Electronic Health Records (EHR, EMR)

IBM announced plans Thursday to enlist some of its leading scientists and technologists to help medical practitioners and payers provide high-quality, evidence-based care to patients.

A new poll of 850 healthcare providers across the country shows most providers view certification of their electronic health record systems as critical, yet they remained uncertain of the requirements to qualify for government incentives.

While most vendors are satisfied with the provisions announced on Tuesday in the final rule for meaningful use, meeting certification requirements could prove demanding for some.

Healthcare CIOs received the final rule on meaningful use July 13 mostly with a sigh of relief. They felt their concerns had been taken into account, they said, and they especially appreciated the rule's greater flexibility.

Powerful forces are driving many practices toward EHRs, especially now that incentives for EHR use are more clearly defined within ARRA. First-time buyers, in particular, cannot afford to enter such high-stakes negotiations only half-informed.

Federal officials released the final rule on meaningful use Tuesday, which will allow physicians and hospitals to qualify for thousands of dollars in stimulus funding incentives for the adoption of electronic health records.

On July 13, 2010, the government released amended meaningful use objectives and measures for eligible professionals, hospitals and critical access hospitals.

In the past month, iSOFT Group Limited has signed contracts with five new customers in Germany. Totaling $5.8 million, the contracts also include maintenance and support services for five years.

Federal officials have announced they will release the long-awaited final rule on meaningful use Tuesday morning.

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) has launched personal health records for its members, the company announced Thursday.