Researchers at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute have been developing an ultrasound technology that seeks to offer relief to those suffering from kidney stones and the results of the project could lead to new methods for both detecting and treating kidney stones.

Undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation at high-volume centers (those that perform more than 15 procedures per year) leads to better outcomes, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. It was found that high-risk patients who undergo transplants at low-volume centers had exceedingly high mortality rates; however, center volume mattered less for lower risk patients.

Six current and former employees of the FDAall scientists and physicians who worked on reviewing medical deviceshave filed suit against the agency, accusing it of spying on their computer activities. The six allege that they were placed under secret surveillance because they had warned Congress that FDA was hastily approving risky devices.

Speech recognition IT vendor M*Modal has entered into a partnership with Merge Healthcare, an enterprise imaging IT vendor.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has announced that Seattle Childrens Hospital CIO and Senior Vice President Drexel DeFord will serve as the 2012 Chair of CHIMEs Board of Trustees.

The health and preferences of patients who receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may change as they age, but few physicians re-evaluate the situation when an ICDs batteries drain and the device needs a replacement generator. The authors of a perspective article in the Jan. 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine proposed that a new approach is long overdue.

This issue unveils our annual CMIO compensation survey. It is fascinating to look at the responses and compare them to our own situations. How many of us look at the salary numbers first?

Happy Leap Year! No, it's not generally something to celebrate but I am excited to present this month's issue of CMIO. From income to training to making HIEs financially sustainable, there's something for everyone.