14 Drugs Identified As Most Urgently Needing Study For Off-label Use Nov 27, 2008
26, 2008) Physicians and policy-makers know that drugs are frequently prescribed to treat certain diseases despite a lack of FDA approval a practice known as off-label prescribing. Yet they say the problem is so big they don't know how to begin tackling it. (Science Daily)
Report mixes doctor, nurse roles Nov 26, 2008
The report is also expected to criticise the state of the health system's information technology and call for improvements to help hospitals co-ordinate better and assist in better keeping of patient records. In all, the report is expected to be highly critical of the system and result in a tough week of criticism for the Government. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
'Indian IT Inc underdeveloped' Nov 24, 2008
"US government wants to cut cost in this segment so all the back office work such as insurance, billing, maintaining patient records could be outsourced, UK has already done this," he added. Text. (India Times, India)
Mytob virus spreads in hospitals Nov 21, 2008
"There are two real pains here," said Cluley, "One is that doctors and nurses will not be able to access electronic patient records which could interrupt treatment. Also hackers could potentially be able to access confidential records. When the hospital took down networks that was a very sensible thing to do - hackers would not be able to access records." This could explain why the networks were down for days. Barts said it is disinfecting desktop systems one by one. (ComputerWeekly.com)
Health Buzz: Health Insurers Propose Overhaul and Other Health News Nov 21, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008. Posted November 20, 2008. (U.S. News & World Report)
Doctor Under Investigation Sells Practice Nov 21, 2008
Dr. Buckwalter's attorney confirmed the sale, saying in a statement, "Please note that Summit Medical Group purchased all of Dr. Buckwalter's patient records and files. Therefore, all patients that would like to obtain copies of their files need to contact Summit Medical Group and they will be able to have them picked up at that same office where they have always been located.". But one patient says it is not that easy. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Government plans for London NHS IT in tatters Nov 20, 2008
The government announced in 2002 that there would be a "full National Health Record Service, with core data and reference links to local Electronic Patient Record systems for full record access" by the end of December 2007. That promise now appears years away from being fulfilled. (ComputerWeekly.com)
Computer virus strikes at three London hospitals Nov 19, 2008
He said: "There is no indication that this was a malicious attack, but engineers are still investigating where the virus came from and what it is." The bug did not infect the patient record system and there was no evidence that it spread to other trusts. The shutdown came as a survey by the GPs' newspaper Pulse revealed widespread breaches of computer security by NHS staff. (guardian.co.uk)
Hacked dental school server compromises 300,000 Nov 19, 2008
The breach resulted in the dismissal of a plastic surgeon for storing unsecured patient records ... The breach resulted in the dismissal of a plastic surgeon for storing unsecured patient records. (Search Security, MA)
GE, Mayo Clinic, develop health record system Nov 19, 2008
-based company's health care unit plans to spend $200 million over the next five years to develop electronic systems for medical information and patient records ... GE's partners in the endeavor have all developed some system for sharing information electronically, allowing their physicians to keep better track of patient records ... GE, though, hopes to go beyond just getting care providers to share electronic patient records and eventually develop systems that allow them to make better... (AZCentral -- Business)
Thieves set up data supermarkets Nov 18, 2008
Many web criminals are selling stolen patient records. Web criminals are stepping back from infecting computers themselves and creating "one-stop shops" which offer gigabytes of data for a fixed price. (BBC News -- Technology)
McFarland Clinic to go digital with patient records Nov 15, 2008
By the end of 2009 or early the following year, clinic managers hope to go "fully electronic" with patient records at Ames and the clinic's other locations in Carroll, Jefferson, Boone, Nevada, Story City, Marshalltown, Eldora, Iowa Falls, Rockwell City and Webster City. The benefits are clear, instantaneous, accurate and secure records available at the touch of a computer button, according to McFarland sources. (Ames Daily Tribune, IA)
More of this story Nov 13, 2008
