Health information technology: integration of clinical workflow into meaningful use of electronic health records.
(33/82)
This article examines the role that clinical workflow plays in successful implementation and meaningful use of electronic health record (EHR) technology in ambulatory care. The benefits and barriers of implementing EHRs in ambulatory care settings are discussed. The researchers conclude that widespread adoption and meaningful use of EHR technology rely on the successful integration of health information technology (HIT) into clinical workflow. Without successful integration of HIT into clinical workflow, clinicians in today's ambulatory care settings will continue to resist adoption and implementation of EHR technology. (+info)
Potential for electronic health records and online social networking to redefine medical research.
(34/82)
CDC grand rounds: childhood obesity in the United States.
(35/82)
In the United States, childhood obesity affects approximately 12.5 million children and teens (17% of that population). Changes in obesity prevalence from the 1960s show a rapid increase in the 1980s and 1990s, when obesity prevalence among children and teens tripled, from nearly 5% to approximately 15% (Figure 1). During the past 10 years, the rapid increase in obesity has slowed and might have leveled. However, among the heaviest boys, a significant increase in obesity has been observed, with the heaviest getting even heavier. Moreover, substantial racial/ethnic disparities exist, with Hispanic boys and non-Hispanic black girls disproportionately affected by obesity (Figure 2). Also, older children and teens are more likely to be obese compared with preschoolers. (+info)
Establishment of the permanent certification program for health information technology. Final rule.
(36/82)
This final rule establishes a permanent certification program for the purpose of certifying health information technology (HIT). This final rule is issued pursuant to the authority granted to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (the National Coordinator) by section 3001(c)(5) of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), as added by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. The permanent certification program will eventually replace the temporary certification program that was previously established by a final rule. The National Coordinator will use the permanent certification program to authorize organizations to certify electronic health record (EHR) technology, such as Complete EHRs and/or EHR Modules. The permanent certification program could also be expanded to include the certification of other types of HIT. (+info)
The eMERGE Network: a consortium of biorepositories linked to electronic medical records data for conducting genomic studies.
(37/82)
HITECH lays the foundation for more ambitious outcomes-based reimbursement.
(39/82)
Through the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, the federal government is making up to $27 billion available in incentive payments, followed by penalties, over 10 years for eligible professionals and hospitals. HITECH is extended by the sections of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that deal with payment reform. Of particular importance are those sections that discuss accountable care organizations and the different ways that Medicare will pay for care. These changes may be more significant to the industry and to healthcare information technology (HIT) than the "meaningful use" regulation itself. In some ways, meaningful use becomes the tactical plan for achieving the strategic plan outlined by PPACA. The HIT market will evolve to include exchanging data, orchestrating the coordination of care across settings, and finally guiding caregivers with contextual knowledge at the point of care. (+info)
Congressional intent for the HITECH Act.
(40/82)
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which was enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, calls for an unprecedented federal investment in health information technology (IT). Incentive payments will be made available through the Medicare programs and Medicaid to doctors and hospitals that use health IT in a meaningful way (ie, to advance delivery of high-quality healthcare). These IT systems have to be certified as meeting certain technological standards. The Congressional Budget Office has projected that HITECH will reduce federal and private sector spending on health services during the next decade by tens of billions of dollars by increasing efficiency. (+info)