Health Management Technology articles from February 2009

Health Management Technology archives from February 2009

Where angels fear to tread?(From the Editor)
February 1, 2009... Less than 48 hours ago, President-elect Obama announced his bold "new" vision for healthcare: Electronic health records (EHR) for every American within five years. Already, I've received dozens of e-mail invites to attend seminars or interview...

Industry group buys healthcare IT publication.(American Hospital Association. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) acquired Government Health IT magazine and its multimedia properties from 1105 Media Inc. The acquisition expands HIMSS' current reach of its educational and public policy...

Medicare requiring bonded DMES.(Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)(durable medical equipment suppliers )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is revoking the billing privileges of more than 1,100 durable medical equipment suppliers (DMES) in south Florida and southern California and suspending payments to home health agencies in the...

HHS requirements.(Department of Health and Human Services)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... A final regulation issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) clarifies that nondiscrimination protections apply to healthcare providers as well as to individual employees working for recipients of certain funds from HHS....

IT execs polled on security issues.(Briefly)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Access management solutions vendor Rohati Systems Inc. surveyed 117 CIOs, CISOs and other IT decision makers and found 71 percent of respondents saying their organizations aren't adequately mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access...

National recognition again for a Florida hospital.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Nurses at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System maintained the hospital's coveted "Magnet" status with a re-designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet is a 4-year designation awarded sparingly to hospitals that...

Successful demo for NHIN trial implementation.(Nationwide Health Information Network)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The North Carolina Healthcare Information and Communications Alliance Inc. (NCHICA) demonstrated how access to a secure health information exchange (HIE) and the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) could improve healthcare quality for...

Building sustainable HIEs: in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the need for a true health information exchange in Mississippi cannot be denied.(health information exchange)(Cover story)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the medical records of thousands of evacuees, he state of Mississippi decided to create networked electronic records that would not be lost during the next major emergency. Governor...

Radiology's golden age: this multi-site imaging firm improved patient care and its financial standing through RIS/PACS automation.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Recent technological innovations have made it possible for standalone imaging centers such as Diagnostic Centers of America (DCA) to deploy picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) that used to be found...

Leveling the playing field: how one health system competes with a national reference lab for outpatient lab services revenue.(Catholic Health Systems)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For many hospitals, outpatient laboratory services are a profit center. This is the case for Buffalo, N.Y.-based Catholic Health Systems (CHS), which means that generating incremental growth in volume is a high...

Self-correcting the impression: eliminating barriers to self-editing by radiologists results in more detailed impressions and improved referral satisfaction.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Scripps Health is a nonprofit, community-based healthcare delivery network in San Diego with five hospitals and multiple imaging centers. La Jolla Radiology (LJR) contracts to provide services to three of the five...

The synergy of trinity: a Pennsylvania hospital discovers automating ED processes and patient tracking is a team effort.
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Careful planning and a solid foundation are critical to any project, be it the construction of a skyscraper or a strategically-driven healthcare IT initiative. A meticulous plan outlines the scope of the entire...

Automated oncology: a Baltimore oncology group turns to electronic order entry to support fast growth and increase practice efficiency.(CPOE/Medication Management: Case History)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Patient safety is our top priority at Baltimore-based LifeBridge Health. It's our responsibility to ensure that we have strong processes in place to prevent mistakes. And when it comes to cancer care and chemotherapy...

Privacy measures for EHRs.(electronic health record )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Before leaving office, former U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt announced new electronic health record (EHR) privacy principles at a keynote address to the Nationwide Health Information Network Forum last December, as...

Mobile computing solutions.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... Rubbermaid computer carts combine compact, lightweight design, superior ergonomics and a comprehensive set of nursing features, making them ideal for point-of-care applications. AC powered carts are suited for running an LCD monitor with...

Rugged ultra-mobile PC.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To better serve the growing demand for mobility in the healthcare environment, Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. designed the Panasonic Toughbook H1 as the first rugged ultra-mobile clinical assistant and the first...

A mini-Dell.(Dell Inc.)
February 1, 2009... With a base weight of just 2.28 lbs., business travelers will appreciate the new Dell Inspiron Mini 9, a small easy-to-carry device users can fine-tune to their specific needs. The highly mobile device is designed for easy online browsing and...

Touchscreen BlackBerry.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The first smartphone with a "clickable" touchscreen--the BlackBerry Storm 9500 from Research in Motion--is for both consumers and business users looking for a state-of-the-art multimedia device offering exceptional...

No assembly required.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... The Fusion from Stinger Medical is compatible with laptop or flat panel computers and features an attractive, integrated design, advanced ergonomics, as well as seamless construction for easy cleaning. Additional features include enhanced...

Samsung netbook.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Slim, sleek and brimming with features, the Samsung Q1 is designed to balance connectivity, entertainment and computing performance with ultra mobility. Fast Internet access and easy attachment opening are no problem...

HP netbook.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... The HP 2133 Mini-Note PC might be small in size, weighing 2.63 lbs and only 1.05-inches thin, but it's big on usability, durability and sleekness. Packed with a combination of features, this netbook offers the full-functionality of a PC with...

One tough cookie.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The D15TS is designed with a magnesium top and bottom case to protect the laptop's vital components from damage due to drop and concussion, while anti-shock mounting protects the LCD and hard drive from damage and...

A versatile assistant.(Mobile Computing Hardware: Computer carts, notebooks, tablet PCs and smartphones are enabling clinicians to leverage the flow of health data in more ways than ever before.)
February 1, 2009... The Flo 2700 features generous work surface space and a small footprint, allowing it to get closer to the bedside, as well as a highly configurable system of drawers and modular storage bins with customizable locking options. It also offers up...

FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The acquisition of Empiric Systems LLC, of Morrisville, N.C., by FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA gives the company 100 percent of the Empiric stock, making Empiric a wholly-owned FUJIFILM subsidiary.

Patient Care Technology Systems.(NewsMakers)
February 1, 2009... Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital implemented the Amelior EDTracker patient and asset tracking system from Patient Care Technology Systems to streamline patient flow in its ED.

WaveMark Inc.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... WaveMark partnered with LUMEDX to provide integrated RFID-enabled solutions to streamline the healthcare supply chain and improve clinical workflow. Florida Hospital will be the first to deploy the solution.

Comtrol Corp.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Comtrol Corp. unveiled its new DeviceMaster RTS 2-Port 1E and 2E serial device servers to the market. The servers are used to network-enable two serial devices on any Ethernet network.

API Software.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Sharp Healthcare, and University of Iowa Health Care contracted with API Software Inc. to deploy API's Payrollmation and ActiveStaffer applications to automate manual payroll and scheduling processes and...

Axios Systems.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Axios Systems signed its first Brazilian client, Construtora OAS, one of Brazil's largest construction companies; it selected Axios' assyst software for a single consolidated environment to manage all of its central services operations.

Eclipsys Corp.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Children's Health System (CHS) selected Eclipsys to create a clinical IT platform for its new facility. The hospital will implement the vendor's CPOE solution in existing campus facilities a year prior to the completion of the new construction....

Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Piedmont Hospital is installing the Aquilion ONE system from Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc. to reduce diagnosis times, reduce costs by eliminating multiple tests and to provide physicians with better access to clinical information.

Francisco Partners.(NewsMakers)
February 1, 2009... One of the world's largest technology-focused private equity funds, Francisco Partners, completed its acquisition of API Software Inc.

gMed.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... EMR vendor gMed is marketing the gastroenterology-specific EMR, gGastro, which makes use and implementation easier, reduces staff training time and adds several critical features. The new EMR is also CCHIT and Surescripts compliant.

Medfusion.(MedFusion Systems Inc. to contract with North Carolina Medical Society)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) and Medfusion have brokered an agreement to make Medfusion's products and services available to member physicians at preferred pricing. NCMS is the state's largest physician organization.

Aethon Inc.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Aethon Inc. developed a replenishment solution for automated dispensing cabinets in hospitals which it claims is the first technology on the market that can remotely control cabinets to reduce steps staff complete during restocking...

Craneware Inc.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Craneware Inc. released Pharmacy ChargeLink, v2, an application that allows hospitals to capture missing revenue and link hospital-pharmacy purchase histories with the hospital's main charge description master.

Medsphere Corp.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing contracted with Medsphere to participate in the new Academic Incubator Program, an effort to help educate students in nursing and medical schools about healthcare IT and clinical informatics.

MEDecision Inc.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... DC Chartered Health Plan Inc. is implementing MEDecision's Alineo Collaborative Health Care Management technology to manage care for its 75,000 members. Chartered currently utilizes Alineo's Clinical Programs component to ensure compliance with...

Cardinal Health.(Cardinal Health Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Cardinal Health launched the Pyxis MedStation 4000 and a Performance Analytics Service that provides hospitals with customized, actionable recommendations for improving medication safety. The automated medication dispensing system increases...

Picis.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, England selected the Picis CareSuite integrated software for its surgical, anesthesia and critical care areas. The software suite helps Frimley Park manage data generated around these...

Medical Present Value.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... MPV secured new contracts with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Marin Medical Practices Concepts Inc. and St. John's Medical Group. The groups expect to improve contract performance and optimize payer collections by verifying accurate...

Compliance 360.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Compliance 360 announced the general availability of its claims audit solution to help organizations manage a wide variety of claims audits and appeals, including those conducted under the CMS Medicare Recovery Audit Contract (RAC) program.

Caduceus Systems.(Platte Valley Medical Center )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Platte Valley Medical Center (PVMC) in Brighton, Colo., licensed the Caduceus Materials Management Information System for implementation throughout its facility. PVMC is also contracting for consulting and implementation services associated...

LogLogic.(Visiting Nurse Service of New York )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) chose LogLogic to supply its mid-market log management system. The application enables VNSNY to protect patient records and credit card information for more than 131,000 patients.

Breach Security.(Breach Security Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Ochsner Health System selected WebDefend from Breach Security Inc. for identifying web application defects and to safeguard private health information on its Web sites from attack.

Phytel.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Multi-specialty practice Family Medicine, Geriatrics and Wellness utilized Phytel's Proactive Patient Outreach solution to achieve Level 3 Medical Home certification through the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Physician Practice...

GetWellNetwork Inc.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... King's Daughters Medical Center is using the interactive PatientLife System from GetWellNetwork Inc. to improve patient safety and meet the requirements of The Joint Commission's National Patient Safety Goal 16.

rL Solutions.(NewsMakers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Atrius Health, an alliance of five non-profit medical groups, selected the Risk MonitorPro healthcare quality and safety software from rL Solutions to capture, report on and analyze patient safety incidents and events.

Merge Healthcare.(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Merge Healthcare released MergeCOM-3 Version 3.9, adding the latest DICOM standard supplements to its DICOM toolkit. The update contains support for nuclear medicine, pathology and ophthalmology.

Swisslog.(Swisslog Holding AG)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), in Allentown, Pa., installed the PillPick system from Swisslog, which automatically packages, stores and dispenses unit dose medications in bar-coded packages, at its Cedar Crest hospital location.

Re-aligning healthcare.(Thought Leaders)
February 1, 2009... Only a small fraction of physicians use an electronic health record system (EHR) in their practices and many are low-tech. While health information technology (HIT) advocates often lament this fact, they miss the many good reasons physicians do...