News 10/12/22

Top News

Pediatric virtual mental healthcare company InStride Health launches with $26 million in funding.

Webinars

October 18 (Tuesday) 2 ET. “Patient Payment Trends 2022: Learn All The Secrets.” Sponsor: Mend. Presenter: Matt McBride, MBA, co-founder and CEO, Mend. Many industries offer frictionless payments, but healthcare still sends paper bills to patients who are demanding modern conveniences. This webinar will review consumer sentiment on healthcare payments, recent changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act that create opportunities for new patient financial engagement, and new tactics to collect more payments faster from patients.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre to present your own.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Well Health Technologies, a Canadian health IT vendor and clinic operator, acquires medical record and billing software and three clinics from CloudMD Software & Services, also based in Canada, for $4.2 million.

Specialty practice EHR and practice management software company Nextech acquires TouchMD, a visual consultation, marketing, and imaging software vendor.

Announcements and Implementations

Community Care of the Sandhills (NC) launches a telepsychiatry program using software and services from InSight Telepsychiatry.

Associates in Resource Management will leverage Greenway Health’s EHR, practice management, and RCM technology as it expands its services to FQHCs, rural health centers, and private practices in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.

AMS Cardiology (PA) selects practice support services from Atria Health.

Athenahealth uses Jopari’s software to file electronic claim attachment transactions with payers.

Research and Innovation

New data from MGMA finds that rates of physician burnout have increased 4% over last year, with 65% of respondents saying they’ve experienced burnout this year. Not surprisingly, 51% of surveyed providers have considered changing employers. The findings support a separate MGMA poll that found 40% of surveyed practices have had at least one physician resign or retire early due to burnout.

Other

Talk about a pivot: Former 98point6 CEO Robbie Cape begins working on an environmentally-friendly fast-casual chicken sandwich restaurant in Seattle dubbed Mt. Joy that will leverage innovative technology developed by his former 98point6 software engineer Justin Kaufman. Cape launched the telemedicine company in 2015. He left the company last year at the board’s direction after leading it to $250 million in funding.

MGMA’s Medical Practice Excellence Leaders Conference winds down in Boston today. I’ve been out of the conference loop for awhile. Are therapy animals now a must-have on the show floor?

Sponsor Updates

• Healthwise and Medicomp Systems will exhibit at the Oracle Cerner Health Conference October 17-19 in Kansas City, MO.

Blog Posts

• Five Ways to Optimize Practice Resources While Driving Higher Quality Care (AdvancedMD)
• ‘Value Over Volume, Patients Like Family’ (EClinicalWorks)

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

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News 10/10/22

Top News

Behavioral health IT vendor Alleva raises $12 million in a Series A funding round.

Webinars

October 12 (Wednesday) 1 ET. “In Praise of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR).” Sponsor: Intelligent Medical Objects. Presenters: Amanda Heidemann, MD, CMIO, KeyCare; Amber Sieja, MD, senior medical director of informatics, UCHealth and Ambulatory Services; Jim Thompson, MD, physician informaticist, IMO. The problem-oriented medical record – initially developed in the 1960s by Lawrence Weed, MD – brought important structure to paper charting, and in particular, the problem list. Yet, today, the tool that was once the gold standard for organizing and making sense of patient history is often cluttered and unmanageable. Fortunately, tools and strategies exist to help make the problem list more meaningful, helping to synthesize patient data, highlight insights, and support patient care. The expert panel will share their experiences with POMR, including documentation practices and tools to improve workflows and efficiency, the impact of POMR and charting on the overall health of a patient, and the challenges and obstacles clinicians face when practicing POMR and charting and how they can be overcome.

October 18 (Tuesday) 2 ET. “Patient Payment Trends 2022: Learn All The Secrets.” Sponsor: Mend. Presenter: Matt McBride, MBA, co-founder and CEO, Mend. Many industries offer frictionless payments, but healthcare still sends paper bills to patients who are demanding modern conveniences. This webinar will review consumer sentiment on healthcare payments, recent changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act that create opportunities for new patient financial engagement, and new tactics to collect more payments faster from patients.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre to present your own.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Specialty health and wellness telemedicine vendor Index Health raises $6 million in a seed funding round. The company, which tailors a patient’s care through the collection of more than 1,000 data points, offers its services to members in Florida, Virginia, and New Hampshire.

Virtual-first medical group Galileo selects Elation Health’s EHR. The primary care startup, which caters to individuals, employers, and health plans, was founded by One Medical founder Tom Lee in 2018.

People

Genuine Health Group names Franz Victoria (United HealthCare) VP of data analytics.

Announcements and Implementations

LCH Health and Community Services (PA) will tap into the Maven Project’s e-referral network, giving its providers the ability to consult virtually with other providers from around the country.

Steps Recovery Solutions (LA) selects EHR, RCM, and practice management software from Lightning Step Technologies.

