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2012 Article Archive

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December 17, 2012

features

Setting the Stage for MU’s Next Act
There’s no rest for weary hospital officials and staff as the initial comment period for stage 3 of meaningful use gets under way.

Change for the Best
An accomplished change management plan can help alleviate staff fears about making the transition to an EHR.

MTSO Cash Flow: Strategies for Maintaining Profitability
Enemies of strong cash flow attack from all sides. How can medical transcription service organizations handle the onslaught?

Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy
Because of the challenges associated with identifying this collection of disorders, physicians must become more efficient in their patient workups.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for peripheral neuropathy

departments

Editor’s Note

Coding Corner
Follow these seven steps and there’s a good chance you’ll be satisfied with your next coding hire.

CIO Insider
The advent of more advanced forms of IT has laid an inordinate amount of responsibility at the feet of harried chief information officers.

Products and Services
American Sentinel University is offering master’s degrees in nursing informatics.

On the Web
A new online portal is making e-prescribing tools available at no cost.

News Briefs
According to a report, physicians faced with mounting HIT demands are bailing out of private practices in favor of larger healthcare groups.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


December 3, 2012

features

ICD-10: Give Them Something to Talk About
A sharply defined, far-reaching communication strategy keeps everyone in an organization on their toes and up to speed.

The Changing Face of Release of Information
Patient engagement principles are forcing HIM departments to reexamine the means and methods of distributing data.

Document Management Challenges
HIM departments are learning that EHRs aren’t a catch-all for document storage.

A Tale of the Unexpected
Acclaimed author Roald Dahl not only penned wonderful children’s stories, he also had a hand in developing a device to treat hydrocephaleus.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for hydrocephalus

departments

Editor’s Note

mHealth Update
The use of smartphones can help hospitals become more engaged with patients and other caregivers.

On the Web
A study has revealed that websites devoted to prostate cancer are written at an educational level that makes it difficult for many visitors to comprehend the information.

Products and Services
A new master’s program in health informatics has been introduced at Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences.

News Briefs
Embedding questions about physical activity in an EHR gives caregivers deeper insight into the health of their patients.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


November 19, 2012

features

Partners in High Finance
Collaboration between case management and revenue cycle management can produce healthier bottom lines and healthier patients.

Medical Scribes Make Their Presence Felt
These professionals are making inroads into the realm of documentation, standing side by side with physicians at the point of care.

Documentation in Motion
Connecting speech recognition technology with mobile devices is the next evolution in the quest to make note taking more convenient for physicians.

Meaningful Use — The Next Go-Round
Stage 2 of the landmark initiative expands on the original to presumably make it more challenging for healthcare organizations to earn federal dollars.

departments

Editor’s Note

Coding Corner

Evolving Education
Is it possible to gain entry into the HIT profession without an extensive IT background?

News Briefs
According to a study, EHRs improve both care and overall outcomes for patients with diabetes, especially for those with poor disease control.

Crossword Puzzle

Transcription Trends

On the Web
Facebook has been shown to be effective in creating awareness of sexual-related diseases.

Products and Services
Revenue cycle company MedAptus has introduced an ICD-10 solution, while a new consulting firm set its sights on tackling today’s most pressing HIT issues.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


November 5, 2012

features

To Catch a Thief
Incidences of medical identity theft continue to rise, making it more important than ever for healthcare organizations to implement defense measures.

The Emergence of the Physician Advisor
Some hospitals have asked doctors to act as counselors to their colleagues to bolster documentation procedures.

HIT Pro Exams: Proving Ground or False Hope?
In the program’s early stages, earning a passing grade hasn’t necessarily translated into more opportunities for job seekers.

Rare Disorder Takes Heavy Toll
As illustrated by the case of a young, endearing girl, Angelman syndrome causes severe cognitive impairments that make everyday life difficult.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for congenital anomalies

departments

Editor’s Note

Coding Corner
Acute coronary syndrome can be devilish to code, but there are measures coders can take to get the most accurate information into the chart.

On the Web
Florida Medicaid recipients can create an online account to access their health information.

