The Department of Veterans Affairs has released a plan to ensure the privacy and security of data in its Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program. The plan recommends various policies, such as regulating data access with security software. Government Health IT et al.
An Annals of Family Medicine study finds no correlation between physicians' use of electronic health record systems and improved adherence to clinical guidelines for diabetes care. The study offers recommendations for improving the effective use of EHR systems. Modern Healthcare.
A Journal of the American Health Information Management Association article questions whether state-level health data exchanges will become obsolete over the next few years as more private organizations claim a share of the health information exchange market. CMIO.
A new study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania finds that an accountability tool embedded in an electronic health record system could reduce unnecessary CT scans among emergency department patients with abdominal pain. United Press International, CMIO.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking comments from stakeholders on the establishment of a governance mechanism for the Nationwide Health Information Network. The governance structure would include rules on technical, business practice, privacy and security requirements to establish a common trust framework for the exchange. Health Data Management.
A new Chilmark Research report notes that the proposed rule for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program and payment changes are driving growth in the health information exchange market. However, challenges to more robust HIE remain. Healthcare IT News, FierceHealthIT.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has launched a new Health IT Dashboard, which offers data on grant programs and other health IT activities. The dashboard includes more than 150 maps showing ONC data at different regional levels. NextGov et al.
The California Health Information Partnership and Services Organization has signed up more than 7,700 health care providers seeking to adopt electronic health records. It says members have earned more than $65 million in federal incentive payments. Healthcare IT News et al.
The American College of Cardiology, the Certification Commission for Health IT, the Medical Group Management Association and the National Committee for Quality Assurance recently submitted comments on Stage 2 of the meaningful use program. CMIO et al.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a pilot program to give veterans' family caregivers iPads that feature health care applications and tools to aid treatment. The devices will allow data sharing between VA, caregivers and veterans. Modern Healthcare, NextGov.
