News From Around the Web
> Terry Edwards, CEO of clinical communications provider PerfectServe, gives his three keys to reversing healthcare's communication breakdown in a post on Healthcare Management Technology. Included: using technology properly, thinking beyond the text of HIPAA, and the proper utilization of nurses and physicians in communications. Post
EMR News
> Not all electronic health record vendors are alike when it comes to ICD-10 preparedness and assistance, according to a new report from Orem, Utah-based KLAS Research. In the report--"ICD-10 Perception 2012: Can Technology Relieve Readiness Issues?"--providers rated EHR vendors Cerner, Epic and Siemens as "well prepared and proactive in their communication with clients." In contrast, Allscripts and MEDITECH were singled out for their lack of communication and action. Article
Provider News
> While the Catholic Health Association called the Obama administration's relaxed rules on contraceptive coverage "substantial progress," the group is still seeking comments from its membership and bishops before declaring an end to the dispute. Under its latest proposal, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services would defer the obligation of offering contraceptive coverage to insurers, rather than religious hospitals and employers. Article
> While some healthcare organizations remain skeptical of the ACO movement, they can utilize their own employees for proof of accountable care success, according to a white paper published yesterday by Evolent Health. Focused on improving hospital employee health, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center implemented an employee ACO (eACO) model in 2004 and achieved compounded savings of more than $65 million within five years. Article
And Finally... Just in time for Valentine's Day, and kind of gross. Article