EHRtv

Topics Include:

1. Proposals released to CMS and the Office of the Coordinator by HIMSS.
2. VitalCenter assists practices when EMRs/EHRs (electronic medical records/ electronic health records) are facing issues.
3. TrialX leverages the growing networks of PHR (personal health record) users.

Category: EHR Matters
Date: April 29, 2009
Views:860 views
Information:

Hello I’m Lindsay Pine and this is EHR Matters for Wednesday, April 29th.

Are we any closer to the Federal Government’s official definition of “meaningful use” of EMRs/EHRs (electronic medical records/ electronic health records)? Maybe. HIMSS has just released two definitions it recommended to CMS and the Office of The Coordinator. In both descriptions HIMSS proposes CCHIT®, as the certifying body for EMRs/EHRs (electronic medical records/ electronic health records), and a phased approach with any criteria showing a functionality of at least 85% in the final phase. As a HIMSS spokesperson said, "Setting a requirement of 100% is both unrealistic and unachievable."

The complete text of the proposal and the letter from HIMSS to the regulatory agencies can be found at the web address on your screen:

Physicians and other consumers are learning more about the values of EMRs/EHRs (electronic medical records/ electronic health records) everyday. We have spoken many times on this program about how EMRs/EHRs (electronic medical records/ electronic health records) streamline office procedures and improve clinical care. That is, when they are up and running. But what about when they are not? What happens when EMR/EHR (electronic medical record/ electronic health record) data is not available? Galen Healthcare, in partnership with Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions, Inc. has come up with a solution. VitalCenter, is a service that delivers off-line copies of electronic health records whenever a facility’s EMR/EHR (electronic medical record/ electronic health record) is down. The system ensures access to EMRs/EHRs (electronic medical records/ electronic health records) during any network crisis, and eliminates the need to shut down offices early for system maintenance or upgrades.

A company called TrialX has found another way to leverage the growing networks of PHR (personal health record) users. People who are interested in participating in a clinical trial or research study spend hours wading through listings on sites such as the National Institutes of Health. With TrialX, potential subjects can send a “tweet” via Twitter and in minutes receive links to trials of interest. Then, if they have a Google Health or HealthVault™ PHR (personal health record), they can import data right to the investigators trial site, avoiding the lengthy application process.

I’m Lindsay Pine and this has been EHR Matters – Thanks for watching.