News From Around the Web
> A new mobile Wi-Fi scanner promises to make patient identification faster in private hospitals and dialysis centers in Turkey, according to HospitalHealthcare.com. The BIOMIG biometric scanner, developed by Hitachi Europe and MIG, uses finger vein authentication; the creators say it helps the Turkish government to manage reimbursement to service providers in a more efficient manner. It can also stem costs and thwart services fraud. Article
> Sangre de Cristo Hospice & Palliative Care, based in Colorado, is using mobile technology to simplify paperwork processes and deliver services at the point of care. The technology is helps avoid unnecessary field staff office trips, reduces data entry and allows staff to focus on more critical patient issues leading to greater staff productivity. A GPS capability provides an integrated visit verification feature, which gives staff instant access to patient specific care plans. Announcement
> A new app promises to make hearing loss screening cheaper and easier for both the elderly and young children. Its developer says it's an ideal mHealth option for those living in rural areas and developing countries. A professor at the University of Pretoria, in South Africa, created the smartphone-based solution. South Africa instituted a new health policy two years ago requiring all children in first grade to be screened for potential hearing loss. Announcement
Health IT News
> As more health data becomes available, many issues will arise regarding patient security and privacy of information, according to Micky Tripathi, founding President and CEO of the Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative. One of the biggest challenges is the sharing of patient information on patient portals--and who has access to what data through them. Article
> The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced its second batch of recipients in round two of the Health Care Innovation Awards program, bringing the total to $360 million handed out for organizations to test innovative care models. Examples of this year's recipients include projects to improve care for people living with HIV/AIDS, support frail elderly patients in the community, reduce unnecessary use of emergency departments and promote better rural care coordination and telehealth. Article
Health Insurance News
> WellPoint CEO Joseph Swedish has made adapting to technology a top priority for the insurer, aiming to ease access to healthcare services and cater to younger smartphone-savvy consumers. As part of efforts to meet consumer demands, WellPoint covers visits to workplace health kiosks that let employees speak live with a doctor and get a diagnosis without leaving the office. Article
And Finally... An anchovy bonanza. Article