Tag: EHR
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HHS Proposes New Rules to Improve Interoperability of EHI
Could new innovations in technology promote patient access and make no-cost health data exchange a reality for millions? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed new rules to support seamless and secure access, exchange and use of electronic health information. The rules, issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services…
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Speak Up! HHS Wants to Hear from YOU!
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights wants to hear from health care providers, business associates and members of the public about how they can best modify HIPAA regulations. On Dec. 12, 2018, OCR issued a Request for Information, asking the public for comments on how the regulations can best facilitate…
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After EMR Implementation, Surgeons Spend Less Time Interacting with Patients
Implementing an electronic medical records (EMR) system at an orthopaedic clinic may have unanticipated effects on clinic efficiency and productivity – including a temporary increase in labor costs and a lasting reduction in time spent interacting with patients, reports a study in September 19, 2018, issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The journal is…
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Patients, Doctors Dissatisfied with Electronic Health Records
Electronic Health Records are intended to streamline and improve access to information — and have been shown to improve quality of care — but a new study shows they also leave both doctors and patients unsatisfied, even after full implementation. The study, by researchers at Lehigh University and the Lehigh Valley Health Network, surveyed physicians, mid-level providers and…
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STUDY: Independent Practice Declines Due Partially to EHRs
A new study conducted by the Trump Administration suggests electronic health records are currently failing at reducing the cost of billing for medical facilities, especially for independent practices. “Small physicians’ groups and solo providers could not afford to purchase and maintain electronic medical records and comply with government reporting requirements,” the White House report stated.…
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Bipartisan Budget Act Boosts Health Programs
In a rare show of bipartisanship for the mostly polarized 115th Congress, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 is officially one for the record books. The week leading up to the final vote was far from smooth with Sen. Nancy Pelosi impressively filibustering on the floor of the U.S. Senate for eight hours to Rep.…
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MACRA: Rolled Out and Still Rolling
Most physicians have, by this point, gained some familiarity with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). The name of this law has appeared frequently in commentary over the past several years, and the changes it imposes are well on their way. However, many of the details concerning MACRA’s implementation—how it affects…
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Physicians Spend More Than Half of Work Day on Electronic Health Records
Primary-care physicians spend more than half of their workday on electronic health records during and after clinic hours, a University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and American Medical Association study has found. The study, published online in the Annals of Family Medicine, shows physicians spent 5.9 hours of an 11.4 hour work…
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Report: EMR Industry Must Reckon with Physician User Frustration
ROCKVILLE, MD – A new study by health care market researcher Kalorama Information has found that physician frustration over the use of EMR systems will be a trend for vendors to deal with. Previously, incentives paid to providers to buy and use electronic medical records were enough for a market boost, but now user frustration is…
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Meaningful Use and the Costs of Noncompliance
It is something of an understatement to note that the U.S. health care legal landscape is currently experiencing a degree of transition and uncertainty. There is no shortage of changes to discuss, debate, and, perhaps, grow apprehensive about. One development that has been the radar of many physicians for several years now – and brought…