December 2009

Let there be light: HHS publishes interim final rules on Initial Set of Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria for EMRs

Scrambling to meet the end of year deadline set forth in the ARRA HITECH statute, HHS hits the mark with its release of the interim final 45 CFR Part 170, Initial Set of Standards, Implementation Specifications, and Certification Criteria for Electronic Health Record Technology. I will have more to say about the contents over the [...]

10 comments Read the full article →

Beware EMR bullies quoting federal stimulus rules

I’ve been hearing a lot of stories these days about EMR companies telling potential physician customers that they need to buy a sophisticated or “full blown” EMR right now in order to get any stimulus funds. Some of my readers have asked whether this is true or not so let me set the record straight. [...]

13 comments Read the full article →

Social networking 101 for physicians

Massachusetts Medical Law Report’s Social networking 101 for physicians is a great summary for physicians who are looking to get into social networking or have already been participating for some time. It’s got some great tips that sound obvious but should be heeded carefully: Be mindful of patient confidentiality. Remember that your patients are not [...]

7 comments Read the full article →

Markle gives sound advice on “Meaningful Use of Health IT” to policy makers (again)

The Markle Foundation has been giving some very reasonable advice on the use of IT and technology in general for the healthcare industry. Their most important advice, if heeded by lawmakers, would put to effective use the billions of dollars that have been earmarked for healthcare IT in the ARRA stimulus bill. I loved what [...]

5 comments Read the full article →