News Briefs
Early results from the OpenNotes project show satisfaction on both the patient and physician sides.

Products and Services
Palm Beach State College has received a grant to expand its HIT programs.

Crossword Puzzle

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


October 22, 2012

features

The Nuts and Bolts of IPPS
Learn about the Inpatient Prospective Payment System final rule for 2013, which increases hospital reimbursement rates and delivers details on the upcoming Medicare pay-for-performance programs.

Quality Measures Present ACOs With Unique Challenges and Opportunities
To earn federal dollars, accountable care organizations will have to meet 33 standards spread across four patient care domains.

Making mHealth Happen
Text messaging has proven to be an effective healthcare aid overseas, but some question whether similar business models are sustainable in the United States.

Catheter Conundrum: Reducing Unnecessary Placement
Physicians and hospital staff may need to reevaluate procedures to reduce infections and other complications stemming from urinary catheterization.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for catheter infections

departments

Editor’s Note

Transcription Trends
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be devastating to medical transcriptionists who depend on their wrists and hands for their livelihood. Learn more about the misconceptions surrounding this condition.

News Briefs
According to a Nuesoft Technologies survey, concerns about the transition to ICD-10 are weighing heavily on physicians.

Buyers’ Guide

Datebook

Coding Corner

Products and Services
Health Level Seven International has released Trifolia Workbench, which boasts a host of clinical document architecture templates.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


October 8, 2012

features

The Value of Error Reports
By measuring coding accuracy, healthcare organizations can get a better read on coder performance and potential revenue losses.

Seeking Clinical Decision-Support Standards
Establishing such standards would make it much easier for facilities to purchase, share, and implement CDS tools.

A Powerful Combination
Researchers have found that using natural language processing in tandem with EMR data can lead to quality improvement and better care outcomes.

Stress: An Insidious Danger to Body and Mind
Serious health problems are sure to follow if steps aren’t taken to address this seemingly unavoidable condition.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for anxiety disorders

departments

Editor’s Note

EHR Insider
Find out what happened to paper medical records when a Philadelphia-area health system implemented an EHR.

CFO Zone
Industry experts offer three pointers for how to avoid potentially disastrous errors when financing an HIT project.

Crossword Puzzle

News Briefs
According to a KLAS report, more healthcare providers are turning to consulting firms to help them meet meaningful use requirements.

Products and Services
A cloud-based solution provides hospitals with the flexibility needed to respond to evolving transcription needs.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


September 24, 2012

Features

ICD-10 Testing Strategies
Better not cram, say experts, who recommend developing sound testing strategies well in advance of the coding system’s arrival.

Optimize Data to Improve Care and Efficiency
By making good use of large volumes of invaluable data, healthcare organizations can improve their chances of meeting several federal regulations.

Messaging Made Simple
The Direct secure clinical messaging platform allows participants to send encrypted health information to trusted recipients.

Early Glaucoma Detection Preserves Vision
Primary care physicians can play a key role in detecting glaucoma symptoms and saving patients’ eyesight.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for diabetic retinopathy

Departments

Editor’s Note

mHealth Update
An industry expert explains the differences between health and wellness apps and the clinical and behavioral sophistication of mobile integrated therapies.

On the Web
According to a study, US physicians have less desire than physicians in other countries to use social networks to connect with their counterparts overseas.

Products and Services
In the industry’s ongoing quest to release as many ICD-10 tools as there are codes, a new TurboCoder makes its debut.

News Briefs
Research indicates some patients are one-half as likely to receive depression treatment in primary care practices that use an EMR as they are in practices that deploy paper-based records.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


September 10, 2012

features

Big Data Creates Big Privacy Concerns
Larger databases of health information are creating new opportunities for improper access and potential breaches.

Filling the Void — Unraveling the Cancer Registrar Shortage
The perfect storm—an increase in cancer programs and a decline in new registrars—has created a prime opportunity for HIM professionals considering a career change.

Avoiding the Power of Suggestion
Leading queries can have serious ramifications, making it imperative to present the appropriate options to physicians.

