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February 22, 2010 News 1 Comment

From M.C. COO: “Re: it’s Hammer Time! Great posting. Lots of parts for sale, not many usable tools.” In case you missed this fun post, M.C. is referring to Dr. Gregg Alexander’s recent commentary, I Don’t Wanna Build the Hammer.

From EMR Machinist” “Re: Building hammers. Love the old hand tool (chisel and rasp) analogy.”

McLaren Health Care Corporation (MI) signs a $3 million EHR contract with Allscripts for its 150 employed physicians. Initiate Systems will build McLaren an enterprise MPI across its multiple systems and databases, which includes McKesson’s practice management system.

Pacific Medical IT signs on as a reseller for Aprima Medical Software. Checking out Pacific Medical’s Web site it looks like they also offer Practice Fusion EHR.

e-MDs President and CEO Michaels Stearns, MD agrees to serve as board president of the newly formed Texas e-Health Alliance.

emrlike

emrdontlike

Speaking of Texas, EMR usage in the state is on its way up, according to the Texas Medical Association. In November 2009, 43% of surveyed physicians said they used EMRs, up from 27% in 2005. Doctors age 40 and younger had even higher adoption, with 60% claiming EMR use. The overwhelming majority of doctors who already have EMRs say that electronic charting is the best part; the worst part is data input. Seventy percent of the physicians say they intend to implement an EMR in the next two years, which would be quite a boon if you are selling or implementing EMRs.

That 70% number is a bit higher than what Accenture has calculated, based on interviews with 1,000 physicians. The Accenture study (being released next week) concludes that 58% of physicians not using an EMR today plan to purchase one within the next two years.

cotton o'neil

In an article profiling his practice’s use of EMR, internist Eric Voth says, “The single greatest benefit is information management and simultaneous access." His 160-physician Cotton-O’Neil Clinic (KS) has been using NextGen since 1998.

Associated Cardiovascular Consultants (NJ) selects Sage Intergy, Sage Intergy EHR, Practice Analytics, and Practice Portal for its 38-physician  practice. I noticed that Sage Healthcare has its own channel on YouTube, which offers a number of customer interviews, including one with Associated Cardiovascular’s executive administrator.

I guess everyone is making predictions for the new iPad and wondering if it will be a passing fad or a healthcare staple. These folks conclude that 54% of medical professionals are likely to purchase some sort of tablet PC over the next year, with ease of use being the most important selection criteria. The iPad seems to be user-friendly, but (for now) lacks certain functionality that healthcare providers desire (RFID, camera, etc.) While I am at HIMSS, one of my top questions to the ambulatory EMR vendors will be what their plans are for offering solutions on the iPad.

georgia world

Speaking of HIMSS, if you are attending, you will want to check out Mr. HIStalk’s Must See Vendors for HIMSS10. In addition to brief descriptions on about 50 companies and their offerings, you can learn more about all-important trinket giveaways and various free refreshment choices in exhibit hall. You can also download a PDF version to print and take to Atlanta if you like. I also recommend taking a look at HIT Vendor Executives on HIMSS10. Dozens of industry execs provide insights on what’s going to be hot at HIMSS this year. It’s a must-read if you want to sound like an industry insider while making small talk in the Starbucks line, before an educational session, or at a cocktail party.

A big thank you for everyone who took the time to participate in our HIStalk Practice survey. I feel kind of like Sally Field, here but it’s sure nice to know readers like what we are doing!  Mr. H and I haven’t had a lot of time to go through all the comments in detail, but I did note the suggestion that we do more coverage on men’s shoes (boring), provide commentary on Manolos versus Louboutins (Louboutins), and add a “STEALetto of the Day” section highlighting shoe bargains (love it!) We promise to thoughtfully consider the more industry-specific comments and do some tweaks over the next several weeks.

E-mail Inga.

Comments 1
  • Speaking of usage, studies relating the opinion of usage should also show that opinions are often poorly supported by actual performance. Simply stated: what doc’s think about EHRs is often a far cry from what is actually happening. Doctors opinions of EHR use may have all the weight of “4 out of 5 dentists recommend Colgate”, or “Best Coffee in Town”.

    A plaque in Eistein’s office read: “Not everything that be matters can be counted, and not everything that can be counted, counts.” But then again, Einstein was no doctor.

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