In a couple of recent articles that are not connected, there is an underlying connection. One, in “For the Record” discusses The Hazards of Note Bloat and the unintended consequences of having a lot of information that doesn’t truly say much about the complexity of the patient’s condition, not to mention that it is “difficult to view, notes lengthen and errors accumulate.” But wait, aren’t EHRs supposed to reduce errors? The article goes on to explain how narrative (dictation/transcription) notes have been reduced, but not completely eliminated. It also discusses speech recognition and its implementation this month. (more…)
News & Events
Smart Moves for Smarter EHRs
Friday, December 9th, 2011MedScribe HIM: The Future Begins Here!
Monday, August 22nd, 2011During this evolving landscape we see in health care documentation, there have been so many changes recently that it is difficult to keep up. One thing that is sure, this trend is not going to slow down. EHR technology and other enabling technologies are here and there are new processes for documentation emerging rapidly. At the AHDI ACE convention, I watched Joe Weber’s presentation on Valadoc that was innovative and new! (more…)
Privacy Officer Services
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011A new day and a new adventure begins. In working with MTSOs for a number of years, and with the requirements of HITECH making the headlines, I have decided to start something new and provide a number of services and solutions for MTSOs in efficiently achieving compliance in the area of privacy and security. Privacy Officer Services officially begins today.
This new business is designed to support MTSOs in the development of their customized policies and procedures for privacy and security, to assist with completing their required security assessment and a number of other services like employee training, education, monthly updates, quarterly updates for the business website, and weekly updates in news in and around privacy and security as well as technical developments. There are many more and there is a solution for every MTSO. (more…)
Medical Transcription – The Gold Mine
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011While EHRs are going in rapidly across the country, it’s important to remember that the demand for value in reducing costs, improving patient safety and providing access to more Americans still leads the charge when it comes to why we move to electronic systems in health care. One of the best ways to enhance the value in EHR systems data mining and research is to keep a robust, detailed record of each individual patient who has a unique history unlike any other. Medical transcription/editing captures details provided by (more…)
Medical Transcription – In Home Offices
Friday, January 7th, 2011Just for fun!!!! Who needs a break from the news? I know I do. Some of the headlines are just way too depressing and all the talk about repealing health care reform just makes me tired. So here’s a little diversion that I hope will bring you a smile. These lyrics should be sung to the melody, Friends in Low Places – so get your Garth on folks and sing along!
Friends In Home Office Places
I stay home and work, not because of the perks
It’s the job that I chose from the start
The money’s not great, barely puts food on the plate
But in healthcare I’m doing my part (more…)
Challenges in 2011
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
As we start a brand new year, it is going to be particularly important to take notice of all that is happening in healthcare documentation. The sense of urgency for hospitals and providers to adopt EHR technology is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down, despite the challenges, expenses and the myriad of complexities also known as meaningful use.
So what is an MT to do? Do we just go through our normal day and hope that our job is not the one eliminated? Or should we look at credentials, education and find new roles that we can do? Personally, I think it is a mistake if we don’t get active in taking a long, hard look at this head-on instead of hoping that we can ride the wave to the shore. (more…)
EHR Process: Speak Your Preference
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010EHRs and meaningful use (MU) are getting so much publicity. There is the carrot (financial incentive) and stick (reduced reimbursement) approach to get them in place by 2014 with the promise of reducing costs, improving patient outcomes and patient safety. Through all of this publicity, seems we haven’t heard enough from the chief care giver – the physician.
Many of the EHRs that have been approved by CCHIT don’t include a dictation/transcription option. CCHIT may not ultimately be the approval body. Interestingly enough, MU definitions haven’t been finalized. So there are goals to meet that haven’t been fully defined and timelines that associations like the AMA and AHA along with a host of other national groups that have spoken clearly about how the all or nothing MU criteria plan is ill-advised. They agree that the timeline is not realistic. (more…)
Happy Holidays!
Sunday, November 29th, 2009The holidays are here. Can you believe it? It’s time to consider what you are thankful for, to enjoy some quality time with family and friends and to cherish what is meaningful in your life. It is also time to plan for the year ahead and think about what you want to achieve. Not so much like the New Year’s resolutions we make with good intentions because they don’t always last, but think more long-term and make plans to get there with a list that has dates and interval checks along the way. (more…)
The EHR in Prime Time
Monday, September 14th, 2009Did you happen to catch CBS Sunday Morning yesterday, 9/13/09? Well if you didn’t here’s a link but the lead story was the EHR and all its benefits. David Blumenthal, MD, National Coordinator, spoke and others who are leading the charge. The move to the EHR is part of President Obama’s healthcare reform initiative, Title XIII of ARRA that was signed into law in February. And we need to get this done. (more…)
ACE Summary!
Thursday, August 6th, 2009Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, TN – Music City USA was the scene for the 31st annual AHDI Annual Convention and Expo. And what an event it was. We kicked the event off with a Wednesday night welcome reception and everyone showed up in their jeans and boots to learn a few line dances from 3 very talented instructors. Later (once we had a few steps figured out), we were entertained by Les Richardson and County Line. What an awesome event and everyone was there! (more…)
