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2009 Article Archive

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December 21, 2009

FEATURES

HIPAA Targets
Is the industry prepared to handle new  HITECH rules that bring greater scrutiny to dictation and transcription practices?

A Snapshot of Healthcare 2009
The people, places, and legislation that made headlines—and some that didn’t—are recapped by an elite panel of experts.

E-Prescribing at the Tipping Point
Use of this technology during the past several years has seen a major boost, but several roadblocks still stand in the way of e-prescribing reaching its full potential.

Obesity and Liver Disease
Recent research indicates that being overweight makes it more likely that a person will develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for liver disease

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
According to a survey, one third of healthcare business associates are unaware that the economic stimulus package requires them to comply with HIPAA health data protection rules.

EHR Insider
There are two ways for physician practices to skin the EHR cat: implement it yourself or partner with a health system.

Datebook

Products and Services
The National Library of Medicine has published a draft map linking content from SNOMED CT to ICD-9-CM billing codes.

www.watch
A new health information site will feature expert answers from celebrity physicians, as well as high-profile institutions such as Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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


December 7, 2009

FEATURES

Never Say Good-Bye?
Opponents argue that a proposed 10-year nationwide record retention policy would not serve the best interests of healthcare organizations or consumers.

Happy, Healthy & Wise — Keys to Smooth
Practice Management

From coding properly to establishing morning huddles, there are several steps physician practices can take to make operations more efficient.

The Impact of New Communication Tools 
The industry is opening its eyes to the value of text messaging, e-mail, and observations of daily living.

Gout’s Resurgence
Several factors have led to an increase in the incidence of this painful and debilitating condition that is often linked to other health problems.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for gout

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

EHR Insider
U.S. physicians lag behind their international counterparts when it comes to EHR adoption.

Coding Corner
Separating fact from fiction in the world of ICD-9 coding can help facilities boost revenue and avoid fraud issues.

News Briefs
The Drummond Group, an interoperability testing lab, announced plans to develop an EHR certification program.

Datebook

Products and Services
A Web-based tool helps payers reduce the time required for testing the 5010 transaction set.

www.watch
New York state has unveiled a new database designed to inform consumers and health insurers about standard reimbursement rates for out-of-network care.

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


November 23, 2009

FEATURES

Transcription Technology Wars
Application service provider and automatic speech recognition solutions are changing the landscape of the medical transcription industry.

Beware the Lure of EHR Incentives
Healthcare organizations in a hurry to implement an EHR system in order to take advantage of federal stimulus money may be in for a fall.

GEMs: A Training Tool for Coders
As anxiety over the introduction of ICD-10 mounts, coding professionals look to a new tool to ease the transition.

Flagging Falls
Identifying the causes of older adults’ balancing difficulties is of critical importance to fall prevention.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for ear infections

DEPARTMENTS

Letter to the Editor

Evolving Education
Cancer registrars must take advantage of educational opportunities and their networking skills to make sure they have a place in the EHR era.

Research Brief
A new study spotlights the inherent value in reusing EHR data to improve quality of care.

www.watch
MDLiveCare, which offers consumers on-demand teleconsultations with board-certified physicians, will enable data from the sessions to be embedded in PHRs from Google Health.

Datebook

Products and Services
RecoverIt is designed to reconcile reimbursement data to ensure prompt payment.

News Briefs
Data reveal that 80% of healthcare organizations reported a data breach within the last year.

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


November 9, 2009

FEATURES

A New Kind of Office Visit
Kaiser Permanente and Montefiore Medical Center are two healthcare organizations that have success with patients and physicians exchanging information via the Internet.

Signs of the Times
Digital signature technology has helped healthcare organizations get more out of their EMRs and curtail chart deficiencies.

Dealing With Downtime
Learn the steps that need to be taken to ensure operations are kept in running order the next time your EHR system fails.

Big Picture
Advances in CT technology are allowing clinicians to perform whole-brain perfusion studies.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for cerebral infarction

Annual Technology Buyers’ Guide
In these days of stimulus funds, it’s more important than ever to know the facts about the leading vendors.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

Health Law
The HITECH Act promises to have a wide-ranging effect on how facilities go about protecting health information.

