Health Software Vendors

Software and hardware age quickly in health care. Software and hardware evolve, change and become obsolete quickly in the course of five years. Much changed during this 1/2 decade as providers and hospitals geared up for the HIT revolution.

Just ten years ago (2004) EMRs were very few and only 10-25% of providers or hospitals had any type of electronic health record.   The concept of health information exchanges and interoperability were still seminal ideas. Mobile health applications were few.

Following the HITECH Act the progress has been staggering. On the one hand it stimulated the adoption of EHRs, on the other hand in a rush to capture the incentive and avoid penalties, users were coerced to obtain inadequate electronic systems which were not tested for ethnology or true user functionality.  Many were and still are a barrier to efficiency and do not instill confidence in physicians by patients when providers faces are embeded in their display, which minimized face-to-face contact.  Transference as most providers realize is a key component of patient reassurance and compliance.  Score two big negatives for the current generation of EMRs.

Many providers have invested in EMRs, some already had EMRs which were compliaint enough to be CCHIT certified for interoperability (necessary to use HIX (health information exchanges) to exchange data with diverse EMRs.  Some were able to be upgraded to satisfy Meaningful Use, Stage I.

However many of these pre-existing systems are now insufficient to be further upgraded due to the increasing complexity of reporting metrics to CMS and Health Insurers.  Now faced with ACOs (Accountable Care Organizations the EMR and HIX face the challenge of further requirements.

For some the time as come to upgrade their EMR even though it may be only five to ten years old.

There have been many reports about physician dissatisfaction with first, or second generation systems. Offerings are divided between small practice, medium size practices, and large enterprise integrated health systems.

Perhaps a measure of change can be found in a report from MarketWatch of the Wall Street Journal.  I find the WSJ to be a reliable source of change in markets as they measure financial changes early on.

EPIC has been the leading software vendor for large enterprise systems.  This year however KLAS has ranked athenahealth as the top vendor replacing EPIC as rated by thousands of health care providers across the U.S., athenahealth is now rated #1 in the following categories:

-- 2013 Best in KLAS Overall Software Vendor

-- 2013 Best in KLAS Overall Physician Practice Vendor

-- 2013 Best in KLAS Practice Management Service, athenaCollector(R), for the 1-10 and 11-75 physician segments

-- 2013 Best in KLAS Patient Portal, athenaCommunicator(R)

The old guard of HIT leaders is finally being displaced by more nimble, innovative models designed for health care's future - not for its past," said Jonathan Bush, chairman and CEO, athenahealth

Health IT in Asia at Health 2.0 India

Read more about it at Health Train Express including these topics of interest

• Designing an improved patient experience for a Billion people

• Trending – Startups, Funding and Accelerating Health 2.0

• Health 2.0 in the village

• Quantified self, wearable sensors and trackers

• Mobile health in real life

• Rise of big data and better decisions

• Pharma and better outcomes

• C-Level executives unplugged

• Unmentionables amplified – Sex, Sport & Rock n’ Roll

Visit Health Train Express to learn more........

Radiology One of the Highest Paying Medical Specialties

Contributions to this post are from:
Mike Bassett, 

One of the   principal determinants some medical specialties is salary. However, that is not the only factor in specialty selection by trainees.  Some of the other factors are:

Relatively good hours and call schedule
Flexibility of work locations
Group Practice insulated from  financial issues
Hospital based employment, an option
Support as consultant for most specialties
Technological advancements in CT, MRI, PET and other new imaging techniques

Fierce Medical Imaging reports that although Radiology reimbursement has flattened out and perhaps decreased there are an abuncance of job seekers in Radiology.

1. Study: Two job seekers for every new radiology position

An analysis of the American College of Radiology job board suggests that for every job posted there are two radiologists seeking jobs, according to a study published online in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

According to Anand M. Prabhakar, M.D. of the department of radiology at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, while the general impression of the radiology job market has been "grim," there has been little research done tracking employment statistics. 

The researchers found that the during the study period, the mean number of new job seekers was 168 per month--twice as many as the 84 job postings found on average per month. 

No appreciable difference in the number of new job postings between 2011 and 2012 was found, while the number of newly registered job seekers ranged from 80 in May 2012, to a high of 418 in October 2010. October through November of 2010 represented one of the peak periods of job competitiveness (represented by the number of newly registered job seekers), along with August through November of 2011 and October and November 2012.

Consequently, the researchers concluded that there is a seasonal variation in interest in the ACR jobs board coinciding with the July 1 start date of fellowship training programs.

The study is a relatively short term study and in a period of rapid change with the Affordable Care Act and the imminent development of Accountable Care Organizations.

Radiology suffers from the same pessimism stimulated by reductions in earnings. 

In the face of what appears to be a shrinking job market, practicing radiologists have an obligation to those just starting their careers "to help them get through this difficult time," write David Levin, M.D., and Vijay Rao, M.D. in an article published in the April issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

A report last year by physician recruiting firm Merritt Hawkins illustrates how job prospects have declined for prospective radiologists over last several years. According to the report, demand for radiologists--Merritt Hawkins' most requested specialty in 2003--ranked just 18^th last year.

The reasons for the fall in demand, according to Levin and Rao? Slowdowns in utilization and reimbursements; longer radiologist hours to maintain compensation levels (consequently decreasing the need to hire new radiologists); current radiologists deferring retirement; and the advent of picture archiving and communications systems and other digital enhancements that have increased efficiency.