Government and Politics

Florida physician Frank Alario, MD pleads guilty to charges associated with giving a pharma sales rep access to patient medical records, which the rep used to determine which patients had insurance that would cover his company’s drugs. Alario also gave the sales rep access to the exam room, leading patients to believe that the rep was employed by Alario’s clinic. Both Alario and the sales rep have been indicted on other, separate charges related to HIPAA violations.

Sponsor Updates

• Medicomp Systems releases a new Tell Me Where It Hurts Podcast featuring CHIME VP of Public Policy Mari Savickis.

Blog Posts

• Nurses of Note Awards 2022: The Clinical Practice Specialist (PerfectServe)
• Souped-Up Search Results: How They Save Clinicians Time (Healthwise)
• De-implementation: “Just say no” isn’t enough (Nordic)
• Back to School – for Your Practice, Too! (EClinicalWorks)

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

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News 10/5/22

Top News

Drummond Group, the certifying body for ONC’s Health IT Certification Program, launches a Pediatric Health IT Certification program to help health IT vendors advance pediatric EHR capabilities.

HIStalk Practice Musings

The Library of Congress’ recent tweet thread documenting Lizzo’s visit and tour of the library’s antique flute collection reminded me of Susan Orlean’s “The Library Book,” which I read several weeks ago. It’s a history of the Los Angeles Central Library, and pays special attention to the fire that nearly forced its closure back in the 80s. Orlean wove in the library’s history, from its founding in the early 20th century and the variety of eccentric head librarians who took it in several different directions, to its vast collections of all sorts of things you’d never think a library would have. It’s worth a read if, like me, you’ve been in and out of libraries since before you could read.

I had no idea October is National Book Month: UTHealth Houston clinical psychologist Jennifer Bahrman says that reading a book for just 10 minutes a day will lead to greater intelligence, longer memory, improved relaxation, higher scores, more empathy, and increased success. No wonder a book at the beach (not to mention a book at bedtime accompanied by a bit of chocolate) puts me in such a relaxed mood!

Webinars

October 12 (Wednesday) 1 ET. “In Praise of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR).” Sponsor: Intelligent Medical Objects. Presenters: Amanda Heidemann, MD, CMIO, KeyCare; Amber Sieja, MD, senior medical director of informatics, UCHealth and Ambulatory Services; Jim Thompson, MD, physician informaticist, IMO. The problem-oriented medical record – initially developed in the 1960s by Lawrence Weed, MD – brought important structure to paper charting, and in particular, the problem list. Yet, today, the tool that was once the gold standard for organizing and making sense of patient history is often cluttered and unmanageable. Fortunately, tools and strategies exist to help make the problem list more meaningful, helping to synthesize patient data, highlight insights, and support patient care. The expert panel will share their experiences with POMR, including documentation practices and tools to improve workflows and efficiency, the impact of POMR and charting on the overall health of a patient, and the challenges and obstacles clinicians face when practicing POMR and charting and how they can be overcome.

October 18 (Tuesday) 2 ET. “Patient Payment Trends 2022: Learn All The Secrets.” Sponsor: Mend. Presenter: Matt McBride, MBA, co-founder and CEO, Mend. Many industries offer frictionless payments, but healthcare still sends paper bills to patients who are demanding modern conveniences. This webinar will review consumer sentiment on healthcare payments, recent changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act that create opportunities for new patient financial engagement, and new tactics to collect more payments faster from patients.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre to present your own.

Announcements and Implementations

CommuniCare implements EClinicalWorks across its 22 sites in Texas.

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division will work with consulting firm Via Positiva to help local providers adopt the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model, a federal program designed to ensure access to coordinated and comprehensive behavioral healthcare.

Research and Innovation

A healthcare satisfaction survey of 1,000 consumers finds that 41% will change providers because of poor patient engagement, while 38% would consider changing due to a lack of personalization. When it comes to non-traditional healthcare settings, just 10% of seniors feel comfortable with telemedicine, while 66% would feel comfortable visiting retail clinics.

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk.

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News 10/3/22

Top News

Grow Therapy raises $75 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total raised to $90 million. the company helps clinicians launch their own in-person and/or virtual private practice with tools that include EHR, practice management, and billing technology. It will use the investment to expand the capabilities of its EHR, add clinical resources, and hire more staff, among other goals.

Webinars

October 12 (Wednesday) 1 ET. “In Praise of the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR).” Sponsor: Intelligent Medical Objects. Presenters: Amanda Heidemann, MD, CMIO, KeyCare; Amber Sieja, MD, senior medical director of informatics, UCHealth and Ambulatory Services; Jim Thompson, MD, physician informaticist, IMO. The problem-oriented medical record – initially developed in the 1960s by Lawrence Weed, MD – brought important structure to paper charting, and in particular, the problem list. Yet, today, the tool that was once the gold standard for organizing and making sense of patient history is often cluttered and unmanageable. Fortunately, tools and strategies exist to help make the problem list more meaningful, helping to synthesize patient data, highlight insights, and support patient care. The expert panel will share their experiences with POMR, including documentation practices and tools to improve workflows and efficiency, the impact of POMR and charting on the overall health of a patient, and the challenges and obstacles clinicians face when practicing POMR and charting and how they can be overcome.

