Archive for July, 2009
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2 Healthcare Industry not Prepared for Technology Risks
Jul 28, 2009. Today.The healthcare industry is perhaps the most far behind in terms of adopting information technology. In addition to stimulating the economy, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allocates substantial funding to help the healthcare industry implement Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and supporting IT infrastructure. Although the ARRA will help bring healthcare into the 21st century, it may create more problems.
The Time is Now, a recent study by Deloitte, finds the healthcare industry is not prepared to deal with security challenges that will result from the ARRA stimulus. EMRs and information technology, like computers, internet connections, and local office networks provide many benefits, and are critical for physicians that want to participate in the ARRA stimulus package. However, a computerized office introduces security risks that physicians and their staff will have to address.
Many people are familiar with stories about hospitals getting hacked, or leaking confidential patient information onto the internet. The risk of data theft or loss is real, even for small practices. Losing or having your data stolen can have terrible consequences for your practice. If a hacker or malicious software steals or destroys your data, you may not be able to see patients. As a result, you could go out of business or face prosecution for HIPAA violations.
This shouldn’t scare you away from implementing an EMR or participating in the ARRA stimulus package. Managing security risks is not difficult, but it does require some planning and foresight. HIPAA regulations require that your practice create a “security management process,” that includes a risk analysis and risk management plan.
A risk analysis will help you determine the information security risks your practice faces. The most common risks are data loss through hardware failure, malicious acts, or disasters such as fires or floods. Risk management plans typically include local and offsite backups, deploying antivirus software, keeping your computers and software up to date, as well as staff education plans.
If you currently have an EMR or think you may purchase one soon, be sure to spend some time reading up on risk management. Just like you wouldn’t drive your car without a seatbelt, you shouldn’t have a computerized office without a risk management plan. If you’re unsure about how to start, contact your local IT support professional or EMR vendor. They will be able to help you draft a risk management plan, or at least point you in the right direction.
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Ryan Ricks Security Officer
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1 Chart Scanning Evaluation Process
Jul 28, 2009. Today.When starting a new scanning project, it is important to thoroughly understand the needs and expectations of the practice. Each new project comes with its own set of challenges and requirements and it is essential to have a complete understanding of these before starting the work. That is why the first thing that many scanning companies, such as OptiScan®, do is set up a meeting to actively discuss the project scope with the practice.
The first part of the evaluation process is to clearly define the overall scope of the job. How many charts/doctors will be a part of the project? Is the scanning company staffing the entire project or will there be assistance from the office staff? How much office space is available for the overall project? Are there any special requirements of the doctor’s EMR system? What is the expected timeframe for project completion?
Using this information, the scanning company will be able to determine the best equipment to use, the number of personnel required and what special challenges this project will bring. EMR software problems and limited workspace are two of the more common challenges that scanning companies face when starting a new job.
During this meeting it is also important to clearly identify the pages that the practice wants scanned in each of the charts. In some cases, practices will choose not to scan the entire chart. Instead, they will designate specific sections and data that they want scanned from each chart. While this may appear to cut down on costs by choosing to scan a smaller number of pages, it actually shifts the costs from the scanning to the preparation portion of the job. Prepping specific pages and sections requires a detailed review of the charts to ensure that all of the correct pages are being scanned, as well as all of the other tasks that go into properly prepping the charts. This not only increases prep time, but ultimately can increase the overall timeline of the project.
Once the job and expectations have been clearly defined, it is possible to determine the right pricing structure and timeline for the project. It is the goal of OptiScan, like many scanning companies, to provide the practice with the best quality images and service within the agreed upon timeframe and at a fair price.
Michael S. Hawkins
OptiScan Inc.
Business Development
http://www.optiscan.net/medical.php
Cell: 602-882-3364
Work: 602-789-7800
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4 Dragon Medical 10.1
Jul 27, 2009. Dragon Medical.Dragon Medical Version 10 is by far the best version of speech recognition software that Nuance has manufactured since its inception back in the early 90s. However, one of the major features that Version 10 was lacking was the ability for the software to work on the new 64-bit computers.
Nuance recently announced, Dragon Medical 10.1 which offers:
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit Editions Support. Dragon Medical can now be installed and supported on 64-bit operating systems.