MTs Seek a Fair Shake
Medical transcriptionists are questioning whether they can survive on the current pay scale.

departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
Patients who utilize PHR tools are more likely to seek preventive services, including cancer screening and vaccinations, according to a Virginia Commonwealth University study.

HIT Happenings
Affordable and readily available HIT can help the United States better defend against the ravages of diabetes.

Products and Services
A partnership between NextGen and Health Language is designed to ease the transition to ICD-10 by enhancing provider documentation and billing workflow.

On the Web
Research is under way to determine whether an online social network can enable better diabetes care.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


August 13, 2012

features

New Thoughts on EHR Design
Project Synapse delves into the facets and features that can make EHRs more patient friendly while still taking clinician preferences into consideration.

Share the Health
Online patient communities are creating powerful forums to help individuals take control of their care.

Method Matters
Whether front end, back end, EHR based, or traditional, dictation processes need to align with an organization’s workflow.

Cystic Fibrosis Research Gains Steam
New developments focus on the disease’s source and the effects of aggressive antibiotic treatments.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for cystic fibrosis

departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
According to a study, using an EMR to review images during daily radiation treatments dramatically improves compliance with timeliness and record keeping.

Transcription Trends
In an era when quantity often collides with quality, medical transcription service organizations debate how best to use productivity reports.

Crossword Puzzle

Consulting & Outsourcing Buyers’ Guide

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


July 30, 2012

features

Emerging Technologies for Chronic Disease Care
A national health policy group has identified 11 tools with the potential to affect how patients and providers interact.

RAC Frustrations Remain
Poor communication and a logjam of appeals are just two sticking points cited by HIM professionals.

Will Real-Time Prompts Be a CDI Game Changer?
Instant notification of potential documentation errors may benefit everyone from physicians and HIM professionals to patients.

Virtual Colonoscopy: Turf War and Peace
At a Wisconsin healthcare system, radiologists and gastroenterologists are setting aside differing viewpoints on colon cancer screening.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for colon and rectal cancer

departments

Editor’s Note

HIT Happenings
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is partnering with Dossia to offer PHR tools to the members of five churches.

Coding Corner
New considerations in data reporting and payment have changed the previous DRG monarchy to more of a critical data reporting collaboration.

On the Web
A survey found that 72% of respondents wanted to be able to book, cancel, or change their physician appointment online.

News Briefs
The latest data show California physicians are struggling to meet meaningful use standards, while a survey details their nationwide colleagues’ frustrations with EHRs.

Products and Services
A coding report and a dictation app are two options for busy healthcare organizations looking to save time and money.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


July 16, 2012

features

Compliance Strategies for the 72-Hour Rule
The definition of “other services” has led to a CMS clarification on how the rule should be applied to certain outpatient services.

A Broad Plan for Broadband
Equipping rural hospitals with high-speed networks has numerous benefits, but the plan faces several hurdles. Chief among them is funding.

Armed for Care
Mobilized with smartphones and tablets, clinicians for California’s Sutter Care at Home take the organization’s EHR on the road.

Measles Cases on the Rise
When the CDC announced statistics indicating the highest number of measles cases in 15 years, infectious disease specialists took notice.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for measles

departments

Editor’s Note

Evolving Education
The federal government has released version 3.0 of the ONC Health IT Curriculum Project.

Coding Corner
Two Canadian coding experts share their experiences on how best to deal with coding diabetes in ICD-10.

Crossword Puzzle

News Briefs
Three New York HIEs and three vendors have partnered with the New York eHealth Collaborative to facilitate data exchange.

On the Web
AARP Health Record enables users to enter, store, and edit their personal health information in a central location.

Datebook

Products and Services
A coding report and a dictation app are two options for busy healthcare organizations looking to save time and money.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


June 18, 2012

features

There’s No ‘I’ in Revenue Cycle Management
It takes a team effort, including support from HIM and coding, to keep a hospital’s finances in proper working order.

When Is It Time to Part Ways With Medical Records?
Industry experts offer their opinions on how best to address this complex issue.

Stage 2: Meaningful Use Branches Out
The soon-to-be final rule for meaningful use part deux pushes forward the idea of being able to seamlessly share data between patients and providers.

