Privacy and geographic datasets
Re: Government Health IT, "Putting healthcare on the map," Nov. 19, 2010, "HHS: Patients should receive easily understood HIE privacy notices"
I've used ArcGIS with Arc/INFO .aml programming tools to make infectious disease point data in Illinois. One has to make accommodations for 'where' the individual lives...therefore data must be 'shifted' on a map to give users a 'general' idea how to view spatial data of this sort. The human privacy issue is a real consideration when dealing with these kind of datasets.
-- Michael Morin, Petersburg, Ill
Insurance exchanges and privacy
Re: Government Health I, Insurance exchange planners set high expectations
Nov. 8, 2010
I think if this becomes reality it could blow privacy out of the water!!! No matter what anybody thinks, I don't believe you can't have that much free flow of information and not mess up.
-- Name withheld
Text mining from transcripts
Re: Government Health IT, Panel wrestles with scope of 2013 quality measures
Nov. 2, 2010
Will the work group be taking a look at how text mining from transcription can be used to fulfill some of the more difficult data elements for quality reporting. Transcription companies are using NLP technology to "mine" structured data from physicians' narrative, dictated reports. Then uploading the data into the EHR and coupling it with other data elements. An innovative concept whose time has come!
--Beth Friedman, location withheld
Physicians prescribe pertinence
Re: Government Health IT, CMS in final tests of incentive management systems
Nov. 5, 2010
The article on process for providers to register and be recognized for meaningful use is very pertinent. Physicians are looking for straight answers when it comes to the process for obtaining the [meaningful use] funds.
More informational and brief articles like this are appreciated.
-- Name withheld
A pitch for anti-theft software in risky times
Re: Government Health IT Laptop thefts top cause of health data breaches Nov. 12, 2010
This is a concerning yet important finding that stresses the need for health professionals and their organizations to better manage and secure their laptops. This is especially important as the industry continues to integrate additional mobile devices.
It is also crucial that health organizations take proactive preventative measures to protect their devices and the sensitive information that often lives on them. Organizations should take a multi-layered approach to security that considers all security risks and provides several different approaches to device and data security. Just one method of protection is not enough. Further, organizations should develop proper policies and offer ongoing education for employees.
Another protection option to consider is investing in anti-theft software that helps protect, secure and track a laptop if it's stolen. Such software used in conjunction with policies and procedures can help to minimize device and data loss.
-- Ashley Richards, Absolute Software
