News From Around the Web
> In what is being touted as the first speech-enabled Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) application for iPhones and iPads, clinical documentation provider M*Modal and healthcare provider Intermountain Healthcare have joined forces for the app enabling physicians and hospital staff to conversationally order patient medication and other medical functions using iOS-based devices. According to the companies, the app will benefit healthcare by allowing physicians to quickly, easily and securely place orders at the point of care. For medication orders, users will be able to select the patient, describe information on the prescription--including dosage, frequency and qualifiers--and send the request to an electronic health record order entry system. Announcement
> Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in Loma Linda, Calif. is leveraging technology that enables patients to visit with friends and family unable to be at their bedside. Called "video visits," patients are connected via a camera, a videophone and an iPad. The video visit system works similar to Facetime or Skype by connecting a camera on the end of a flexible tube that is connected to a videophone, which is setup at the patient's bedside. The camera and phone are linked wirelessly to an iPad, which is given to the visitor in another room within the hospital. Announcement
> AT&T and Numera announced that AT&T will be the wireless network and location services provider for Numera Libris, which brings together home health management and a personal emergency response system (PERS) in one mobile solution. This "Personal Health Gateway" integrates safety functions including mobile emergency response services, two-way voice, automated fall detection, and location tracking with telehealth functionality. Numera Libris connects with the Numera Net telehealth and telecare platform, which enables an individual to upload biometric measurements from a variety of wireless health devices. They can then send that information via either a PC or Numera's home hub to their extended healthcare team, including family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Announcement
EMR News
>The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Office of Inspector General has raised the possibility that it may extend the electronic health record donation "safe harbor" protection enabling hospitals and others to subsidize EHR purchases made by physicians without running afoul of the fraud and abuse laws. The safe harbor is currently slated to "sunset" Dec. 31, 2013. Vicki Robinson, senior counsel for policy at OIG, speaking at the American Bar Association's Annual Emerging Issues Conference Feb. 22 in Miami, would not divulge whether OIG will allow the safe harbor to terminate as scheduled, or be extended. But she did acknowledge that "we are looking at it" and "we are very aware of [its expiration]." Article
Health IT News
> Remote monitoring can be an effective part of follow-up care for patients with implantable electronic cardiovascular devices, according to a study recently published in the journal Telemedicine and e-Health. In the study, which compares in-office visits and remote visits, patients reported a high level of satisfaction with remote monitoring, though eight of the 15 participants (53 percent) said they preferred in-office visits. Article
And Finally… Beware of hungry glove compartments! Article