John Glaser, CIO at Boston-based Partners HealthCare System, comments on the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology. Glaser says "the organization is a potent force on the HIT landscape, engaging the collective input of the industry, certifying dozens of products and becoming a major consideration in health IT purchasing decisions." He adds, however, that certification criteria are evolving from a form of Consumer Reports ratings to a powerful reimbursement and regulatory mechanism. As a result, CCHIT needs to be thoughtful and deliberate as the industry evolves, Glaser said.
Following reports of the fourth bird flu death in 2009, China has launched a daily bird flu reporting system for poultry and human cases, underscoring its concerns about potential epidemics. Agencies must now report to the Health Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce every day about any infections in their areas. There will also be increased monitoring and management of live poultry markets.
The European Union is pushing for more cancer screenings across Europe, as less than half of the minimum recommended screenings are taking place. An EU report found that cancer is the second most common cause of death after heart problems. Officials say screenings must double in order to meet standards adopted in 2003.
Lee Sang-jun, president of the Arumdaun Nara Beauty Clinic Network, one of Korea's most well-known private hospitals for skin care and plastic surgery, has been recognized by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister for his efforts in promoting Korea's medical tourism industry. His idea of attracting international patients was formulated in 2000, and since then, the number of medical tourists traveling to Korea for procedures has climbed into the thousands.
Research by the Deloitte Center has found that outbound medical tourism is expected to increase over the next three to five years. Reasons cited for this growth include the increasing quality of medical treatments overseas and the increasing cost of healthcare in America.
The success of medical tourism relies on trust, according to Lee Sang-jun, president of dermatology and cosmetic surgery clinic Anacli, located in Korea. Many patients are hesitant and sometimes fearful of receiving medical care in foreign countries. To relieve this fear, he says, it's important for physicians to use care in establishing trust with patients and making them feel comfortable.