The article about Pediatric Associates in CA has a nugget with a potentially outsized impact: the implication that VFC vaccines…
News 9/15/11
From Cleve Van Valen: “Re: Jonathan Bush. Hate to say it, but Jonathan Bush makes my CEO look like he is driving a horse and buggy.” I assume Cleve is referring to our recent interview with JB and athena’s MU transparency initiative. The transportation reference reminded me of this cartoon produced for the 2008 HISsie awards, which features Jonathan Bush in a DoLorean sports car, a la’ Back to the Future. It still makes me laugh.
McKesson introduces McKesson Practice Choice, a Meaningful Use-certified, Web-based integrated EHR/PM solution for small, independent primary care practices. The company also announces McKesson Practice Care, a service line that offers patient-centered medical home consulting in conjunction with AAFP’s TransforMed and available exclusively for practices running Practice Partner, Medisoft Clinical, Lytec MD, and Practice Choice.
Practice Management Associates (VA) selects the ADP AdvancedMD PM for RCM services.
The 14 physicians of Sandhills Pediatrics (SC) receive $184,000 in government incentives for their Meaningful Use of the SRS EHR.
The Physician Services technology division of Inland Northwest Health Services (WA) announces plans to offer implementation and hosting services for Greenway’s PrimeSUITE EHR/PM solution. INHS serves and connects 38 hospitals and over 4,000 physicians on its HIE.
Practice Fusion forecasts that 5,000 of its eligible provider customers will qualify for 2011 Meaningful Use incentives worth up to $90 million. That’s a big number, especially considering that through July only 4,491 EPs, regardless of EHR, have received MU checks. On the other hand, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius reports that 80,000 providers have applied for funds, so perhaps the 5,000 EP estimate is on target.
Medicaid managed care provider AmeriHealth Mercy launches a program to offer its network providers free mobile technology. Physicians will have access to care alerts and e-prescribing at the point of care using the NaviNet Mobile Connect platform.
Phreesia introduces an electronic Medicare Annual Wellness Visit form, which can be presented to patients during check-in.
Integrating telehealth tools with care management for chronically ill patients may result in significant savings ($312 to $542 savings per patient per quarter.) The coordinated approach may also improve health outcomes.
Speaking of telehealth, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center launches a telehealth practice to address acute health issues and follow-up care, as well as provide chronic care virtual visits. Mount St. Mary’s says its Online Care practice, which uses American Well technology, is the first medical group in the country to be formed as a telehealth practice.
