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. 

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GAO: DoD, VA integrated EHR plans insufficient

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense fiscal year 2013 integrated EHR expenditure plan fell short of meeting conditions established in the 2013 appropriation act, according to the General Accounting Office.

Advances on several fronts

The biggest health IT news this week occurred during the Health IT Policy Committee as the group endorsed recommendations for Meaningful Use Stage 3, accountable care, a Health IT Safety Center and more.

No link between hospital EHR use and upcoding for higher reimbursement

No association exists between EHR adoption at hospitals and increases in coded patient acuity or Medicare payments, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.

CAHs report challenges, progress with health IT

As essential healthcare hubs for patients in remote or rural areas, critical access hospitals especially benefit from health IT systems and capabilities, according to a Health IT Buzz blog post authored by Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT officials.

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HITPC: Larger hospitals, physician practices most likely to attest to MU Stage 2

Eligible hospitals that have attested to Meaningful Use Stage 2 are primarily medium to large-sized; whereas eligible professionals tend to be larger physician groups in urban settings.

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HITPC: Stakeholders identify MU Stage 2 challenges, solutions

Stakeholders agree that Meaningful Use Stage 1 was a resounding success, but characterize MU Stage 2 as challenging and difficult, the MU Workgroup reported at the Health IT Policy Committee meeting on July 8.

HITPC: CIOs share insight on MU Stage 2 attestation

Two CIOs at healthcare organizations shared experiences and insight on Meaningful Use Stage 2 attestation at the Health IT Policy Committee meeting on July 8.

iPatientCare Updates miGlass - the First Wearable EHR App for the Google Glass, Adds Innovative Functionalities and Addresses Emerging Demands of Health Care Providers

Woodbridge, NJ, July 08, 2014-- iPatientCare, Inc., a pioneer in mHealth and cloud based ambulatory EHR, Integrated Practice Management and Patient Portal Solutions, announced updated version of its native miGlass the first Wearable EHR App for Google Glass, addresses emerging demands of health care providers.

Around the web

Compensation for heart specialists continues to climb. What does this say about cardiology as a whole? Could private equity's rising influence bring about change? We spoke to MedAxiom CEO Jerry Blackwell, MD, MBA, a veteran cardiologist himself, to learn more.

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.”