Author: eric

Health systems’ IT priorities for 2018: Cybersecurity technologies, patient-generated data

Many major health systems plan to invest in improved cybersecurity technologies next year.
“Cybersecurity improvements are top of mind for health IT executives this coming year, but they’re planning a more cautious approach when it comes to technologies like wearables and artificial intelligence, according to a new survey. IT leaders said they want to be more proactive in detecting and preventing cyberattacks or data breaches. Fifty-four percent of respondents said they want to invest in better identification technologies, including risk assessment and education initiatives, and 50% said they plan to invest in protection and detection programs.” Read the full article.
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10 top health technology hazards for 2018

With 2017 coming to a close, it is time to look ahead to 2018 and the top 10 health technology hazards to be aware of this year
“Research firm ECRI has issued its top health technology hazards for 2018, identifying potential sources of danger that warrant high attention in the New Year. ECRI picked information security threats as the biggest risk next year.”  Read the full article.
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All but 2 states pay for live video Medicaid encounters

Healthcare Dive Brief
“Medicaid programs in 48 states and the District of Columbia reimburse for some form of live video encounters, the Center for Connected Health Policy reported. The two states that don’t have written reimbursement policies for telehealth are Massachusetts and Rhode Island. While far more states reimburse for live video than store-and-forward and remote patient monitoring, the latter are starting to gain some traction. The new report, which updates CCHP’s annual State Telehealth Laws and Reimbursement Policies guide, focuses mainly on Medicaid fee-for-service policies.”  Read the full article.
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Career advice from women leaders proves health IT isn’t a boys’ club anymore

Women in Health IT: Some of the industry’s top women leaders share lessons learned that have helped them succeed in an industry long dominated by men
While the number of women in health IT leadership positions have grown over the years, there is still a long way to go to increase diversity and equality within the industry. In fact, even with 1 million cybersecurity positions open in 2016, women only make up 11 percent of the IT workforce. So how do these women health IT innovators make a big impact in an industry often dominated by men? Read the full article.
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HXG Cybersecurity Series: Multi-Factor Authentication

The Everlasting Issue of Breaches and How We Avoid Them

We recently discussed how security breaches affect the healthcare system and the impact these breaches have on everyone involved, from large corporate entities down to the individual patients and their personal information.  Recognizing threats is a good start in the never-ending battle against online pirates and their attempts at profiteering on identity theft, but now let’s discuss what we can actively do to ensure we take full measures to protect the private information of the millions of customers who trust various healthcare providers and organizations with this information.
At HealthAxis Group, we are determined to provide security options that are not only viable, realistic answers to the ever-changing threats that healthcare organizations are facing every day, but also to provide users with a platform that is not detrimental to the day-to-day logistics of operating such a system.  Trading functionality for security should not have to be a choice.
Therefore, HealthAxis Group has worked around the clock to develop programs that address the primary needs for any 21st century healthcare organization: online protection and ease of use.  One of the ways we do this is to create a multi-level authentication process.
Now, we know what you’re thinking.  Security is great and everything, but having to constantly put in passwords, save, re-save, etc. really slows us down when we’re trying to operate on a tight schedule.  We hear this from users who get tired of constantly having to change passwords, update profile info and go through the various security measures in attempting to keep their business and client information safe.  So how do we find a way to make work safe without slowing down the entire system?
We do this by implementing multi-factor authentication.  While it can be annoying to have to re-authenticate through various methods, it can save companies millions of dollars each year on a global scale, and it can also offer a safeguard against one of the top security threats the companies face each year: the users themselves.  Multi-level authentication helps unsuspecting users from accidentally offering their own passwords (it happens much more than you would imagine) up to those who would prey on security vulnerabilities.  By implementing a multi-factor authentication program from HealthAxis Group, you can do more in the fight against security breaches.
HealthAxis Group is here to help find the right solution for your healthcare organization.  Our platforms are designed to make security a priority without sacrificing functionality.  We have made it our business to keep your business safe, but also efficient.  Let us help you stay ahead of the threats by working together to create the right solution for you.

 

CMS takes aim at regulatory reforms to ease provider burden

Lack of productivity and increased workload among top complaints from providers surveyed

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is committed to reducing the regulatory burden on providers with several new initiatives as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to cut red tape in the federal government, according to CMS Administrator Seema Verma. According to Verma, CMS is one of the top agencies in terms of the volume of regulations it generates—11,000 pages every year, and she contends that “too much regulation can have a suffocating effect on the healthcare delivery system.”  Read the full article.
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Report shines light on ACO successes, strategies

The report highlights ACOs’ experience by evaluating proficiency across key activities, educating organizations about the importance of key activities and prioritizing improvement efforts based on unique needs.
“ACOs have demonstrated great promise at improving care and reducing costs, as evidenced by the latest results from Medicare ACOs,” said HCTTF Executive Director Jeff Micklos. “The task force is committed to the spread of alternative payment models and sharing learnings from model participants. This study includes replicable strategies especially beneficial for smaller, independent organizations without the capital to invest in custom, hands-on support.”  Read the full article.
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Doctors spend too much time on EHRs? Most patients don’t think so

But only half of consumers think EHRs make healthcare safer, according to a new survey by HealtheLink.
Given all the hue and cry about electronic health records distracting clinicians and inhibiting their ability to make eye contact with patients during office visits, the consensus has been that doctors waste precious time on EHRs. But new research suggests fewer patients feel that way than one might expect. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they believe EHRs make care safer. Read the full article.
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Cloud security and IoT are the new peanut butter and jelly

For enterprises using cloud services with IoT, it’s critical to adhere to as many security practices as possible. Experts weigh in on the best approaches to take.
“The Internet of Things (IoT) adds another sticky layer to the question of cloud security. Most organizations think in terms of the devices themselves, rather than the services offered through the cloud, as potential vulnerability points. However, with all the data being gathered through IoT devices, organizations will find that utilizing cloud services may be the best way to alleviate strain on their in-house infrastructures. That opens up a whole new can of worms–and experts advise getting on top of cloud security now, rather than later, to prevent costly breaches.”  Read the full article.
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Hospital datacenters: Extinct in 5 years?

Cloud Computing: Datacenter of the future

“Prominent healthcare executives are predicting a drastic shift from on-premise IT infrastructure into the cloud. That includes electronic health records, clinical decision support and analytics. Every time Carolinas HealthCare System gets rid of server or storage hardware, someone in the IT department takes out a roll of red tape. They cut off two pieces and lay those down on the floor in the shape of an X, as in: Do not put any new hardware here.” Read the full article.
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