http://jeny.ipro.org/ The Health Care Quality Improvement Community en Thu, 17 May 2012 01:50:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://jeny.ipro.org/images/bluesaint/misc/rss.jpg http://jeny.ipro.org/ http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5230&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 14:41:59 GMT ONC is requesting public comments on its Request for Information on Governance of the Nationwide... ONC is requesting public comments on its Request for Information on Governance of the Nationwide Health Information Network, which was put on public display today by the Office of the Federal Register's Public Inspection.

The key components of the proposed governance approach include:
· a focus on entities that facilitate electronic health information exchange;
· a set of conditions for trusted exchange (CTEs) in three areas: safeguards, interoperability, and business practices;
· a voluntary validation process for entities to demonstrate conformance to the CTEs and to increase provider confidence that the exchange entities meet these requirements;
· processes to regularly update and improve CTEs;
· a process to classify the readiness of technical standards and implementation specifications to support interoperability CTEs; and
· approaches for monitoring and transparent oversight
In order to receive the best input from all stakeholders on governance issues that HHS is considering, the RFI includes many questions about these proposals. The public comment period closes 30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. We expect publication in the Federal Register to occur on May 15, 2012. We encourage all stakeholders, including consumers and patients, to provide feedback on these proposals. Read the Health IT Buzz blog for more information about the RFI and how to comment ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5230 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5229&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 13:18:37 GMT ONC's Office of the Chief Privacy Officer (OCPO) recently released a "Guide to Privacy and Security of Health Information,"* an instructional guide designed to help healthcare practitioners, staff, and other professionals better understand the important role privacy and security play in the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and Meaningful Use. The guide is a comprehensive, and easy-to-understand tool to help providers and professionals integrate privacy and security into their clinical practice and includes sections addressing:
· Privacy & Security and Meaningful Use
· Security Risk Analysis and Management Tips
· Working with EHR and Health IT Vendors
· A Privacy & Security 10-Step Plan
· Health IT Privacy and Security Resources
Full Guide: Check out the full Guide to Privacy and Security of Health Information: http://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/privacy/privacy-and-security-guide.pdf.

Sections of the Guide: You can also download individual sections of the guide. Please visit the privacy and security section under the Providers & Professionals tab on HealthIT.gov:
http://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/ehr-privacy-security

Together, we can build a culture where privacy and security are respected and valued to inspire confidence and trust in health IT and electronic health information exchange by protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5229 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5228&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 13:10:06 GMT June 5-6th, Washington DCHealth Data and Innovation Weekwww.hdiforum.org...

June 5-6th, Washington DC
Health Data and Innovation Week
www.hdiforum.org | #healthdata

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services
Marc Bertolini, CEO Aetna
Thomas Goetz, Execuitve Editor of WIRED
Atul Gawande, surgeon and author
Bill Frist, former Republican Majority Leader
Dominique Dawes, two time gold medal winner
Todd Park, US Chief Technology Officer


Hear from Farzad Mostashari, National Coordinator for Health IT on data liberation
ONC will host breakout sessions on Consumer e-Health, HealthData.gov,
and Uses of Data by ACOs
ONC will release nine challenges during this year’s event!

Visit www.hdiforum.org for additional information ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5228 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5227&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 13:06:43 GMT The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is now seeking nominations to fill a consumer/patient... The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is now seeking nominations to fill a consumer/patient advocate vacancy on the Health Information Technology (HIT) Policy Committee. Nominations must be submitted to GAO by May 25, 2012. Please refer to the Federal Register Notice for more details.

Background:
The HIT Policy Committee was established under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA)(P.L. 111-5), section 13101, new Section 3002. It is charged with recommending to the National Coordinator for Health IT a policy framework for the development and adoption of a nationwide health IT infrastructure that enables the electronic exchange and use of health information as is consistent with the Federal Health IT Strategic Plan, and that includes recommendations in the areas in which input is needed, such as standards, implementation, specifications, and certification criteria.

HIT Policy Committee members are appointed in the following manner: 3 individuals appointed by the Secretary of HHS, 4 members appointed by Congress, 13 members appointed by the Comptroller General of the United States, and other federal members appointed by the President. This vacancy is occurring under the Comptroller General’s appointing authority.

