Cygnus creates wood and metal computer workstation solutions with a focus on the healthcare industry. Wall mounted computer desks, charting stations, articulating arms and medication cabinets are some of our largest sellers.
This blog is a place where we share articles of interest as well as new product updates.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
HHS defines rules for receiving billions for e-health systems
Recently released government standards for electronic health record systems show what medical professionals must buy to receive some of the nearly $20 billion in stimulus funding set aside to encourage the development of technology, and Web-based technologies that Google and Microsoft developed may be eligible purchases in the future, IT specialists say.
The Health and Human Services Department issued preliminary guidelines on Dec. 30, 2009. Medical professionals who make "meaningful use" of certified electronic health records, as defined by the department, will be eligible for up to $44,000 in Medicare bonus payments during the next five years.
One preliminary rule dictates the types of technologies providers must use to be eligible for the incentives, setting initial standards and criteria for certifying the systems. A separate proposed rule defines meaningful use as complying with specific procedures -- including the reliance on certified technologies -- in ways that enhance the coordination of care, engage patients and families, and ensure privacy. [Continue Reading]
Ran across this great video by the Fox Group. The video runs about 10 minutes and goes into pretty good detail into the operational benefits, financial incentives, and potential pitfalls of migrating a medical practice to an electronic health record system.
Yesterday, there was a press conference at Mt Sinai Hospital in Chicago with VP Joe Biden, HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius and ONC head David Blumenthal to announce the first major release of ARRA funds for HIT. The total amount, $1.16B will be distributed in 201o to address two priorities, setting up extension centers and helping states create RHIOs. The official announcement from Biden’s office provides a few more details. The HHS HIT site has a good letter from Blumenthal that further outlines the purpose if this funding.
HIMSS in Chicago was another great show featuring some of the best the healthcare informatics industry has to offer. While the attendance appeared to be down from last year, it was evident that health care facilities had sent their best people.
The weather was "classic" Chicago, offering plenty of wind and a generous portion of cold. The walk to food venues throughout Chicago proved to be quite a task if unprepared.
The major dissappointment was in the sessions about the economic stimulus package. Because the stimulus is still somewhat shrouded by details that have yet to be outlined, there were no concrete details about what to expect.
We really enjoyed demonstrating our network lock which is now available in our charting stations, computing stationsandmedication boxes. For many, the show really revealed all the great features that this security system has to offer. If you missed the demo, look at the video on our website OR wait a few weeks until the lock system video is completed. (I'll post specifically about the lock video as soon as its done.)
Overall, HIMSS09 was a great success and we look forward to exhibiting again at HIMSS10 in Atlanta, GA.
A special thanks to Colin at CMK Development for the use of one of his luxury condo's in downtown Chicago. It was amazing!
The HITECH Act has been thoroughly reviewed and is throwing up some questions, as projected. One interesting word used in the act is the word "meaningful". Kind of a hard word to measure isn't it?
A company called Chilmark Research has read all 1,000 pages of the HITECH Act and have been posting findings on their blog. Very interesting. READ MORE >>
From HIPAA.com Ed Jones, Author & Healthcare Authority The Senate joined the House on Friday evening, February 13, 2009, in passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes provisions relating to Health Information Technology. Title XIII of Division A and Title IV of Division B together are known as the “Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act” or the “HITECH Act.” We will be highlighting attributes of the HITECH Act through the end of February. READ MORE>>
01/04/2010