October 18 (Tuesday) 2 ET. “Patient Payment Trends 2022: Learn All The Secrets.” Sponsor: Mend. Presenter: Matt McBride, MBA, co-founder and CEO, Mend. Many industries offer frictionless payments, but healthcare still sends paper bills to patients who are demanding modern conveniences. This webinar will review consumer sentiment on healthcare payments, recent changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act that create opportunities for new patient financial engagement, and new tactics to collect more payments faster from patients.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre to present your own.

Acquisitions, Funding, Business, and Stock

Patient access and transparency technology vendor Careviso raises $17 million in a Series B funding round. The company’s technology offers real-time cost estimates, administrative requirements, and approvals. The company plans to broaden its scope beyond its traditional market of Ob/Gyns to radiology and endoscopy.

People

John Trefethen (The Altitude Group) joins RadiusXR as chief marketing officer.

Announcements and Implementations

New York-based FQHC Oak Orchard Health selects NextGen’s EHR and practice management technology.

Chiropractic EHR vendor PayDC incorporates MeldRx health data management and exchange software from Darena Solutions.

CareCloud announces GA of remote patient monitoring, including devices, implementation, and supporting software and services.

Research and Innovation

RadiusXR launches with a wearable headset that enables patients to perform self-guided eye exams. Accompanying technology includes patient education content and practice management capabilities.

A telehealth satisfaction survey of 4,306 patients finds that 80% prefer telehealth for prescription refills, 72% prefer it for reviewing medication options, 71% prefer it for discussing test results, and 57% prefer it for regular mental health visits. LiveHealth Online, Doctor on Demand, and EVisit scored highest n telehealth satisfaction among direct-to-consumer brands.

Sponsor Updates

• PerfectServe customer Bon Secours Mercy Health leverages the company’s Clinical Collaboration solution as part of its new Care Mobility project for nurse communication.

Blog Posts

• Freezing the squeeze: The three A’s of efficiency (Nordic)
• How to Improve Patient Experiences and Reduce Healthcare Costs (PerfectServe)

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk.

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News 9/28/22

Top News

Kidney care company InterWell Health acquires Acumen Physician Solutions, which offers EHR and practice management software for nephrologists.

Acumen, which co-developed some of its technology with Epic, was part of Fresenius Medical Care North America. Fresenius’ value-based care division, Fresenius Health Partners, merged with Cricket Health and InterWell last month.

Webinars

October 18 (Tuesday) 2 ET. “Patient Payment Trends 2022: Learn All The Secrets.” Sponsor: Mend. Presenter: Matt McBride, MBA, co-founder and CEO, Mend. Many industries offer frictionless payments, but healthcare still sends paper bills to patients who are demanding modern conveniences. This webinar will review consumer sentiment on healthcare payments, recent changes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act that create opportunities for new patient financial engagement, and new tactics to collect more payments faster from patients.

Previous webinars are on our YouTube channel. Contact Lorre to present your own.

People

Quartet Health names Michael Lipp, MD (ArchWell Health) CMO and Sherry Dubester, MD (Beacon Health Options) chief clinical strategy and quality officer.

DataLink Software names Sandip Patel (Monterey Bio Acquisition) chief growth officer and Reddy Shivampet (Dun & Bradstreet) CTO.

Vytalize Health names Mark Long (Cambia Health Solutions) CTO; John Torontow, MD (Village Medical) EVP, national medical director; and Scott Segell (VillageMD) EVP, value-based performance.

Announcements and Implementations

Radiological Group, PA (MS) selects revenue cycle and practice management software and services from Healthcare Administrative Partners.

Healthcare Leaders Group migrates its data to the cloud using AWS. The company’s brands include Practice Builders, Alta Medical Management, and Clinical Quality Experts.

Other

Physician recruiters in Nova Scotia say EHRs are a must-have when it comes to attracting new, younger physicians to the province. Most don’t want to take on the task of converting a practice from paper to digital files. Ten percent of PCPs in the province have yet to switch to digital health records. Interestingly, Nell’s Harbour family physician Ken Murray says his EHR, implemented 23 years ago, hasn’t been a game-changer: “Overall, [it’s] for the good. But it doesn’t speed me up at all. I think I’m slower using electronic medical records than I was the old way, and others have told me the same.”

Cathy DeAngelis, MD adds fiction to her list of published works with the release of “Angel or Devil’s Advocate,” a hospital-based murder mystery. DeAngelis is a Johns Hopkins veteran, and is the first woman and first pediatrician to become editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Her 2016 memoir, “Pursuing Equity in Medicine: One Woman’s Journey,” also seems like a must-read.

Sponsor Updates

Blog Posts

• Virtual waiting rooms: How to create a five-star telehealth experience (AdvancedMD)
• That Hospital EHR System Costs Too Much (EClinicalWorks)

Contacts

Jenn, Mr. H, Lorre

More news: HIStalk.

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