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Voice Shortcuts for Medical Web Search. Ability to use shortcuts for WebMD, UpToDate, PubMed and ICD-9.
Medical Templates. Enables you to dictate various visits and medical normals. -
0 EHR Support
Jul 25, 2009. Spotlight.As a medical provider searching for an Electronic Health Record, you will come across several overwhelming elements that comprise a system. One element that I believe is of extreme importance is the EHR Vendor’s Support.
Some vendors have the support built into their pricing model. This usually is a standard support setting that will include live customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Then, there are other vendors that may have a very standard support structure, however, to receive added features from their support, you must pay additional fees. In these cases there will usually be two different levels of support. If this is the case then make sure to ask the vendor about the differences between support levels.
Majority of the EHR companies discuss on their websites that they offer outstanding support, however, do not state if it is including within the pricing or an additional fee. Make sure to point this out to the vendors or review it in the RFP before purchasing. Support can cost you a couple thousand extra dollars per year if you do not specifically review an EHR’s support features.
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0 The Scanning Process
Jul 24, 2009. Implementation, Today.Preparing the Files to be Scanned
The most important and time-consuming part of the scanning process is prepping the files for scanning. Before files can be scanned all staples and paper clips must be removed and all Post-it notes must be taped into position to ensure that they can pass through the scanner without jamming it. It is important that all messages and notes containing information are attached to a page in a way that it can easily be referenced in the new digital format. Another important step during the file preparation is the insertion of bar coded cover sheets. These sheets identify document index data, as well as provide section or document break information.
Preparing the files takes time and care. Skilled and experienced professionals, like the staff from OptiScan®, can process thousands of sheets per hour and take the strain off of an already busy office staff allowing them to focus on what they do best.
The Scanning Process
First, let’s take a moment to talk about scanners. Not all scanners are created equal and it is important that your Scanning Service works with your practice to select equipment appropriate for your needs. Scanners come in different shapes, sizes and speeds – and are generally priced accordingly. The average page rates for medium to high level scanners range from 60-100 pages per minute. Scanning companies, such as OptiScan, will use their experience and assess each clients needs individually and select equipment based on these needs.
Once the equipment has been chosen and the files have been prepped it is time to scan the data. As the pages are scanned they are imported directly into a software system, like OptiScan®ChartWorx, where the barcodes are read and key index data is retrieved and entered into the database.
After the Scan – Quality Control
Once the scanning is complete, the work is far from over. The newly scanned data enters into the quality control phase, where data is carefully reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure that it meets the company’s quality standards. These professionals enhance the scanned images to improve readability and orientation, as well as delete irrelevant scans. The next step of the quality control phase is the index validation. During this phase, the quality control professionals will validate the barcode index data and section break location. Additional index information can be efficiently keyed in or merged with external databases, if required. Once this step is complete, the documents are ready to be exported to PDF’s and delivered according to the clients’ requirements. The new files can then be imported into the clients’ EMR system and linked with the patients’ information.
As you can see, there are many steps involved in transitioning from paper-based patient charts to digital charts. With the importance of the legacy paper-based chart information, it is essential to understand the entire process and the value that a Scanning Services company, such as OptiScan, brings to it.
Michael S. Hawkins
OptiScan Inc.
Business Development
http://www.optiscan.net/medical.php
Cell: 602-882-3364
Work: 602-789-7800
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3 Choosing an On-Site EMR Scanning Service
Jul 21, 2009. Implementation.When choosing a Scanning Service, it is important to understand the benefits of choosing a company that can provide on-site scanning services. Many companies, including OptiScan®, have the capabilities to digitize your chart folders without them ever leaving your office!
The first step is to bring specialized scanners and computers directly to your office. These computers contain specialized software programs, such as Optiscan®ChartWorx, that were developed for converting charts to high quality digital images. Through a VPN connection, these computers are linked back to OptiScan, where Quality Control professionals can instantly review the quality of the images as well as verify that the bar-code indexes were read properly. This saves time and money as it eliminates the need to transfer images back and forth between the office and OptiScan. Once the computers and scanners are set-up, the charts are ready to be scanned.