EHR Insider
Recent federal changes to the EHR certification process threaten to diminish the CCHIT’s role and increase the standing of open source technology.

Datebook

Products and Services
Healthcare organizations looking to meet the new HIPAA regulations can implement a tool to measure their breach index.

www.watch
Searching for a new blog to satiate your quest for HIT chatter? Initiate Systems has launched a new platform for master data management.

News Briefs
Researchers say doctors could predict a patient’s risk of receiving a domestic abuse diagnosis years in advance by using EHRs as an early warning system.

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


October 26, 2009

FEATURES

Balancing Act
Coders face the conundrum of producing top-of-the-heap work while at the same time maintaining a pace that satisfies reimbursement types who demand payments yesterday.

The PHR — Moving Consumers From Pawns to Kings
The authors of a new book state their case as to why this technology needs to play a more prominent role in the dissemination of healthcare information.

Crush Medication Errors
Installing bar-coding technology raises patient satisfaction, decreases the chance of mistakes, and changes workflow throughout many departments.

Imaging Brain Tumors — MRI Offers a Closer Look at Deadly Cancers
Clinicians are using dynamic MRI to monitor the growth of a deadly cancer and adapt treatments to individual patients.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for brain tumors

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

Transcription Trends
Three industry leaders share their thoughts on outsourcing, the ARRA, and other hot topics.

News Briefs
Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration has released a crosswalk tool for healthcare providers to look at federal and state privacy and security rules for exchanging data.

Datebook

www.watch
The National Library of Medicine has launched a Web site to support the electronic exchange of standard newborn screening data.

Products and Services
Coding professionals will be pleased to know there is a new tool available to help them master RAC regulations.

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


October 12, 2009

FEATURES

Get Buy-In Before Buying
With the federal government in a generous mood, it seems like the perfect time to adopt new mobile technology. However, experts caution that hospitals would be wise to check with their physicians first.

CAC: It Still Needs the Human Touch
Healthcare facilities are taking a huge risk if they rely solely on computer-assisted coding technology to satisfy their billing needs.

IT in the Sky
Cloud computing has its flaws, but some healthcare organizations view the practice as a viable option to help curb costs and streamline the archiving process.

Ultrasound IGRT — Looking to Improve Prostate and Breast Cancer Treatments
A new ultrasound system helps clinicians better visualize treatment targets without added radiation.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for radiation therapy

DEPARTMENTS

Letter to the Editor

Money Matters
Value-based purchasing is the most recent advancement in the reimbursement system for Medicare patients.

Coding Corner
Our intrepid and overworked coding expert summarizes the changes occurring this month.

News Briefs
The AHIMA is set to receive a grant to continue its State-Level Health Information Exchange Consensus Project. 

Datebook

www.watch
WebMD debuts Medscape Mobile, a free iPhone and iPod touch application that lets physicians look up healthcare data.

Products and Services
In an effort to expedite the 5010 transaction process, Foresight has integrated interpretive content into selected products.

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


September 28, 2009

FEATURES

Georgia Uses HIT to Battle Cancer
By gathering data electronically, the state’s cancer coalition hopes to bring providers and researchers the most up-to-date information possible.

Learn From a Master
With more than a decade of experience working with CPOE, the leaders at Alamance Regional Medical Center give their thoughts on how to ace the implementation process.

Top 10 E/M Coding Flaws
Making sense of the 1995 and 1997 guidelines is virtually impossible, according to a practicing physician and certified professional coder.

HIT Streamlines Nursing Home Operations
Innovative technology continues to improve the implementation of nursing home functions, from resident services modifications to facility management nuances.

New Hope in Neuroprotection?
Thus far, Parkinson’s disease treatment has mostly focused on controlling the disease, but now there’s thought that a new strategy could lead to a cure.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for Parkinson’s disease

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

EHR Insider
Getting a grip on document management processes is a good first step on the path to EHR enlightenment.

News Briefs
The State Alliance for e-Health offers advice on preparing for HIT regulations.

Evolving Education
Opportunities are available for HIM professionals to ingrain themselves into the new EHR-centric world of healthcare.

Datebook

Coding Corner
Learn tips on medical decision making in E/M coding.


