EMR/EHR

Electronic medical records (EMR) are a digital version of a patient’s chart that store their personal information, medical history and links to prior exams, texts and reports. The goal of these systems is to enable immediate access to the patient's data electronically, rather than needing to request paper file folders that might be stored in fragment files at numerous locations where a patient is seen or treated. EMRs (also called electronic health records, or EHR) improve clinician and health system efficiency by making all this data immediately available. This helps reduce repeat tests, repeat prescriptions and repeat imaging exams because reports, imaging or other patient data is not not immediately available. 

Radiology: X-rays may help predict which H1N1 patients are at greatest risk

Initial chest radiography may have significance in helping predict clinical outcome, but normal initial radiographs cannot exclude adverse outcome for patients with influenza A (H1N1), according to a study in the April issue of Radiology.

CCHIT to reopen certification apps, testing on April 7

The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) will adjust its certification programs for EHRs and reopen applications and testing on April 7, according on its announcement at a teleconference last week.

AJR: Use dual-energy CT to diagnose gout

Dual-energy CT can reliably diagnose gout in an acute, emergency setting, based on study results in the April issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

AJR: X-ray often insufficient in detecting hip and pelvic fractures

An article in the April issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology argues that standard x-rays are often inconclusive in detecting hip and pelvic fractures in the emergency room.

McKesson lands three new contracts for Practice Partner

Three physician practices have joined the ranks of users deploying McKessons Practice Partner EHR and practice management applications.

Congress to CMS: Modify meaningful use requirements

In a letter to Charlene M. Frizzera, acting administrator for the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 235 members of the U.S. House of Representatives urged CMS to modify its proposed definition and requirements for hospitals to qualify for the meaningful use of health IT incentive payments.

IMIX and Arcoma to merge

IMIX, a provider of digital radiography systems, and radiology system provider Arcoma, have agreed to merge.

ACC: Facilities are not yet ready to adopt EHRs for meaningful use

ATLANTAAs U.S. lawmakers push facilities to adopt health IT technologies, problems often arise during the implementation process demonstrating that facilities may not be ready to make the switch toward meaningful use, said John Windle, MD, of the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, during his presentation at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) scientific sessions Sunday.

Around the web

The American College of Cardiology has shared its perspective on new CMS payment policies, highlighting revenue concerns while providing key details for cardiologists and other cardiology professionals. 

As debate simmers over how best to regulate AI, experts continue to offer guidance on where to start, how to proceed and what to emphasize. A new resource models its recommendations on what its authors call the “SETO Loop.”

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, MD, said the clinical community needs to combat health misinformation at a grassroots level. He warned that patients are immersed in a "sea of misinformation without a compass."

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