Learn more about the ONC Federal Advisory Committees! ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5227 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5226&goto=newpost Fri, 11 May 2012 11:20:14 GMT Thursday, May 10, 2012 On Wednesday, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT launched... Thursday, May 10, 2012
On Wednesday, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT launched a new interactive dashboard offering information about the agency's grant programs and other health IT activities across the U.S., NextGov reports (Pulley, NextGov, 5/9).
Dashboard Details
The Health IT Dashboard includes:

• Information about all ONC grant programs; and
• Detailed performance data on regional extension centers and the Community College Consortia program.

The dashboard also includes more than 150 maps depicting ONC data at different regional levels (Walsh, CMIO, 5/9).
Victor Lazzaro -- performance officer and director for dashboard projects at ONC -- said, "The release of the Health IT Dashboard is a significant milestone, and we are glad to welcome the website as a tool for delivering key data to ONC's stakeholders and the interested public" (Miliard, Healthcare IT News, 5/9).
Future Plans
In June, ONC plans to launch an electronic health record and health information exchange dashboard featuring more state-level maps, charts and data showing trends in physician and hospital adoption of health IT (CMIO, 5/9).


Read more: http://www.ihealthbeat.org/articles/...#ixzz1uYitOhzU ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5226 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5225&goto=newpost Wed, 09 May 2012 19:55:29 GMT Those who enroll and use a patient portal have different demographic characteristics and interest... Those who enroll and use a patient portal have different demographic characteristics and interest levels in selected portal functions (e.g., emailing providers, viewing medical record on-line, making appointments) than those who don’t use a patient portal, according to a new study funded by AHRQ. The study examines differences among primary care patients’ perceptions when contemplating using, enrolling to use, and experiences using a portal for healthcare purposes. The article suggests that while many patients may indicate a “hypothetical” interest in using such a portal, those who actually enroll and use portals may represent a unique subgroup of a practice’s or health system’s population. The article also suggests that patients initially perceive only limited improvements in care because of the portal. These differences have potential market implications, and can provide insight into how practices select and maintain portal functions of greater interest to patients using the portal. The study, “Consistency of Patient Preferences about a Secure Internet-based Patient Communications Portal: Contemplating, Enrolling, and Using,” was published in the April 18, 2012 edition of Journal of Medical Quality. Select to read the article. ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5225 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5224&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:57:10 GMT his is a new report from the US Dept of Health & Human Services, posted on the AHRQ, (Agency for Health Care Research & Quality) posted April 2012.


This evidence report is part of a three-report series focusing on the strategic goals of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ's) health information technology (Health IT) portfolio. This report specifically explores facilitating health care decisionmaking through Health IT. As the level of sophistication of electronic health records (EHRs) increases, the need for more sophisticated clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) and electronic knowledge management systems (KMSs) is imperative, as is the need for better operational use of these systems. The goals of this report are to summarize the available evidence related to CDSSs and KMSs, highlight the limitations of the evidence, and identify areas for future research.
View or download Report ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5224 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5223&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:44 GMT Note: You may have to register with Medscape to view this article, but it's free and so worth it!

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/761951?src=ptalk

"In this episode of Medscape One-on-One, Dr. John Reed interviews Dr. Eric Topol, author of The Creative Destruction of Medicine, about how technology is changing medicine, making diagnosis and treatment faster, better, and more accurate. Topol says that cutting-edge medical technology, coupled with everyday devices like smartphones and tablets, is empowering physicians and patients alike. "
"...I always try these things on myself first before I unleash them on the patients. For example, I tried the glucose monitor which is right on the phone as a sensor. I did that for a couple of weeks and knew it was incredible. I learned exactly which foods would bump up my glucose off the charts and I'm saying, "Oh my gosh, I never would have known that." We never had this data before, and now all of a sudden it's on your phone and all your vital signs will be on your phone. You name the metric -- anything from quantifying mood to brainwaves -- it's all going to be on your phone.
For the consumer it's a new day, and that's how I believe this new model -- going back to your question about partnership -- is going to occur, because the consumer is fascinated by data they've never had before..." ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5223 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5222&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:09:12 GMT Phoenix Cardiac Surgery, P.C., of Phoenix and Prescott, Arizona, has agreed to pay the U.S.... Phoenix Cardiac Surgery, P.C., of Phoenix and Prescott, Arizona, has agreed to pay the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a $100,000 settlement and take corrective action to implement policies and procedures to safeguard to protected health information of its patients.