There are numerous benefits to using an on-site Scanning Service. First, they have the experience and equipment to quickly and efficiently scan large volumes of information, providing high quality images that are immediately available for reference. Because the charts never leave your control, they are available for review at all times, ensuring a continuity of business during the transition. As charts are scanned, they are immediately ready to be shredded, which will open up valuable office space and shelving. And, most importantly, it saves time and money. On-site scanning eliminates the time and expenses associated with packing, storing and shipping your charts to off-site locations.
There are a few drawbacks to on-site Scanning Services to consider when making your decision. The preparation, set-up, equipment and people will temporarily take up office space during the conversion. There is also the potential for a slight disruption of business as charts will be processed during business hours. The final drawback is the upfront cost associated with the service versus the ongoing fees associated with off-site scanning.
In short, the benefits of having the charts readily available at all times and the saved time and money make on-site Scanning Services a valuable option to those looking to transition from paper to electronic charts.
Michael S. Hawkins
OptiScan Inc.
Business Development
http://www.optiscan.net/medical.php
Cell: 602-882-3364
Work: 602-789-7800
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0 Meaningful Use Criteria and Certifying Entities Proposed by ONC Committee
Jul 20, 2009. Today.The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology voted to approve the meaningful use recommendations from the Health IT Policy Committee last week. The HITECH Act requires physicians to use a “certified” EMR system in a “meaningful way” to qualify for reimbursement payments. The recommendations contain specific functionality that EMR systems must provide. Furthermore, physicians must actually implement and use these features in their practice on a daily basis to show meaningful use of their EMR system.
E-prescribing, checking for drug-to-drug interactions, and maintaining an updated problem list are among the approved meaningful use criteria. David Blumenthal, the National Coordinator for Health IT, must approve the recommendations before submitting them to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS will use these recommendations to make the meaningful use rules, due in December.
In addition to meaningful use, physicians must purchase and implement a “certified” EMR system. Previously, many thought the committee would choose the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology, otherwise known as CCHIT, as the sole certifying body. The Health IT Policy Committee, however, advocated that multiple organizations perform “HHS Certification.”
The committee recognized CCHIT certification as “excessively detailed.” The committee criticized CCHIT as giving “too much attention to specific features and functionality.” Instead, the committee wants to limit certification to the minimum set of criteria to fulfill the meaningful use requirements in addition to security and privacy concerns.
The committee proposed that “HHS certification means that a system is able to achieve government requirements for security, privacy, and interoperability, and that the system would enable the Meaningful Use results that the government expects. HHS Certification is not intended to be viewed as a ‘seal of approval’ or an indication of the benefits of one system over another.” However, the committee thinks more comprehensive certification of EMR, like what CCHIT provides, should continue pending market demand. The committee does not want CCHIT to be a requirement for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments.
The Health IT Policy Committee made the right decision with respect to requirements for certified EMR systems. Selecting criteria that addresses security, privacy, interoperability, and meaningful use requirements makes sense. In addition to being “excessively detailed,” CCHIT has many other drawbacks, such as its hefty application price tag and limited participation by EMR vendors. Choosing CCHIT as the certification criteria would have eliminated many smaller vendors from the market and potentially jeopardized the entire stimulus act.
Read the article.
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Ryan Ricks Security Officer
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0 EHR Adoption Lagging
Jul 15, 2009. Insight.With the ARRA, you would assume that physicians would be waiting in line to purchase and implement an Electronic Health Record (EHR). Unfortunately, this is not the case. Currently, many physicians are resisting this change until the guidelines have been clarified.
However, this has not prevented physicians from looking at EHR systems.
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0 Voice Recognition or Speech Recognition
Jul 14, 2009. Dragon Medical.Many people say the term ‘voice recognition,’ however, the correct terminology is to say, ‘speech recognition.’ Voice recognition attempts to recognize your actual voice instead of the actual words that are spoken. While, speech recognition is a system that recognizes the speech pattern and turns your spoken words directly into text.
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1 Core Functions of an EHR
Jul 14, 2009. Insight.For the past few years the government has been vigorously working to improve the Healthcare Industry. Multiple committees have been preparing for the day where providers will receive financial incentives to purchase and use an EHR. Finally, in February 2009, this happened through the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
You now are aware of the major differences between an EMR and EHR, and understand that as a provider, you must seek an EHR.
Back in 2003, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) created a standardized EHR. The IOM established eight core functions, to improve four key issues: quality care, chronic disease management, efficiency and feasibility.
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