Farzad Mostashari, MD, has been named National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), effective April 8, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Mostashari succeeds outgoing coordinator David Blumenthal, MD, MPP, who has held the post since 2009.

The Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agent Database (MICAD), which provides free online scientific information regarding in vivo molecular imaging and contrast agents, has added 25 agents to its database.

CMIO.net presents a weekly update of the EHR products certified by the Office of the National Coordinator of Health IT Authorized Testing and Certification Bodies. The following EHR certification was announced recently:

Last week, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted a National Provider Call to walk eligible professionals through the process of determining eligibility and registering for the meaningful use incentive programs. On April 6, it was eligible hospitals turn.

Mid-Valley Public Health Authority (MVPHA) and O-HITEC, Oregon's Health IT Extension Center, have partnered to advance EHR adoption in the state of Oregon.

Most medical practices that have deployed EHRs intend to participate in the meaningful use incentive program, and interest is also high among practices migrating from paper systems, according to a report from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). However, comparatively few practices can currently meet the eligibility criteria, and practices are divided as to whether EHRs will increase physician productivity, the Englewood, Colo.-based association found.

Siemens Healthcare is adding CARE Analytics to its portfolio of CARE (Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure) applications. The new application allows dose received by patients during an examination with Siemens CT scanners, x-ray and fluoroscopy devices, and angiography systems to be analyzed and evaluated.

With meaningful use attestation a mere two weeks away, a 90-minute National Provider Call on Registration hosted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on April 1 devoted roughly half an hour to a presentation on registering eligible professionals (EPs), and an hour to answering attendee questions.