By Chris Dymek EdD – Last week I attended Health Datapalooza VII, an annual conference where over 1,400 experts gathered to discuss how to bring data to life in ways that matter in health and health care. I wanted to share a few post-conference reflections on how AHRQ can address some of the important issues raised.
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Bennett Lauber – The efficient and effective use of Electronic Health Records are essential, as these systems are increasingly becoming a central tool for patient care. The HITECH Act provided providers with a significant financial incentive to increase the adoption and use of EHRs.
By William Hyman – One use of a Clinical Decision Support system (CDS) is to remind doctors of what the “established” standardized methodology is. One key issue here is established by whom? Another is, depending on complexity, why the clinical staff doesn’t follow the established procedure whether or not it is supported by a CDS.
By Bob Grant – The HHS Office for Civil Rights announced that NY Presbyterian Hospital would be required to pay a $2.2M settlement after the “egregious disclosure” of two patients’ protected health information. NYP allowed an ABC film crew and staff from the show “NY Med” to film two patients, one of whom was dying, and another experiencing serious distress.
By Jim Tate – Meaningful use audits against 2015 attestations are currently underway. We have found that there are specific areas of attestation documentation that are particularly difficult for hospitals and CAHs. The release in October 2015 of the Modified Stage 2 requirements caught many hospitals by surprise with the removal of the Core and Menu set concepts.
By Jonathan Krasner – On April 27, CMS came out with a proposed rule on how physicians will get paid under MACRA. The new system is premised on tying physician payments to quality and value, and is directly related to the Triple Aim of providing better care, lower costs, and improved health.
By Robert Rowley MD – A recent article by The Commonwealth Fund raises the question of being able to use smartphone apps to get real-time, accurate and personalized guidance for health concerns. While one can envision the convenience, affordability and peace of mind that would result from their use, such services face a number of hurdles before they become reality.
The HITECH Act awarded grants for HIT Regional Extension Centers and a national HIT Research Center. A total of 62 awards were granted. As the goals and the programs have been achieved, many of the centers are changing directions or closing all together. Here is news on centers that are closing.
By Matt Fisher – Mobile apps are a topic of frequent discussion in the healthcare field these days. Questions include what regulatory requirements apply, are the apps trustworthy, is information kept safe and secure, and others. The question of what regulations apply in particular leaves many confused and uncertain as to what needs to be done.