STD Prevalence Demands Clinical Awareness
According to the CDC, 15% of new STD/HIV infections occur in adults over the age of 50. Clinicians must be proactive in improving prevention and providing education.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for STDs

departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
Developed by University of Pennsylvania researchers, an EMR tool demonstrated it could cut down on unnecessary emergency department CT scans.

CFO Zone
In an era when more HIM vendors are considering expanding their services, finding the right growth partner to help guide the process is imperative.

Datebook

Coding Corner
An industry veteran tries to dispel several myths concerning ICD-10 adoption.

On the Web
The newly introduced Health System Measurement Project helps industry professionals, policy makers, and the public track healthcare trends online.

Products and Services
TEPR founder C. Peter Waegemann has released a new book about the enormous effects of the digital revolution on human intelligence.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


June 4, 2012

features

Secrets to a Successful CAC Interface
Connect computer-assisted coding technology to other hospital systems and watch the technology’s value increase.

Charts on Alert
Solid documentation practices and careful planning can lessen stress levels when federal auditors come calling.

Utterly Essential
To be better received, EHRs need to adapt to physicians’ longtime love affair with dictation.

Taming Some of the Summertime Blues
Commonsense safety measures and the latest research are helping to take the sting out of tick bites, sunburn, and poison ivy.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for ‘summertime blues’

departments

Letter to the Editor

News Briefs
A group of New Jersey oncology nurses has created a user-friendly checklist to help better document patient care.

CIO Insider
A bevy of strategies and resources can help overwhelmed chief information officers find and attract qualified HIT talent.

Crossword Puzzle

Datebook

On the Web
Text message reminders to receive flu vaccinations appear to improve immunization rates in low-income families, according to a study.

Products and Services
A new consultant development initiative addresses HIT staff shortages.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


May 21, 2012

Features

Intent on I-10 Implementation
By performing a gap analysis early on, hospitals will be able to determine the amount of work needed for the transition to ICD-10.

Patient Engagement, Interoperability Vital to ACO Success
Healthcare organizations need to account for these factors if they are to successfully meet the qualifying guidelines.

Patient Portals: A Window to Information
Test results, discharge instructions, and provider messages are examples of the types of data that can be exchanged through this Web-based tool.

Epilepsy Surgery — A Medical Road Less Traveled
For pharmaco-resistant patients, this treatment option can provide relief from the disabilities that hamper everyday life.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for seizures and epilepsy

departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
The Colorado Regional Health Information Organization has released a report examining issues related to sharing behavioral health data through HIEs.

Transcription Trends
An industry veteran examines the pros and cons of working either in an office or as an at-home independent contractor.

Datebook

Coding and Revenue Cycle Buyers’ Guide

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


May 7, 2012

features

Tear Away From Paper Records
Employing a document management system to convert paper files into electronic documents takes strategic planning and plenty of patience.

HIPAA Enforcement Heats Up
Experts weigh in on how the Office for Civil Rights’ plan to conduct random compliance audits will affect HIPAA policies and procedures.

Coping in the Age of the Audit
The arrival of recovery audit contractor prepayment reviews spells more administrative headaches for hospitals.

Is ICD-10 the Holy Grail for Disease Management?
More descriptive data could pave the way for better care and treatment.

departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
IBM’s has agreed to use its supercomputer Watson’s humongous knowledge base to help a leading healthcare organization improve cancer care.

Coding Corner
Thanks to their relationship with hospital-acquired conditions, catheter infections pose unique challenges to coders.

Crossword Puzzle

Datebook

Letter to the Editor

On the Web
According to a study from the University of Buffalo, parents of children with cancer are reluctant to use the Internet to learn more about their child’s disease.

Products and Services
Three organizations have teamed to offer services designed to help hospitals cope with the transition to ICD-10.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


April 23, 2012

Features

Identifying Patients in HIEs
The ability to exchange health information is wonderful, but it defeats the purpose if it’s incorrect data.

ROI in a Hybrid Environment
Medical records may not get to where they need to go if hospitals don’t properly plan for the general mayhem that ensues during an EHR conversion.

