to their due date or their baby's birth date. The messages, which have been vetted by government and nonprofit health experts, deal with nutrition, immunization and birth defect prevention, among other topics. The messages will continue through the baby's first birthday.
Text4baby is expected to be announced Thursday morning by officials from the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy. Government officials will be publicizing the campaign in speeches and promotional materials.
Organizers hope the effort can curb premature births, which can be caused by poor nutrition, excessive stress, smoking and drinking alcohol. About 500,000 babies are born prematurely in the U.S. each year, and 28,000 infants die before their first birthday, according to the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. The nonprofit is among the sponsors of the campaign.
"The real scary thing is that we're an industrialized nation and we're not doing very well on infant mortality, and we know prematurity is a big part of that," said the group's director, Judy Meehan.
Currently the U.S. ranks 30th worldwide for infant mortality, according to Meehan, behind most Western European nations.
Researchers at the George Washington University have agreed to evaluate the effectiveness of text4baby by measuring health trends for mothers and newborns.
Voxiva
Cell phones have become ubiquitous.
Many Americans have given up on landlines altogether. In many less industrialized countries, it is cheaper to set up cell phone service than pulling wire for traditional phones. Even the least expensive cell phones can accept text messages are becoming the medium of choice to deliver information to patients. SV
WASHINGTON (AP)
Expectant mothers are getting a new tool to help keep themselves and their babies healthy: pregnancy tips sent directly to their cell phones.
The so-called text4baby campaign is the first free, health education program in the U.S. to harness the reach of mobile phones, according to its sponsors, which include Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, WellPoint and CareFirst BlueCross and Blue Shield. Wireless carriers including AT&T, Verizon and Sprint have agreed to waive all fees for receiving the texts.
Organizers say texting is an effective means of delivering wellness tips because 90 percent of people in the U.S. have cell phones.
"Especially if you start talking about low-income people, cell phones are the indispensable tool for reaching them and engaging them about their health," said Paul Meyer, president of Voxiva, a company which operates health texting programs in Africa, Latin America and India.
Studies in those countries have shown that periodic texts can reduce smoking and other unhealthy behaviors in pregnant mothers.
Meyer said the U.S. program, run by Voxiva, will be the largest health-related texting program ever undertaken.
Under the new service, mothers-to-be who text "BABY" to 511411 will receive weekly text messages, timed to their due date or their baby's birth date. The messages, which have been vetted by government and nonprofit health experts, deal with nutrition, immunization and birth defect prevention, among other topics. The messages will continue through the baby's first birthday.
Text4baby is expected to be announced Thursday morning by officials from the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy. Government officials will be publicizing the campaign in speeches and promotional materials.
Organizers hope the effort can curb premature births, which can be caused by poor nutrition, excessive stress, smoking and drinking alcohol. About 500,000 babies are born prematurely in the U.S. each year, and 28,000 infants die before their first birthday, according to the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. The nonprofit is among the sponsors of the campaign.
"The real scary thing is that we're an industrialized nation and we're not doing very well on infant mortality, and we know prematurity is a big part of that," said the group's director, Judy Meehan.
Currently the U.S. ranks 30th worldwide for infant mortality, according to Meehan, behind most Western European nations.
Researchers at the George Washington University have agreed to evaluate the effectiveness of text4baby by measuring health trends for mothers and newborns.
Voxiva
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