The T-Sheet system, used by larger hospitals, should enable substantial savings in patient record keeping and billing. The initial cost is 850 for equipment and training and then 500 per month. (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
Express Scripts sets $1m reward in data theft Nov 12, 2008
NEW YORK - posted a $1 million reward for help in catching whoever is trying to extort money from the company by threatening to expose millions of patient records ... The letters were "similar in form" to one the company received last month saying millions of patient records had been compromised, said yesterday. (Boston Globe)
WEB EXCLUSIVE: At CJN election forum, Lingle, Cardin debate issues, candidates Nov 1, 2008
She questioned how Obama s pledge to take on the pharmaceutical companies will lower drug costs, and how technology and computerizing patient records will save money. She cited statistics from the Tax Policy Center that no matter their tax bracket, families would save money under McCain s plan, which would give every family a $5,000 tax credit to buy their own health insurance and tax employers healthcare benefits as income. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Clinic gets $100K Oct 31, 2008
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication technology to deliver medical information and/or services over long distances, such as video conferencing or sending patient records to medical experts. The Sutter Health grant covers a wide range for Northern California: chronic disease management programs, educational outreach, mobile medical and dental units, expansion of pediatric care, and the purchasing of new computer and testing equipment. (Daily Triplicate)
Medical messiah: Whats Up, Doc? Oct 31, 2008
There were no patient records to look up Doctor Sardesai knew everyone by name, personality and medical history. With measured silence, hand on wrist, he counted pulse-beats the old-fashioned way. (India Times, India)
NHS IT at a standstill? Oct 30, 2008
The (NPfIT) is looking to upgrade and linkup IT systems - in particular, patient records. However, press reports have suggested that the project was grinding to a halt. (IT PRO)
Bank bailout puts 12.7bn NHS computer project in jeopardy Oct 29, 2008
Delays make patient record plan prime target for cuts Department of Health reviews cost-effectiveness ... The agency fired Fujitsu, the contractor responsible for building the patient record system in the south of England ... The journal Computer Weekly said it obtained documents under the Freedom of Information Act showing how St Mary's NHS trust in London repeatedly postponed introducing the patient record. (guardian.co.uk)
Study: Kids allergic to food up 18% Oct 22, 2008
Researchers based their analysis on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2007 National Health Interview Study, which included 9,500 children, and the National Hospital Discharge Survey, which includes 270,000 patient records. The foods most likely to cause allergies are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts such as walnuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat, according to the study. (USA Today -- News)
So whats another 30-mile trip? Oct 18, 2008
(Because of our own policies regarding confidentiality and federal privacy laws, we cannot publicly disclose specifics of this or any other patient record. . (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
AMIA Launches DPRC (TM) - Digital Patient Record Certification Examination and Study Guide Oct 15, 2008
Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AMIA announced today the forthcoming launch of DPRC (TM) - Digital Patient Record Certification exam and study guide tailored specifically for healthcare workers and novice clinicians who must input, retrieve, and understand digital patient records that are contained in a health information system (HIS) ... Topics covered include a thorough overview of key attributes and constraints of patient records and HIS systems, current policy and procedural questions on... (PR Newswire)
More Effective Breast Lesion Tracking With Medipattern's B-CAD(R) Versions 1.3/2.3 Oct 15, 2008
Our first-to-market, award-winning B-CAD advances breast ultrasound computer aided detection (CAD) by streamlining workflow and organizing information into a comprehensive patient record. Medipattern uses its Cadenza(TM) CAD Technology to power the digital conversion in medical communications. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Death rate 70 percent lower at top-rated hospitals: HealthGrades annual hospital quality study Oct 14, 2008
The most comprehensive annual study of hospital quality in America examines 41 million patient records at 5,000 hospitals over 3 years; mortality rates improve nationally; individual hospital ratings to be posted to www. healthgrades. (EurekAlert!)