September 14, 2009

FEATURES

Pulling It Together — The HITECH Act & HIPAA
New federal mandates included in the HITECH Act please privacy proponents and reshape policies for business associates and covered entities.

Free Up Your Cash Flow
While the economy trips and stumbles on its way to a full-blown recovery, healthcare organizations are examining point-of-service payments as a means to boost revenue flow.

Maximize HIT Investment
During the early stages of EMR planning, healthcare providers are employing lean management practices to identify and eliminate waste.

Golden Target — Scientists Investigate Hollow Nanospheres to Destroy Melanoma Cells
Researchers are studying a targeted treatment that may potentially allow them to destroy melanoma tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for melanoma

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
A KLAS report suggests most executives and clinicians at small rural hospitals are dissatisfied with HIT service providers.

Technology Trends
Uncoupling BCMA from its Unintended Consequences
A project to discover the reasons behind workarounds associated with bar-code medication administration yielded interesting results.

Datebook

Coding Corner
Debridement Revisited
With RACs keeping a keen eye on excisional debridement codes, now’s a good time to revisit how to handle this tricky diagnosis.

Products and Services
Two of coding’s biggest names have gotten together to create a new software package.

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


August 17, 2009

FEATURES

Ushering in Change: ARRA Adds New Challenges to ROI Requests
HIPAA modifications included in the HITECH Act promise to revamp many release-of-information processes, according to industry experts, who say hospitals need to start educating staff on the new laws.

Mission Mobility
Step inside the doors of three medical centers that have implemented wireless technologies to improve communication and speed access to patient information.

Keep Data Contained
As healthcare information becomes more mobile, facilities face a series of new security challenges.

Double Trouble
Patients who suffer from mental illness in addition to medical problems—related or otherwise—face unique challenges when it comes to receiving proper care.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for depression

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
Researchers at The George Washington University estimate that as many as 45,000 physicians may be eligible for Medicaid subsidy payments for adopting EHRs under the stimulus plan.

Coding Corner
Observations on ‘Observation’

The differences between observation and inpatient designations have a great effect on how hospitals are reimbursed.

Datebook

Products and Services
Issued by ASC X12, a new implementation guide supports the exchange of PHR data between health plans.

www.watch
According to a new survey, Medicare beneficiaries overwhelmingly embraced using the Internet to manage their health.

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


August 3, 2009

FEATURES

HIEs Seek a Cash Injection
There’s money to be had for enterprising organizations looking to obtain government funding to bolster the power of health information exchange.

HIM Transformers
As the industry faces innumerable challenges in the years ahead, up-and-comers and veterans alike are emerging to help make a difference.

Toxic Mix: Coding for Sepsis and SIRS
For years, experts have questioned the logic behind the rules that govern the guidelines for properly recording the presence of these two conditions.

New Perspectives on Elders’ Sleep
Identifying and treating sleep disorders in older adults contributes to improved cognitive function and quality of life.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for sleep disorders

2009 Consulting and Outsourcing Buyers’ Guide
This special section provides a comprehensive listing of companies that can lend a hand.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

Technology Trends
Gaps and Opportunities in E-Prescribing
E-prescribing technology that features clinical decision support options can lead to quality improvement, cost savings, and a reduction in medical errors.

News Briefs
Although Arizona has a high EMR adoption rate, a new report finds that many physician groups are “deinstalling” the systems because of high costs and inadequate training.

www.watch
In 2010, the American Medical Association will launch a Web portal to let physician members access patient information in Microsoft’s HealthVault PHR system.

Datebook

Products and Services
A new PHR will be licensed at no charge to TriZetto’s qualifying payer customers for use by their providers and members.

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


July 20, 2009

FEATURES

Checks and Balances
To avoid trouble, experts recommend several best practices for establishing an auditing program that will provide an inside look at an organization’s coding operations.

Buyer Be Aware
The introduction of the visible black character methodology has helped some healthcare organizations make sense of their transcription costs. Nevertheless, experts say HIM managers must still be on the alert for billing errors.

Opening Doors
Learn how two healthcare organizations used the federal Stark law and antikickback statutes to gain an advantage on the road to comprehensive EHR adoption.

