News From Around the Web
> The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has created a website dedicated to educate the public on how health IT is addressing the opioid epidemic. It looks at the use of clinical decision support in EHRs, electronic prescribing of controlled substances and state prescription drug monitoring programs. Website
> The ONC has updated its public file on EHR products that have been used for Meaningful Use attestation pursuant to the Medicare side of the incentive program. The information includes attestation data for both eligible professionals and eligible hospitals from April 2011 through January 2016. It also includes which certified EHR tech was used for the attestations. Website
> Ransomware attackers have become even more sophisticated, releasing two new strains that can infect EHRs, warns HIMSS in an article in Health IT News. Article
Health Finance News
> A new study has confirmed that consumers are aware that healthcare prices bear little relation to the delivery of quality care. That is the conclusion of researchers at UC San Francisco and the nonprofit advocacy group Public Agenda. Between 58 percent and 71 percent of survey respondents believe that there is little correlation between the cost of the healthcare being delivered and its overall quality, according to the study. Article
Health Insurance News
> Even amid widespread efforts to enroll individuals in health coverage, organizations and government agencies are still missing major opportunities to reach the remaining uninsured. For one, the Internal Revenue Service doesn't tell tax filers if they qualify for Medicaid or subsidies to buy coverage on the insurance exchanges. Article
> The Affordable Care Act has not spelled the end of employer-based health insurance--and if current trends continue, that doesn't look likely to change. Article
And Finally ... Maybe the Batman constume would have been more believable. Article