Health care CIOs grapple with e-health record adoption Oct 10, 2008
If the goal is to deliver perfect care, an automated, optimized e-health architecture can provide clinical decisions support, based on the patient record, pertinent medical information and real-time assistance from a "co-pilot," Feied said ... If the goal is to deliver perfect care, an automated, optimized e-health architecture can provide clinical decisions support, based on the patient record, pertinent medical information and real-time assistance from a "co-pilot," Feied said. (SearchCIO.com)
Pfizer currently leads IGF development, metformin may enhance activity of antibody in trials Oct 3, 2008
From Alessis research, data from patient records over ten years, have shown that patients on metformin reported a lower incidence of cancer. So far, patients on metformin showed anywhere between a 30-40% protection against all forms of cancer, over this period, said Cohen. (FT.com -- Markets)
Nightingale Ranks First on the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 List of Fastest-growing Technology Companies for 2008 Sep 25, 2008
3 million patient records under management in a hosted (ASP) environment. It is recognized as an industry leader in Web-based clinician and community based electronic medical records (EMR) serving the needs of small primary care practices, multi-physician outpatient clinics, and large scale regional health organizations and networks. (Canada Newswire)
Hospital Patients' Photos Posted On MySpace Sep 23, 2008
Ten workers at Southern California's Oceanside Tri-City Hospital were fired following and even patient records last year. And just this past spring, UCLA's neuropsychiatric hospital had to completely ban all cell phones and laptops after a patient. (PC World)
Birthing center a real blessing for mothers Plans progressing for birthing center to serve expectant mothers in the Northern Neck Sep 21, 2008
" To that end, the center will establish high-tech links with doctors at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond that will enable them to participate in exams and view patient records, Dodson-McAdoo said. The opening of the birthing center will come five years after Rappahannock General Hospital in Kilmarnock closed its labor and delivery rooms in 2004. About 250 babies were born at the hospital each year. Since then, expectant mothers on the isolated, rural Northern Neck... (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Lib Dems vow to scrap NHS records plan Sep 20, 2008
Party questions 13bn spending on electronic patient records database. Written by. (Computing)
Working together for better health Sep 20, 2008
Are entire patient records available, or only limited information about them. A: The initial patient information available will include demographics, medication history, allergies, visit information and primary diagnosis, along with e-prescribing capabilities for physicians. (Albany Times Union)
Pharmacy opens state's first in-store clinic Sep 18, 2008
To that end, she said, MinuteClinic shares patient records with all clinics, both in Massachusetts and in other states. They also make an effort to provide a patient's primary physician with a record of the visit. (Boston Globe)
Fairview joins state e-health service Sep 17, 2008
The project, which was announced last year, is an effort by the state of Minnesota and several large health care organizations to create an electronic system that allows doctors to view patient records. It is being billed as one of the largest in the nation. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Texas copes with 'chaos' Sep 17, 2008
About 300 staffers living there cleaned halls, sent patient records to other hospitals and cared for lab animals involved in research projects. "We're not going to be a hospital for a while," Richardson said. (USA Today)
London payroll and Tees patient records lost Sep 17, 2008
David Sloman, the trust s chief executive, has apologised to the staff involved. Dedicated email contact points have been set up to deal with their queries. (E-Health Insider)
Doctor seeks to limit evidence in abortion case Sep 16, 2008
While the Kansas Supreme Court considered an appeal of the subpoenas for Tiller's patient records, prosecutors allegedly obtained under false pretenses a court order directing a Wichita hotel to provide registration records of guests receiving a medical discount. The hotel was used at the time by Tiller's out-of-town patients, and agents matched hotel records with records that all abortion providers are required to give to the state to discover the names of Tiller's patients who were under the... (MSNBC -- Crime)
Ever wonder if your doctor is laughing at you? Sep 11, 2008
The survey included questions about behavior that is frowned upon, such as attending a pharmaceutical-sponsored dinner or social event (69%), as well as behaviors that are considered egregious, including falsifying patient records (13%), and reporting patient test results as "normal" when unsure of the true results (10%). "Those are examples that would compromise patient safety," Dr. Arora says. (CNN)
Health care's condition critical, surveys showPatients rank CG hospital low Sep 11, 2008