Vive La Voice
Speech-enabled EHRs can help healthcare organizations develop stronger and more rich documentation while limiting the amount of typing required from physicians.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

EHR Insider
A new study suggests that patients are ready to embrace the transition to EHRs.

Transcription Trends
Transcription Group Opposes Offshoring

Meet Donna Littrell, the executive director of a new organization whose goal is to keep transcription jobs in the States.

Money Matters
The Impact of the New ABN Form
The March arrival of a revised ABN form has made an impact on items expected to receive the cold shoulder from Medicare.

Datebook

www.watch
Plans are underway to create a service that will allow patients to consult with physicians 24 hours per day via the Internet or phone.

News Briefs
A national report found that hospitals don’t do enough to discipline problem doctors.

Products and Services
Perot Systems has announced special financing options for healthcare providers looking to take advantage of stimulus funding.

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


June 22, 2009

FEATURES

Medical Identity Theft: Will the Real John Doe Please Stand Up?
Lax healthcare organizations face serious consequences if proper safeguards aren’t in place to deter criminals—including the mob—from gaining access to patient information.

Transcription’s Holy Grail
The AHDI and MTIA assembled a Quality Assurance Best Practices workgroup to identify metrics and definitions for a credible, measurable QA program standard.

Spring Into E-Action
Experts expound on the powers of e-prescribing, a technology that comes with some baggage but is well worth the trouble in the long run.

Molecular Imaging Offers a New View on Immunotherapy
A novel PET tracer is helping clinicians track the location and progress of specially programmed white blood cells.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for immunotherapy

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

Coding Corner
Discharge Codes: Let’s Go Home ... Or Maybe Not

Entering the correct discharge status code depends on excellent documentation and the coder’s knowledge of the available options.

www.watch
A meaningful use Web site allows healthcare professionals to submit input on how providers can take advantage of stimulus funds.

Datebook

News Briefs
GE’s new healthymagination project promises to devote $6 billion to improving the nation’s HIT infrastructure.

Products and Services
A new solution identifies possible medical identity theft and provides advice to manage, report, and monitor Red Flags Rule program compliance.

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


June 8, 2009

FEATURES

Financial Benchmarking Takes on New Importance
This tool may prove to be invaluable to healthcare organizations looking to get their finances in order during these threadbare times.

Overnight Sensation
Around-the-clock remote monitoring of ICU patients improves patient safety, helps solve physician shortages, and boosts the level of care in this demanding unit.

Seeing Red
The Federal Trade Commission’s new Red Flags Rule—designed to help protect patients and providers from medical identity theft—has healthcare organizations examining its consequences.

2009 Coding & Revenue Cycle Management Buyers’ Guide
Learn about the vendors who help healthcare providers get more bang for their bucks.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

Health Law
A report raises concerns over the “immunity” granted to HIT vendors.

EHR Insider
Living in a Hybrid World

When paper and electronic records mix, it takes preparation and planning to make the system effective.

www.watch
Hungry for HIPAA information? A new Web site purports to be the first educational wiki community dedicated to the federal regulation.

Datebook

News Briefs
The advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has alleged that Google contracted with at least two firms to lobby for HIT-related provisions in the federal economic stimulus package.

Products and Services
A tool for claims analysis, risk assessment, and appeal management protects against RAC audits.

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


May 25, 2009

FEATURES

Advanced Placement — The Effects of New CTR Education Requirements
Find out how the addition of an associate’s degree requirement may reshape the registrar profession.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Properly designed clinical decision support systems can give time-conscious physicians an edge while still allowing them to practice patient-specific medicine.

DRGs: Still Frustrating After All These Years
Just when a hospital’s financial team seems to have a grip on the payment system’s complexities, something comes along to further complicate matters.

Imaging & Self-Injury
Radiologists are in a position to help identify a form of self-mutilation that most clinicians haven’t seen before.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for injuries

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

Technology Trends
Digital signatures can help healthcare organizations move “paperwork” along faster and keep HIPAA violations at bay.

Coding Corner
Ruling Out the “Rule-Out” Diagnosis

News Briefs
The FCC’s Rural Health Care Pilot Program has allocated $46 million in funding to connect rural hospitals in nine states to five telehealth networks.

www.watch
The American Medical Association is planning to offer a Web-based health information exchange solution to its 240,000 members and other interested physicians.

