Information technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in the United States by increasing quality of care and reducing costs, and the Federal government has made good progress laying the foundation for widespread adoption of electronic health records, according to a report released today by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a group of presidentially appointed experts from academia, non-governmental organizations, and industry.
All posts by nthurman
Obama gives HIT the nod in State of the Union speech
“In America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives, it’s how we make a living,” he said. “Our free enterprise system is what drives innovation. But because it’s not always profitable for companies to invest in basic research, throughout history our government has provided cutting-edge scientists and inventors with the support that they need. That’s what planted the seeds for the Internet. That’s what helped make possible things like computer chips and GPS.”
Technical Support Services for Vista Open Source Custodial Foundation
It appears the federal government is opening up bids to build a framework for open source solutions in future VistA development.
the Scope of Work from the SOW appears below
The two Open Source SMEs shall identify governance areas and provide strategic, industry focused insights for developing an Open Source governance Request for Information (RFI). Technical assistance, market research and requirements/objectives definition shall be required for the development of the RFI and acquisition documentation necessary to then issue a Custodial Framework Request for Proposal (RFP) in a subsequent procurement action. The Open Source SMEs shall provide insight on the operational relationship between VA and a proposed independent foundation that would govern an Open Source version of VistA. The federal and software acquisition SME shall work with the Open Source SMEs to contribute to defining VA’s acquisition strategy and development of acquisition documentation for the Open Source initiative.
Mikogo – Free Web Conferencing and Desktop Sharing
We have been using Mikogo for over a year now and have found it a great replacement for some of the fee-based services. They do not have a version for linux (yet) but we have managed quite well on a Mac or PC.
MedVirginia Achieves Live Status with VLER
MedVirginia becomes the first HIE to connect with the VLER.
CDC Study on EMR adoption by physicians
NCHS Health E-Stat
Electronic Medical Record/Electronic Health Record Systems of Office-based Physicians: United States, 2009 and Preliminary 2010 State Estimates
Open Source for Allscripts?
It is apparent this article was placed to “sell” the concept that taking a proprietary software package “open source” has changed the market.
The first myth is that Allscripts is the first company to enter the open source healthcare market. The VA has been using an open source concept for their public domain system which has led to companies like MedSphere picking up market share outside the VA. Other open source EMR packages are available for the small practice market (OpenEMR, OpenMRS, WorldVista). One of the best interface engines (Mirth) has been around for years and is continuing to increase its share of the healthcare marketplace.
Hospitals are not “forced to deal with one vendor” but choose to based on cost (usually large discounts are involved) or the perceived concept that the systems are well integrated (another myth as many are a result of company acquisitions). Interesting that the CEO of Epic is concerned that “can be dangerous for patients” if you do not choose a single vendor. I wonder who that single vendor should be Judith? Years of “best of breed” system selection by hospitals seems to have proven the opposite.
Med-e-Tel Call for Participation – FLOSS-HC
Benefits of Free/Libre Open Source Software
in Health Care (FLOSS-HC)
Special track on FLOSS-HC projects and initiatives at Med-e-Tel 2011
After the success of its first edition at Med-e-Tel 2010 (23 speakers, 1 keynote presentation, 1 panel discussion), the Free/Libre Open Source Software in Health Care (FLOSS-HC) track 2011 aims to create the leading European summit bringing together FLOSS-HC developers, service providers and users from all over the world to cross-fertilize Open technological, business and social initiatives to shape the future of open health care systems.
Co-organized by the European Federation for Medical Informatics Free/Libre Open Source Working Group (EFMI LIFOSS WG), the International Medical Informatics Association Open Source Working Group (IMIA OS WG) and the International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth (ISfTeH), it offers a new platform for collaboration establishment, experience exchange and a unique opportunity to foster prospective thinking towards open, collaboratively developed systems in health care.
ONC Seeks Public Comments on PHRs
1. Privacy and Security and Emerging Technologies
2. Consumer Expectations about Collection and Use of Health Information
3. Privacy and Security Requirements for Non-Covered Entities
4. Any Other Comments on PHRs and Non-Covered Entities
Health Information Technology (HIT) Leadership Summit
Health Information Technology (HIT) Leadership Summit
November 9, 2010
8:00 AM until 5:00 PM (Registration Opens at 7:30 AM)
Program will examine Georgia’s leadership in healthcare information technology and how we will build and sustain our premier Healthcare IT workforce
The Georgia Department of Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and TAG Health have announced that they will jointly host the Health Information Technology (HIT) Leadership Summit on November 9, 2010. This event, which will run from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, will examine the national spotlight on healthcare, available federal funding, current economic conditions and the urgent need for jobs in Georgia. This critical event will also provide an opportunity to showcase Georgia’s HIT market and career growth in one of the country’s fastest growing industries.
Georgia ranks as the leading state for total HIT revenues according to the Healthcare Informatics HCI-100 list. Over the past decade, Georgia has attained the premier nationwide leadership position as an HIT cluster. This notable achievement is due to the vast assets of the state’s numerous HIT corporations and healthcare providers, served and supported by the diverse resources of multiple companies located in Georgia. Another vital component of this recognition is the highly trained professional HIT workforce provided by nationally prominent university medical schools, technical colleges and other training programs throughout Georgia.
The primary purpose of the November 9th event is to unite business community leaders, healthcare providers and educators to further advance Georgia as the national leader in HIT. The specific focus of the event is to address current and future industry requirements necessary to expand, equip and sustain the professional workforce required to maximize HIT growth in Georgia.