EHR analytics improve off-label drug use tracking

While physicians have a variety of tools at their disposal to treat the myriad conditions they see each day, sometimes they prescribe drugs against the explicit meaning behind their development.

48 providers ask HHS for an extension on meaningful use deadlines

Health care professionals had a relatively easy time purchasing and implementing electronic health records software through stage 1 of meaningful use, but as the deadlines for stage 2 requirements approach in July, some organizations are losing confidence that they will be able to meet those criteria.

Stage 2 requirements should be approached holistically

Now that stage 2 of meaningful use is well under way, some health care professionals are wondering how they can optimize their response to the next phase of the industry-wide transition to electronic health records.

Massachusetts physicians could lose licenses without EMR certification

Ever since electronic medical records were introduced to the health care industry, professionals from front-line physicians to high-level administrators have worked to satisfy the requirements of meaningful use stage 2 requirements in order to qualify for incentive payments.

CMS agrees on end-to-end testing for ICD-10

It was not an easy fight for vocal opponents of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' testing program for ICD-10, but after several highly publicized letters and charged criticism, the CMS has given way and agreed to exhaustive end-to-end testing of their and providers' systems for the new medical billing processes.

Duke researchers use gene therapy to regrow cartilage within the body

Usually, when cartilage has deteriorated through overuse or autoimmune conditions, it cannot be replaced.

EHRs may help patients stick to medication schedules

As is the case with any new technology adopted into the medical industry, true value rests in its ability to improve patients' quality of care.

Massachusetts health care consortium begins ICD-10 testing

As 2014 rolls on and complaints such as the American Medical Association's public denial of ICD-10's effectiveness continue to build, the Oct. 1 transition creeps closer.

Physicians not skeptical of EHRs’ potential

Ever since the mandated implementation of electronic health records systems into medical practices large and small, there has been industry-wide pushback against the encroaching technology.

ICD-10 transition estimated to cost small practices more than $200,000

The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 has already caused many headaches for physicians in charge of small practices.

Physicians are willing to work hard for smoother ICD-10, EHR transition

Much has been made about the troubles surrounding the transition to ICD-10, and while electronic health records are here to stay, there is serious doubt within the community of physicians that the changeover from the relatively paltry amount of codes in the current system will produce a net benefit for medical professionals.

ICD-10 educational materials must be written by, for physicians, coders

As the ICD-10 deadline draws nearer every day and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gears up for its week of testing the provider experience of the new coding system, the time is now or never for practices to educate their physicians and orthopedic coding staff on the correct procedures for the new system of diagnostic codes.

Advances in orthotics grant mobility, ease pain for active patients

Although orthopedic EMR software gives physicians and patients a better picture of the medical issues they face, there will always be patients who live with their pain far beyond the point of necessity.

Karen DeSalvo calls for focus on greater EHR interoperability

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is one of the government organizations that has been spearheading the adoption of electronic health records in the U.S., which is why health care professionals turn to the ONC to get answers about the future of this technology in the country.

Providers may want to take advantage of upcoming ICD-10 testing week

Providers who are concerned about whether they will be ready to make the move to the ICD-10 coding system in October 2014 may want to keep some time open in their schedules between March 3 and March 7, 2014.

Report shows ICD-10 is behind schedule

Many providers who are concerned about whether they will be ready for the change to the ICD-10 coding system in October 2014 are not alone. 

Providers have received more than $19 billion in EHR incentives

Providers who have become frustrated trying to meet the requirements for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service' electronic health record meaningful use incentives program should take comfort in the latest report from the CMS.

Healtheway executive director discusses what is happening with the eHealth Exchange

One of the main goals of electronic health records is to allow providers to more easily share patient information.