Products and Services
A documentation solution helps healthcare professionals automatically capture clinical notes in an electronic health record.

Datebook

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


May 11, 2009

FEATURES

The Big Push
President Obama’s decision to pump billions of dollars into the HIT sector promises to affect the industry in a myriad of ways. Learn what experts think of the HITECH Act’s chances for success.

Navigate ROI Nuances
HIM departments enter treacherous territory when they face the complexities of the release-of-information process.

RAC Strategies — It’s Your Move
Healthcare organizations that heed these 10 tips for RAC preparation will be all set to weather the storm.

Nutrition and COPD — Eat, Breathe, Be Merry
The right diet can help those who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease lead happier, more productive lives.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

2009 EHR Buyers’ Guide
This enticing list of industry players should stimulate interested buyers.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
According to researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, fewer than 2% of U.S. hospitals have installed comprehensive electronic health record systems.

Coding Corner
In this firsthand account, learn how Hurricane Ike has had a devastating effect on the lives of the staff at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Datebook

www.watch
The U.S. government has launched a Web site designed to provide mental health resources to residents affected by the economic recession.

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


April 27, 2009

FEATURES

The NHIN: A Country Connected
The Nationwide Health Information Network is in the process of demonstrating how technology and cooperation can lead to a more robust healthcare system.

5010: Transitioning to the New Standards
Often viewed as a companion project to the implementation of ICD-10, the forthcoming 5010 standards promise to fine-tune electronic claims transactions.

Moving Mountains — The Proper Purge of Medical Records
By following guidelines and protocols, healthcare organizations can relieve the stress and anxiety that often accompany the task of destroying patient files.

Cognitive Camouflage — How Alzheimer’s Can Mask Mental Illness
When mental illness is recognized and diagnosed in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, appropriate treatment can often improve cognitive function.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for dementia

DEPARTMENTS

Letter to the Editor

Hot at HIMSS
Here’s a sampling of the new technologies introduced at the recent conference.

News Briefs
Tampa Bay, Fla., officials plan to rid the city’s healthcare system of paper by converting 10,000 regional physicians to e-prescribing.

Evolving Education
Securing that first job and then making good as a new hire can leave any graduate feeling a bit anxious.

EHR Insider
There are several key components that make up an effective personal health record.

Datebook

www.watch
Wouldn’t it be nice to know how long of a wait you could expect before bringing your child to the hospital for stitches? A New Orleans health system now provides emergency department wait times online.

Products and Services
A new certification program will train HIT consultants to implement OpenVista.

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


April 13, 2009

FEATURES

Telling the Full Story
To collect all the necessary data for quality patient care, the Health Story Project has set out to develop and promote information standards that support the flow of information between narrative documents and electronic health records.

Precious Commodity — Beds at a Premium
Healthcare organizations that can alleviate bottlenecks in patient flow have a leg up on the competition in terms of patient satisfaction and quality of care.

Healthcare All Atwitter Over Social Networking
YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter offer a golden opportunity for hospitals to enhance their online presence and increase consumer awareness.

Family Planning Intervention
An interventional procedure offers a minimally invasive method of permanent birth control.

Coding and Transcription
Review of pregnancy-related guidelines

DEPARTMENTS

Guest Voice

News Briefs
A study shows that physicians may bypass the economic stimulus funding, noting that the status quo may be less trouble and less costly than if they tried to implement an electronic health record system, even with the incentives.

www.watch
The federal government has launched a Web site where consumers can share their thoughts about health reform.

Money Matters
An unfathomable amount of cash is available through the president’s economic stimulus package.

Products and Services
Acrylic block radius walls may help hospitals handle HIPAA regulations while creating an attractive waiting area for patients.

Datebook

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


March 30, 2009

FEATURES

Managing the Ebb and Flow of the Emergency Department
By installing emergency department information systems, facilities are hoping to improve patient care, streamline workflow, and maximize reimbursement.

Get With the Times
In this day and age, it’s necessary to make sure data security measures are up to speed, or serious privacy issues may develop.

