Tuesday, October 28, 2008

J&J buys HealthMedia

What is J&J up to? They just acquired HealthMedia, an online consumer health company that offers computer-based wellness programs. How would your health improve if you had an online "virtual" health coach reminding you of important health facts and guiding you through some of your medical decisions?

It's just a matter of time before all the online wellness companies are acquired by either a managed care organization or a pharmaceutical company.

Searching for an EHR

I'm searching for an EHR to replace an existing system. There are so many that are CCHIT certified now. Why would anyone select a system that isn't? Price? The long-term benefits of having a CCHIT certified system outweighs the immediate cost savings of a non-certified system.

I was speaking to some vendors today. I was impressed by NextGen so I'm eager to get more information about their system. I also discovered that several companies are offering an ASP option for those who wish to save $ and have their data stored remotely.

I also wonder about the long-term viability of FREE systems. Will they survive in this type of environment?

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

19th AMA Task Force for CME

I'm currently in Baltimore attending the 19th Annual Conference of the AMA National Task Force for CME. It's been a great meeting so far filled with excellent speakers and breakout sessions. The CME environment is changing rapidly and it's great to see organizations dedicated to improving the quality of CME so that ultimately this education can help improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

I really enjoy working in the CME world. I feel like I'm back in school as I learn about new ways to treat diseases, new treatment options, and ongoing research. I'm especially fascinated with the advances in drug development with the use of nanotechnology, nanoparticles, and other innovations.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Epocrates Rx Pro now available for the BlackBerry


Epocrates Rx Pro is now available for the BlackBerry. The BlackBerry Storm looks like an amazing device. Does this mean that all future BlackBerry devices will be developed to have a touch screen interface?

In my opinion, it is vital to have a touch screen so that you can easily navigate and click around. That's why I've been such a big fan of touch screen devices. I started with the Apple Newton, then migrated to Windows CE/Pocket PC/Windows Mobile. Now, I'm a dedicated Windows Mobile user and I love my device. I've stayed away from BlackBerry because of the lack of a touch screen, but I wonder if my next device will be a BlackBerry or a Windows Mobile device. Hopefully I won't have to replace my XV6800 anytime soon.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

New community for NPs and PAs: Clinician1


There's a new online community that is just for NPs and PAs. All others are excluded. Sound similar to Sermo?

This is a reflection of Web 2.0 influences within the healthcare industry. NPs and PAs want to communicate with each other, but they want to have privacy while they discuss what's on their minds. There are many different public forums for clinicians, but not many that are exclusive and 'member-only.'

I'd like to see an exclusive forum that includes all healthcare professionals. Wouldn't that be the ideal place to collaborate and share ideas?

Monday, October 6, 2008

CCHIT Certified EHR 2008


10 EHR systems have passed the 2008 CCHIT certification criteria. They obviously include the major players like Epic, McKesson, NextGen, etc. See the complete list here:

http://www.cchit.org/choose/ambulatory/08/index.asp

Is your system CCHIT certified?

Friday, October 3, 2008

The SEAK non-clinical careers for physicians

The SEAK non-clinical careers for physicians conference is about to begin in Falmouth, MA. I was hoping to attend this year, but I had a conflict. Perhaps next year.

This conference attracts physicians from many different industries. It seems like an excellent place to network and meet others who are interested in working in non-clinical areas. I'd have to imagine that this conference also attracts executive search recruiters.