" That system is intended to eliminate medication errors, among other things. The nurses have to scan the patient records, their own name badge and the bar codes on the medication. If everything doesn't match, the medication isn't dispensed until the discrepancy is resolved. "We know we need to get more efficient in our Emergency Room, and we're working on that," Dernier said. "We have an expansion project coming online soon, and we'll be doubling the size of our ER." A national study released... (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Detroit company awarded e-health deal from Minnesota Sep 9, 2008
The Minnesota Health Information Exchange, , is an effort by the state of Minnesota and several large health care organizations to create an electronic system that allows doctors to view patient records. Participating organizations include & Clinics, and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, UCare, , Medica and the Human Services. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Vein tubes 'fitted needlessly' Sep 7, 2008
The researchers also found that in 71% of patient records there was no documentation of a cannula being inserted, while in 57% there was no documentation of it being removed. Four patients had developed blood poisoning, which infection control specialists said was likely to be linked to the cannula. (BBC News)
CG police seize records at clinicInvestigation unrelated to closing of Harvest Medical, they say Sep 6, 2008
Horn said allegations were made a couple of months ago by some patients and the search warrant allows police to see those specific patient records, as well as reviewing administrative practices and interviewing some employees. He said the patient records seized are only for people who had made allegations to police, which is a relatively small number, and other patients should not worry about their records. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Medics 'put patient data at risk' Sep 4, 2008
Hospitals issue doctors with chip-and-pin cards to access NHS databases and patient records. But doctors are increasingly relying on memory sticks to store data they would have traditionally written down in notebooks. (BBC News -- UK)
Post-marketing Studies Finding Adverse Events In Drugs Used In Children Sep 4, 2008
7, 2007) Nearly four out of five hospitalized children receive medications that have been tested and approved only for adults, according to a study of hundreds of thousands of patient records. This so-called. (Science Daily)
Doctors Jeopardizing Confidential Patient Information Sep 4, 2008
A reminder has also followed suit from David Nicholson, the chief executive of the NHS, asking all senior NHS managers to remind the staff under them, that it was their responsibility to protect patient records. The study, has been given to the Health Service Journal (HSJ), for publishing. (TheMedGuru)
Heavy Breathing: An Obscure Link In Asthma And Obesity Sep 1, 2008
17, 2007) An intriguing study, conducted in mice and supported by an ongoing examination of breast cancer patient records, suggests a link between the pulmonary inflammation seen in asthma and increased risk. . (Science Daily)
HMS to help 86-bed Pennsylvania go online with electronic health records Aug 31, 2008
With the HMS system, doctors will have 24-hour access to patient records. "Our IT committee, with help from our management company QHR, developed a thorough evaluation process which resulted in our selecting HMS," Clarion Hospital CFO Vince Lamorella says in a press release. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Nursing homes use Katrina lessons for latest storm Aug 30, 2008
Donchess said many homes had evacuations planned before Katrina, but that storm also taught them to send electronic copies of patient records by computer disc or e-mail to the alternative sites. Staff also learned the importance of identification bands. (BusinessWeek)
Dr. Ruthann Russo makes A Compelling Case for Clinical Documentation training with her 2-volume publication Aug 25, 2008
In Volume 1 you will learn to use patient records to achieve strategic alignment with your medical staff to improve patient care and ensure accurate reimbursement and quality ratings. Volume 2 of A Compelling Case for Clinical Documentation provides resources to train your medical staff using the CAMP Method for physician clinical documentation training. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Paper on life support? Aug 23, 2008
That's when 550 providers across the state will go live with a dedicated, private "highway" that will allow them to share secured patient records and information through a network extending into all 95 counties. This article is for Paid Print Subscribers ONLY.. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Fresno hospitals hit with fines Aug 19, 2008
The fine followed a review of patient records that found an overdose of a painkiller administered by a registered nurse. The hospital said it has since invested more than $3 million in computer-programmable medicine pumps to reduce medication errors. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Colchester Hospital sacks manager over lost laptop Aug 15, 2008
Colchester University Hospital has sacked one of its managers over the theft of his work laptop, which contained unencrypted patient records. The PC - which was from the unnamed manager's car in June - contained copies of the personal details and treatment plans of several thousand patients. (Register)
For Your Benefit: New ID cards recommended Aug 11, 2008