The settlement with the physician practice follows an extensive investigation by the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rules.

The incident giving rise to OCR’s investigation was a report that the physician practice was posting clinical and surgical appointments for their patients on an Internet-based calendar that was publicly accessible. On further investigation, OCR found that Phoenix Cardiac Surgery had implemented few policies and procedures to comply with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, and had limited safeguards in place to protect patients’ electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Among other issues, OCR's investigation revealed the following issues:
· Phoenix Cardiac Surgery failed to implement adequate policies and procedures to appropriately safeguard patient information;

· Phoenix Cardiac Surgery failed to document that it trained any employees on its policies and procedures on the Privacy and Security Rules;

· Phoenix Cardiac Surgery failed to identify a security official and conduct a risk analysis; and

· Phoenix Cardiac Surgery failed to obtain business associate agreements with Internet-based email and calendar services where the provision of the service included storage of and access to its ePHI.

Under the HHS resolution agreement, Phoenix Cardiac Surgery has agreed to pay a $100,000 settlement amount and a corrective action plan that includes a review of recently developed policies and other actions taken to come into full compliance with the Privacy and Security Rules.
· Read the Resolution Agreement and CAP

· For Information on OCR's Enforcement Activities

Read the HHS Press Release ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5222 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5221&goto=newpost Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:24:28 GMT Monday, April 02, 2012
As the leader of an organization that has been "accountable" for nearly three decades due to our long-standing ownership of a health plan and our strategic focus on value over volume, I'm often asked to reflect back on our journey and to highlight the tactics we've implemented to achieve success. The two most crucial drivers of our transformation at Dean Health System have been our willingness to embrace the use of technology and the effective use of data to drive decisions and motivate change.
While we've made great progress in becoming a technologically and information-enabled health system, I don't want to say that we're perfect by any means. We have much further to go. Based on lessons learned during our transformative experiences to date, here are four predictions for the future of accountable care.


Read more: http://www.ihealthbeat.org/perspecti...#ixzz1rYMRXdph ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5221 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5220&goto=newpost Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:20:31 GMT *ONC/Million Hearts/American Heart Association Announce the Beat Down Blood Pressure Video... ONC/Million Hearts/American Heart Association Announce the Beat Down Blood Pressure Video Challenge (#HealthIT4UBP)
Share your story to win!

In an effort to crowd source better ways the public and health care professionals can leverage technology to manage high blood pressure, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) in partnership with Million Hearts, an HHS initiative to prevent a million heart attacks and strokes in five years, and the American Heart Association announces a Beat Down Blood Pressure Video Challenge. This is the second in a series of 2012 health IT video challenges through which members of the public are encouraged to develop and submit a short, compelling video sharing how they use health IT or consumer e-health tools to manage high blood pressure. A $1000 cash prize will be awarded to winners in several categories with a $500 prize for the popular choice award. Entrants won’t need highly specialized equipment—a standard video recorder or phone with a video function will work.

The public and health care professionals are encouraged to enter to win! Videos should demonstrate how health IT or consumer e-health tools are used to support blood pressure control through activities such as routine monitoring of blood pressure, taking blood pressure medications as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that helps lower blood pressure. For inspiration, check out the winning videos from the Healthy New Year Video Challenge at: http://healthynewyear.challenge.gov/

]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5220 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5219&goto=newpost Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:31:50 GMT CMS is holding a National Provider Call on *Thursday, March 29*, from *3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT* for... CMS is holding a National Provider Call on Thursday, March 29, from 3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT for eligible professionals (EPs) to discuss program basics for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. The call will help EPs learn if they are eligible for the programs.

As of February 29, 2012, more than $3.8 billion in Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments have been made; and more than 211,000 EPs, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals are actively registered. Remember, this is the last year that EPs can participate in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program and still receive the maximum incentive payment..