Conflicting Messages
Three studies mull over the effectiveness of speech recognition.

Using Natural Therapies to Treat Hypertension
A comprehensive study shows that combining certain nutrients with dietary and lifestyle modifications may help slow the progress of this potentially deadly condition.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for hypertension

departments

Guest Voice

News Briefs
A pair of reports dig deep into how healthcare organizations are preparing for ICD-10 and the effects of Health and Human Services’ decision to push back the implementation deadline.

Evolving Education
Competency exams offered by the American Society of Health Informatics Managers and the federal Workforce Development program offer HIT professionals a chance to tout their knowledge.

EMR & EHR Annual Showcase

Technology Trends
Context awareness technology provides real-time patient data that is specific to clinicians’ needs.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.

Datebook


April 9, 2012

Features

The Ins and Outs of Observation Status
Correctly distinguishing between inpatient and outpatient status can save hospitals from lost revenue and compliance headaches.

Cancer Registrars Tackle Tough Assignments
New rules, regulations, and technology have complicated matters when it comes to gathering cancer data.

At-Home CDI — A Remote Possibility or Something More?
While a remote clinical documentation improvement program has been successful at Kaiser Permanente, some experts question whether it’s viable at other institutions.

To Operate or Not to Operate
According to a study, more abdominal gunshot and stab wounds are being successfully treated without surgery.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for open wounds

Departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
New analysis from research firm Frost & Sullivan predicts increased use of PHRs, but direct revenue opportunities remain limited.

Money Matters
Don’t know the right questions to ask when buying an EHR? These helpful hints should provide a solid base to make the process less painful.

Crossword Puzzle

HIT Happenings
A Tennessee medical center’s HIPAA strategy includes taking advantage of a Web-tracking tool.

Products and Services
AHIMA has debuted tools to better manage the integrity of EHR documentation.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


March 26, 2012

Features

Operation Data Rescue
Through “knowledge discovery,” the meaning lying within infinite reservoirs of data can be recognized and put to good use. 

HIM Plays a Central Role in Safety, Quality Issues
By compiling and securing nearly every inch of a hospital’s patient data, HIM professionals are uniquely positioned to create better care environments.

Care Interrupted
Business continuity and disaster recovery plans are invaluable resources should a healthcare organization suffer a data loss.

Treating Insomnia
A lack of sleep can have a ripple effect on health and well-being, but there are several options available to help patients get some productive time in the sack.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for insomnia

Departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
According to a survey, EHR adoption has made strides over the past year, but interoperability is still a significant obstacle.

Transcription Trends
A veteran HIM professional makes the case that the industry could make better use of medical transcriptionists’ skill sets.

Datebook

On the Web
University teams have earned kudos for their work in developing healthcare solutions that take advantage of social media and mobile technology.

Products and Services
A dictation system gives physicians the choice to dictate, type, or “touch” their clinical documentation.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


March 12, 2012

Features

Breaking the ASC Codes
It takes a unique set of skills to master the nuances of coding at an ambulatory surgery center.

Moving Care Across State Lines
The requirement that physicians be licensed in the state where the patient is being treated has hampered the growth of telemedicine.

Fixing Electronic Data Capture
AMIA is set to release guiding principles that address the shortcomings of electronic data capture and documentation.  

Combating Clostridium Difficile
More common among hospitalized or institutionalized elders, these bacteria often affect patients with compromised immune systems.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for intestinal infections

Departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
University of Michigan researchers say more needs to be done to boost EHR communication with immunization registries.

mHealth Update
An electrophysiologist has developed an iPad application that can manage cardiac devices remotely.

Crossword Puzzle

On the Web
The Rural Assistance Center has introduced an online tool kit designed to help rural healthcare providers get HIT projects up and running.

Products and Services
Kforce Healthcare and Elsevier/MC Strategies are the latest companies to join forces to offer ICD-10 education.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


February 27, 2012

Features

Ethical Business Practices in Transcription
As concerns about the security of protected health information have increased, the medical transcription industry has reevaluated its handling of patient data from a transparency standpoint.