Mistakes Happen
The recent snafus in the Veterans Affairs’ electronic medical record illustrate that healthcare organizations need to be cognizant of the potential for mishaps.

Changing View — MRI, CAD, and Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
As MRI techniques and computer-aided detection software evolve, MRI may soon be an effective tool for diagnosing prostate cancer.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for prostate cancer

DEPARTMETNS

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
The Rockefeller Foundation, the Vodafone Foundation, and the United Nations Foundation have announced the launch of a new campaign that will use mobile and computer technology to improve healthcare in developing nations.

Technology Trends
As the stimulus bill pours money into the adoption of electronic health records, now is an ideal time to enter the age of interoperability.

Datebook

www.watch
An online encyclopedia aims to provide consumers with health information, as well as an opportunity to interact with each other and medical professionals.

Products and Services
Virtual File Store is the industry’s first cloud-based archiving solution to help enterprises meet data storage challenges.

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


March 16, 2009

FEATURES

Take Documentation Out of the Dark
Concurrent documentation programs are helping healthcare organizations achieve improved efficiencies by obtaining diagnoses at the point of care.

The 411 on Cell Phone Applications in Healthcare
A fairly new movement that seems to be gaining steam, the mHealth Initiative spotlights how these everyday devices can help improve the flow of information in a variety of settings.

Is RFID Technology Too Nosy?
These GPS-like devices serve many useful functions inside healthcare facilities, but privacy advocates worry there are other consequences that are far less appealing.

Assessing Deep Vein Thrombosis
In an effort to save time in the emergency department, some doctors are advocating for a shorter test for deep vein thrombosis, but is it effective enough for wide-scale use?

Coding and Transcription
Coding for deep vein thrombosis

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
EMR databases can obtain information as effectively as randomized clinical trials, according to a report by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Transcription Trends
A medical transcription service owner discusses how outsourcing can help ease the strain for hospitals and clinics looking to cut costs.

Datebook

Ask the Expert

www.watch
The new Health Workforce Information Center contains data on workforce topics and funding resources, furnishes relevant publications, and connects users to workforce experts and federal programs.

Products and Services
IBM, Google, and the Continua Health Alliance are partnering on software that enables personal patient monitoring medical devices to automatically send medical data to a personal health record.

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


March 2, 2009

FEATURES

Healthcare Technology — It’s Not Foolproof
A recent sentinel event alert issued by The Joint Commission provides information and best practices on planning, implementing, and managing HIT and converging devices.

Process Mapping and the Revenue Cycle
Having problems receiving proper reimbursement for ambulatory services? By analyzing the process in greater detail, you may just find the answer.

Telemedicine: Miles Don’t Matter
No longer an anomaly, various forms of connected health, including remote monitoring, are reshaping ideas about how providers can give consumers quality, convenient care.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Unique Concerns During Pregnancy and Lactation
Examine the complications that face mothers with PCOS and the dietary and medical guidelines they should follow.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for polycystic ovary syndrome

DEPARTMENTS

Guest Voice

News Briefs
The national HIT strategy should focus more on information exchange rather than electronic health records, says a report from the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton.
 
Coding Corner
To ensure compliance, coding managers need to make themselves available to answer any and all staff questions.

Datebook

www.watch
Coders who can’t afford expensive resource books will soon be able to turn to a free Web site where they can share knowledge with colleagues.
 
Products and Services
An instant alert system gives doctors’ phones secure access to healthcare networks in real time.

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


February 16, 2009

FEATURES

Unlocking the Secret to Successful PHRs
What PHR features pique consumers’ interest enough that they’ll actually engage in data entry? What are the roadblocks preventing more widespread use of this much-touted healthcare tool?

Navigate the E-Discovery Maze
Experts say healthcare organizations need to develop well-rounded policies and form task forces to deal with the ever-increasing pressures of storing and retrieving electronic information.

Speech Recognition: Hype vs. Reality
When it comes to speech recognition technology, can healthcare organizations separate fact from fable? A new task force hopes to shed light on the subject.

Heart-Healthy Aging: Five Successful Strategies
Through specific lifestyle changes, older adults can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for acute myocardial infarction

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

EHR Insider
Curbing costs and eliminating IT concerns would help increase EMR adoption in smaller physician practices.

