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Editor's Picks
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'Smart' pillbox helps patients remember
Doctors and pharmacists say patients and caretakers are increasingly turning to tech-based drug-tracking tools, including interactive, consumer-friendly Web sites, to help keep medication regimens running smoothly and reduce errors. One such device is the Med-eMonitor, a device connected to a drug database through the patient's phone line and programmed remotely via the Internet. The monitor beeps and a large-print message pops up on the display screen as a voice announces when a pill is to be taken, reminds the patient when doses are missed, and alerts them to potentially dangerous medication interactions. This home-based monitoring technology is still in the early phases, but it seems like a natural fit given the chronic conditions we are now confronting that really rely on patient compliance to contain. [Read More]
Misys Healthcare to merge with Allscripts
Electronic medical-records systems developer Misys Healthcare Systems will merge with Chicago-based rival Allscripts. The combined company will have about 150,000 U.S. physicians and 700 hospitals as customers. This is one of the more prominent merger deals in the IT space, as both of these companies have a substantial number of sites already implemented. The question will be to what extent the new company attempts to "merge" the previously independent software packages. Then there is always the question of cultural compatibility. I was intrigued by Misys' open source program, which the company promoted at HIMSS. And Misys--unlike many EMR vendors--is not afraid to say how much its product costs. It has posted several recent deals that include the financial terms. Let's hope that openness continues. [Read More]
Green carrots needed for IT chiefs
I've written extensively about the "green" aspects of modern technology. Many hospitals are tackling electronics waste management, putting in energy efficient infrastructure, and even building their own recycling programs. This article looks at the issues around reducing the light bill generated down on the server farm. [Read More]
Microsoft Health vs. Google Health
Here's a quick compare-and-contrast between the two software giants' forays into personal health records. [Read More]
Internet addiction classed as mental disorder
Are you worried that your kid spends too much time online? Well, this article suggests your fears are legitimate. [Read More] |
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Tech Headlines
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FDA notes Medtronic device deaths
Wall Street Journal (subscription required) - March 20, 2008
Pennsylvania hospital performance data now online
AP/Philadelphia Inquirer - March 19, 2008 |
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Events & Product News
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U-M readying McKesson PACS
Tennessee radiology group selects MedQ |
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Sponsored Headlines
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HIPAA Security Compliance: News, analysis, and training advice that you need in one dependable resource. Qualify for a free, 1-year subscription.
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In the interest of the patient: This paper explores how by collaborating and sharing data, the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries can realize the full value of the information they collect--and improve patient treatments. Sponsored by IBM. | |
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IT Leaders Forum
This Isn't Your Daddy's Chevy: Getting paid is no longer solely a function of the billing office and other back-end departments. In fact, back-end efficiency depends directly on front-end process efficiency, and technology can bridge the gap between the two, says contributor Max Carter. [Read More] | |
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Audio Feature
Virtual Screening: Robert Smith, director of cancer screening at the American Cancer Society, discusses why the organization has adopted virtual colonoscopy as a screening tool. [Listen Now] | |
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