Read more: How sacrifice today will save the radiology industry tomorrow - FierceMedicalImaging http://www.fiercemedicalimaging.com/story/how-sacrifice-today-will-save-radiology-industry-tomorrow/2013-04-12#ixzz2rcaXLkft
Subscribe at FierceMedicalImaging

Medical Tutorial Helpouts

Google has released a new hangout application called "Help Outs".  They have been designed to offer one on one tutorial and/or instructional platform for professionals, hobbyists or anyone who like to teach or consult on a one on one format.



The Helpout format meshes nicely with the missions of Health Train Express and Digital Health Space. It will give an opportunity for questions in a private setting which may be stimulated by my blog writings.  Or you may have bold and fresh new ideas.

Are You a Connector?  

Certainly our world is changing, not only in the health field but in general, the labor force is changing, and old opportunities are probably gone forever.  The economy and medicine in general have been reset and it is time for a fresh re-boot

The Guide to Helpouts on Google +



Health Train Express and Digital Health Space are currently being "vetted" to use the Helpout API.  We have had our iniitial background check. (quite extensive...consisting of a sweep of all major databases for criminality, license status by a professional screening company, Hireright . Somehow or other I managed to slip in under the radar.  I had a Helpout Interview, and hopefully passed the final step in assessing the 'studio' and my stage presence.

In about one week I should have a start date.

Keep your RSS feed open and subscribe to our blogs.

HIPAA COMPLIANT GOOGLE + HANGOUTS

Google announces Helpouts: the Hangout that’s so good you’ll pay for it

This service marries the video chat features of Hangouts with the payment processing of Google Wallet, the identity management of Google+, and a slew of other Google service features. The end result is a gorgeous Frankenstein monster that lets you find expert help instantly via video.

Google + Helpouts is its own separate division within Google, but it uses all existing Google technologies.  And actually the service is free unless you charge for it.  Google's take is 20%.  The helpouts are scheduled or on demand.   

Many providers have been asking if Google + hangouts are HIPAA compliant. Up until now the answer has been 'no'.   Now for a charge it can be.  Further details are forthcoming from Google.

The challenges for telemedicine have been several. 1. Cost. 2. Non-reimbursement due to insurance limitations 3. Lack of an easily accessible platform.

Previous offerings have included expensive contracting with a telehealth provider. 

Providers and patients are now aware of new resources to provide an additional component to home health and alternative to time consuming  office visits.

Google also announced an API for Google Helpouts. For more information, Google hosts a 'help' tutorial.

Several medical offices and clinics may be available in your area.  Note that this service is so new that you should verify their participation.  It is not necessary to have a visit initially, however in many states,  for you to receive treatment advice law prohibits telemedicine treatment other than in an advisory capacity.

One Medical Group (Beverly Hills)

Meet the Doctors

• Michelle Grotz-Rhone, MD
• Bruce Olmscheid, MD
• Aarti Kulkarni, MD

There are other participating One Medical Groups in  San Francisco, New York,  Boston and Washington, D.C.

HIPAA Compliaint Video Chats on Google + Hangouts

Introducing Helpouts by Google




This service marries the video chat features of Hangouts with the payment processing of Google Wallet, the identity management of Google+, and a slew of other Google service features. The end result is a gorgeous Frankenstein monster that lets you find expert help instantly via video.

Google + Helpouts is its own separate division within Google, but it uses all existing Google technologies.  

Many providers have been asking if Google + hangouts are HIPAA compliant. Up until now the answer has been 'no'.   Now for a charge it can be.  Further details are forthcoming from Google.

Until now telemedicine has been limited by not having a reimbursable computer code (Current Procedural  Terminology) CPT.  These are computer codes which define the procedure or service provided by a physician, hospital, or alliled health provider such as a nurse pracitioner, laboratory or imaging facility.

CES 2014 What's in IT for Digital Health ?

Many generic IT software and hardware have been adapted for health care by DIYers who are already physicians.  This year's CES will emphasize the expansion and new offerings for mobile health in health care, including new software for all  operating systems, and the new technology in smart devices.

Attending a CES show in Las Vegas offers much for physicians now. The offerings have expanded exponentially for both iOS, Windows, and Chrome/Android on a variety of hardware applicatons. Each OS serves different segments, depending on EMR, and legacy hardware.

CES offers a unique show, a one place visual carnival in a large exposition. The event is located in Las Vegas, where a global entertainment industry and gambling exist, side-by-side.

DHS will be focusing on the electronics at CES 2014 both health oriented and in the consumer space that could be applied to health care.

C-Net  also will offer full coverage specials on exhibitor booth and their offerings, for those who are couch potatos or unable to travel.

  .
For Las Vegas Information and general information about CES, Housing, Transportation, Reservations, and Information about Shows, Entertainment, and much more: CES hosts a Website.

For those who need the "intimate" social reality experience attend in person.  Make certain you have taken your flu shot .

Where to get urgent health care.  Turntable Health is a Primary Clinic in downtown Las Vegas whose medical director is Zubin Damania (stage name- ZdoggMD)  a physician well known in social media circles and  trained at UC San Francisco.

While you are in Las Vegas  he may even be producing one of his unique and outrageous "ZdoggMD" episodes   (not to be missed)

The area that Turntable Health is located is in  an area that is underutilized and developed by Zappos, the well known online retailer. It is the innovative ultra-modern Los Vegas Medical Clinic where Patient-Centered Care is given, and is a worthwhile tourist destination to see where all the CES and HIT is used.

And Remember..."what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

This has been an unpaid public announcement.  See it, or pay the price.

The CES has already started, and there is already much appearing on YouTube, and all the standard social media platforms, if you cannot attend.

Watch for Digital Health Space on Google +