The call will focus on EP participation in the EHR Incentive Programs. More information on eligibility requirements can be found on the Eligibility page of the CMS EHR website..

The call will cover general program topics, including:

• Are you eligible?
• How much are the incentives and how are they calculated?
• How do you get started?
• What are major milestones regarding participation and payment?
• How do you report on meaningful use?
• Where can you find helpful resources?
• A question and answer session

Registration Information:
In order to receive call-in information, you must register for the call. Registration will close at 12pm on the day of the call or when available space has been filled; no exceptions will be made, so please register early..

The presentation for this call will be posted at least one day beforehand. In addition, the presentation will be emailed to all registrants on the day of the call..

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?
Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs. ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5219 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5218&goto=newpost Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:41:21 GMT *Next Friday, March 16, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT**Location*Hubert H. Humphrey Building ... Next Friday, March 16, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT

Location

Hubert H. Humphrey Building
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Great Hall
200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC

Or join us via video webcast

The Roundtable event is free and open to the public, through in-person or video webcast participation, but you need to register online.

Real World Usages and Real World Privacy & Security Practices

The Roundtable will include three panels comprised of federal agency representatives, practicing providers, and representatives of research, provider and industry organizations. The event will be an interactive discussion with moderators encouraging interaction between the panelists and the audience. Questions will be accepted in person, through email, and via Twitter.

Public Comment Period: Have Opinions about Safeguarding Health Information?

We also invite you to provide input on mobile devices' uses and the current and emerging privacy and security best practices regarding protecting and securing health information while using mobile devices. In conjunction with the input gathered during the Mobile Devices Roundtable: Safeguarding Health Information event, your input will help inform the development of an effective and practical way to bring awareness and understanding to those in the clinical sector regarding protecting and securing health information while using mobile devices.

We want your input. The public comment period will remain open until Friday, March 30, 2012.

Visit www.healthit.gov/mobiledevicesroundtable for additional information about the roundtable or associated public comment period. ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5218 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5217&goto=newpost Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:42:38 GMT Have Opinions on Mobile Devices and Safeguarding Health Information? We Want Your Input. The ONC... Have Opinions on Mobile Devices and Safeguarding Health Information? We Want Your Input.

The ONC Office of the Chief Privacy Officer (OCPO), along with the HHS Office for Civil Right (OCR), invite members of the public to provide input on mobile devices' uses and the current and emerging privacy and security best practices regarding protecting and securing health information while using mobile devices. In conjunction with the input gathered during the Mobile Devices Roundtable: Safeguarding Health Information event, your input will help inform the development of an effective and practical way to bring awareness and understanding to those in the clinical sector regarding protecting and securing health information while using mobile devices.

We want your input. The public comment period will remain open until Friday, March 30, 2012.

Real World Usages and Real World Privacy & Security Practices

Also, check out the moderators and speakers that will comprise the event’s three panels.

The Roundtable event will be an interactive discussion with moderators encouraging interaction between the panelists and the audience. Questions will be accepted in person, through email, and via Twitter.

There is still time to register to participate in the March 16th Mobile Devices Roundtable: Safeguarding Health Information. Visit the ONC website to view the agenda, panel descriptions, and more. Be sure to register online to participate in the event.

If you have any questions about the Mobile Devices Roundtable or need assistance with the associated public comment period, please contact us at onc.request@hhs.gov. ]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5217 http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5216&goto=newpost Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:40:49 GMT The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is a cooperative... The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is a cooperative agreement partner of National eHealth Collaborative (NeHC).

A recent paper by Dr. Les Lenert published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA) has prompted a flurry of debate in the HIT industry and across a number of social media outlets about the shifting sands of the national HIE strategy. On Monday, March 5 at 1p.m. ET, NeHC will welcome a number of HIT thought leaders, including ONC’s Claudia Williams, to take this discussion from Google + to the NeHC University stage and give stakeholders an inside look at the potential benefits, and consequences, of the current HIE evolution.

We invite you to register and join NeHC University’s much anticipated Roundtable on the Shifting National HIE Architecture. Learn more about NeHC University programs and the Spring 2012 semester!

Questions? Email NeHC University at university@nationalehealth.org.
]]> BosWashQual dhowell http://jeny.ipro.org/showthread.php?t=5216