The back of the card contains a magnetic stripe with key data to access the patient record and printed information for questions on health care. The card is free and can be obtained at the VA Medical Clinic. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
QuadraMed says sales up, profits down Aug 9, 2008
Revenue growth was primarily driven by the addition of Computerized Patient Record, which QuadraMed acquired in the fourth quarter of 2007 and is now called QCPR.. The QCPR acquisition, especially in terms of sales bookings, is meeting my expectations, and the cumulative total contract value of our signed QCPR contracts now exceeds the $33 million we paid for that business just 10 months ago, said Keith Hagen, QuadraMed s president and chief executive officer. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Ben Franklin organization announces new investments Aug 7, 2008
The company uses technology licensed from the in its software, which protects patient records from data-mining techniques. also was approved for a $250,000 investment. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
When no tolerance policies go to far Aug 1, 2008
He was also charged with falsifying patient records. Things you thought didn t happen. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Socket Mobile's hand-helds being deployed in 230 Good Samaritan facilities Jul 29, 2008
The devices will be bundled with software created by Good Samaritan, giving nurses, certified nursing assistants, dieticians and other health care providers immediate access to patient records while on the job. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
At Long Last: Cardinals at Braves Jul 29, 2008
One does not need to be acquainted with Mulders gory surgical history to know this one need merely look across the dugout at s patient record. In many ways, Smoltz is the best-case scenario. (St. Louis, TheInsiders.com)
Govt considers 'digital health card' Jul 28, 2008
Health Minister Katy Gallagher says patient records are currently dispersed across a range of paper-based data systems. "I think this is one of the things that we need to move on pretty quickly," she said. (ABC Online)
Grady patients' records stolen Jul 26, 2008
She said it remains unknown how many patient records were stolen, which patients were affected or how the records were stolen ... "We sincerely regret the occurrence of this breach of confidentiality of patient records in the hands of one of our vendors," Simpson said in a prepared statement, "and we are hopeful that our quick response to this theft will significantly reduce any negative consequences for our patients and the physicians who care for them.". (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Applying themselves Jul 25, 2008
The first will allow doctors to share experiences and research on testing of thyroid cancer treatments being conducted by Johns Hopkins and Genzyme Corp. Another, being made for Emediance, is aimed at private physician practices looking to not only access electronic patient records but also mobile electronic patient records. Intertwine also is turning a software product -- Terrazzo, which helps businesses manage and track their performance -- into an iPhone application. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Ontario launches $741-million diabetes strategy Jul 23, 2008
The province will also spend $150-million over four years on its electronic diabetes registry, set to begin next spring, which will warehouse patient records and diagnostic information. The system allows doctors to quickly check medical records and send out patient alerts. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Longtime con artist gets 10-year sentence Jul 22, 2008
In the largest data theft, Providence's home services division stored hundreds of thousands of patient records without protective encryption on computer disks and digital tape that an employee took home and left in his car overnight. In two separate car break-ins a few months later, thieves took laptops containing records on more than 100 Providence hospice and home-care patients in Snohomish County, Wash. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Kidney damage caused by iodinated contrast material thought to be overestimated, study shows Jul 17, 2008
"We reviewed patient records to determine the frequency and magnitude of serum creatinine changes in patients who had not received iodinated contrast material. We then compared that to previously published articles which found a relationship between contrast media, serum creatinine levels and nephropathy (kidney damage). "We found that the creatinine level increases just as often in those who do not receive contrast material as in those who do," said Jeffrey Newhouse, MD, lead author of the... (EurekAlert!)
VA clinic coming to Emporia Jul 13, 2008
The clinics also feature a health records system that allows the clinic to review patient records that may be stored at other VA facilities across the country. "This veterans outpatient clinic will make quality health care much more accessible to veterans in the fourth district," Forbes said. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Lower fertility in men linked to obesity Jul 13, 2008
In the study, doctors examined patient records for 5,316 men attending Aberdeen Fertility Centre between 1990 and 2007 and identified 2,037 who had listed their body mass index. A BMI above 30 is classed as clinically obese. (guardian.co.uk)