News Briefs
According to a recent survey, chief information officers are wary of the switchover to ICD-10, citing software upgrades, training, and testing as primary concerns.  

Datebook

Products and Services
Eclipsys has agreed to provide an HIT learning platform for nursing students at the University of Pennsylvania.

www.watch
The federal government has launched a Web site that lets patients create an electronic family health tree and share it with relatives and physicians. 

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


February 2, 2009

FEATURES

Disaster Recovery — Lessons From Tulane’s Response to Katrina
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Tulane Medical Center faced the daunting task of putting its operations back together, complete with a full complement of accurate medical records.

Find the Perfect ROI Fit
Release-of-information functions can sometimes overwhelm HIM departments, but fortunately, there are several options available to help alleviate the stress.

Future Workspaces Have Arrived
Web-based collaboration technologies promise to push healthcare organizations to a higher level of communication and support the transfer of knowledge across various platforms.

Osteoporosis Risk for Men and Adolescents
Despite disheartening news that rates are on the rise, there are steps that can be taken to help reverse the tide before it’s too late.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for osteoporosis

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

Research Brief
Mayo Clinic researchers report their finds on how telemedicine can help save stroke victims.

Coding Corner
Benchmarking may seem straightforward but, in actuality, there are many variables that need to be considered to achieve the desired results.

News Briefs
HIMSS has provided lawmakers with a blueprint for harnessing the power of IT to reform healthcare.  

Datebook

Products and Services
An extended cardiac monitoring system provides instant and accurate patient information through automated data transmissions.

www.watch
The Commonwealth Fund has launched an online hospital quality comparison tool based on data from its national scorecard measures and the CMS’ Hospital Compare Web site.

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


January 19, 2009

FEATURES

Basic Training: Going Beyond the Traditional for Speedier End-User Adoption
Several new techniques are available to help healthcare organizations increase their chances at having a successful IT project.

Growing the HIM Curriculum
To keep up with technology’s rapid pace, HIM educators need to refurbish old competencies while also designing new ones.

Rethink EHR Project Timelines
A pair of Bentley University researchers stress the importance of the postimplementation phase, when opportunities to realize more benefits typically present themselves.

Group B Strep: The Preventable Infection
With proper prenatal screening, parents can rest assured that their newborn will avoid contracting this potentially dangerous disease.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for group B streptococcus in pregnancy

2009 Transcription Buyers’ Guide
This reference tool serves as an ideal starting point for healthcare organizations searching for outsourcing help or in-house solutions.

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

CFO Zone
The premiere of this new department features two prominent chief financial officers sharing their views on a number of subjects.

News Briefs
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that physicians who are trained using IT question their ability to provide safe and efficient care in less-wired facilities.   

Datebook

Products and Services
New software automates the peer-review process and allows a nurse or other healthcare provider to update patient data.

www.watch
A survey found that 27% of U.S. adults say they are “extremely likely or somewhat likely” to create an online personal health record to better manage their healthcare.

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


January 5, 2009

FEATURES

Time to Reengineer?
Is your department being flooded with new technology and processes? It may be necessary to consider reengineering to create a more efficient work environment.
                
RAC Appeals: More Than Simple Math
Several factors must be carefully weighed before healthcare organizations attempt to challenge a RAC’s decision to recoup overpayments.

Healthcare 2009: A Scramble for Answers?
Industry insiders weigh in on what topics will be making headlines over the course of the next 12 months.

New Technologies for Aging in Place
Technological innovations enhance the possibilities for older adults to stay where they want to be—at home. Although some novel ideas are still on the drawing board, advances promise to improve home safety and convenience for elders.

Coding and Transcription
Coding for glaucoma

DEPARTMENTS

Editor’s Note

News Briefs
As part of a $200 million initiative, GE Healthcare has partnered with leading medical institutions to promote the use of HIT. 
 
Technology Trends
Keeping track of patients is no small task. That’s why HIT experts emphasize the need to maintain a spotless master patient index.

Datebook

Products and Services
M*Modal has introduced a speech recognition-enabled dictation application for the Apple iPhone.

www.watch
Beginning this month, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will offer free personal health record software and similar services to Medicare Advantage members.

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