Are Post-Acute Care Transfers a Goldmine for RAC Audits?
Not knowing whether patients ultimately follow through with postdischarge plans can have significant financial and compliance ramifications.

Negotiating Cloud Computing Contracts
When constructing contracts with cloud computing vendors, industry experts recommend including several must-have items.  

Imaging Traumatic Brain Injury
Researchers seek objective measures to an elusive problem plaguing many of our nation’s military service members.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for traumatic brain injury

Departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
A lack of funds is preventing more healthcare organizations from participating in health information exchanges, according to a Beacon Partners study.

CFO Zone
Industry experts provide pointers for the numerous providers looking to make the switch to a new revenue cycle management system.

Datebook

On the Web
St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital hopes to accelerate pediatric cancer discoveries by sharing findings on an online genome database.

Products and Services
For hospitals befuddled by the transition to ICD-10, there are two more options on the market designed to help make the process run smoother.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


February 13, 2012

Features

ICD-10 Spreads Its Tentacles
Experts agree that the effects of the transition to the new coding set will be felt across entire organizations.

ACO Reporting Requirements
For the first year of the program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has emphasized quality measurements.

App Overload
Choices abound for healthcare professionals who value mobility and easy access to data.  

Knee Replacement Surgery on the Rise
Baby boomers and booming waistlines have led to an increase in the number of people opting to go under the knife.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for arthroscopic knee surgery

Departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
Hospital nurses working with EHRs consistently reported more improvements in care than did those working in facilities without the technology, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Evolving Education
With help from a federal grant, Weill Cornell Medical College is developing tomorrow’s class of HIT thought leaders.

Crossword Puzzle

On the Web
A health literacy social media program geared toward helping California teens become knowledgeable healthcare consumers is being taken nationwide.

Products and Services
AHIMA has introduced an ICD-10 training program tailored to specific healthcare settings and roles.

Datebook

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


January 30, 2012

Features

Proceed With Caution
Experts advise healthcare organizations to consider other factors besides cost before plunging into a speech recognition environment.

Playing the Data Breach Blame Game
Covered entities are largely responsible for the actions of business associates, making their agreements all the more significant.

A Call for Oversight
More scrutiny of EHR systems is needed, say informatics leaders who suggest the creation of an EHR board to review errors.  

Hepatitis C and the Damage Done
Scientists are working diligently to uncover new ways to attack a disease that has taken a huge toll on the nation’s health.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for viral hepatitis

Departments

Editor’s Note

Transcription Trends
An industry veteran attempts to differentiate between medical transcriptionists and dictation editors.

News Briefs
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine measures physician and patient attitudes on sharing medical notes.

On the Web
A start-up health network features a free Q & A service in which consumers anonymously ask questions to approved doctors.

Datebook

Products and Services
Unsure of your staff’s ICD-10 prowess? An online assessment tool measures their knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the new coding guidelines.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.


January 16, 2012

Features

The Coding Enabler
Computer-assisted coding can be a valuable tool for healthcare organizations looking to gain an edge in productivity.

CDI — It Takes Commitment
Obtaining physician buy-in is an essential ingredient to a successful clinical documentation improvement program.

HIT Keeps in Touch With Patient Care
Health systems in Delaware and Texas serve as examples of how HIT can raise standards and improve workflow.

New Approaches to Hysterectomy
Advanced technologies can reduce patient discomfort, recovery times, and the cost of care.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for hysterectomy

Departments

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
The number of data breaches involving protected health information rose by 32% from 2010, according to research by the independent privacy and data protection group the Ponemon Institute.

CIO Insider
Three health system chief information officers discuss ICD-10 implementation, including the progress made thus far and the challenges that lie ahead.

Crossword Puzzle

Datebook

On the Web
Experts say plenty of work needs to be done before consumers can feel comfortable with the results they find on physician rating websites.

Products and Services
A new iPad offering helps home health clinicians capture documentation in a secure and HIPAA-compliant manner.

By the Numbers
Get the lowdown on healthcare’s facts and figures.