Christina's Considerations

Hereeeee's the Definition of Meaningful Use!

ONC has released their long awaited proposed definition of meaningful use and the interim final rule on standards and certification criteria.  I've just looked at the meaningful use fact sheet and don't really see any surprises.  The three stages seem appropriate and lead directly to patient engagement with a PHR.

I'll be looking at this over the coming days and may even comment.  I recommend that my readers all do the same before the end of the 60 day comment period.

And, as always, feel free to leave a comment and start a conversation.

Underused Financing Option for Hospital Capital Projects

There is only one year left for hospitals to take advantage of a law giving community banks and their hometown hospitals new options for low-cost credit to fund renovations, expansions or other capital projects --- like installing an electronic health record.  Even if you plan on accessing grant funding, this may be a good option for any in-kind contributions.

According to an H&HN article, most local banks don't know they can support the projects.  So, look into the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 which gives home-loan banks the authority to provide credit enhancements to tax-exempt projects that qualify as "community investments".  To find a Federal Home Loan Bank in your area visit  http://www.fhlbanks.com/ and ask about a letter of credit for your capital project.

Bottom-up approach to HIEs? Maybe for a while!

I read the article in Health Managemement Technology about a bottom-up approach to HIEs that is directed by healthcare systems.  And, while I agree that this may be a good way to get started, I also believe it won't take too long before multiple systems/providers need to form a RHIO for the management of the HIE. 

I'm a really committed optimist, but even I know that at some point, multiple organizations need to form a separate organization to run the HIE because it gets too big, complicated, etc.  I'll be the first to admit that  few special collaboratives can hold out much longer than any other, but I don't see a widespread bottom-up approach working for every community over the long run.

Beignets and Æbleskivers

This year for the holidays my husband and I are blending our cultures and making two special items.  This morning I made beignets (or as my son calls them "fried balls of joy") and tomorrow morning my husband will whip up a batch of Æbleskivers with raspberry jam. 

When we aren't visiting family in French Louisiana and New Orleans for the holidays, we are home with family and friends here in Santa Barbara soaking up the sunshine on our patio Christmas and New Years Day.  Brunch is a big part of these two days and is usually some Americanized medley of yummyness. 

We haven't figured out New Years Day yet, but maybe we will still be able to pick up some tamales and enjoy a more local culture.

I hope you and your family are making special memories and enjoying time together this holiday season!

CalRHIO: Gone; but not forgotten!

I've heard that CalRHIO has come to a close and read the announcement from the Board of Directors.  I'm not exactly sure what it means yet, but expect that more will be revealed over the next few weeks and months.  I'm sure there will be some lessons learned, just as with SBCCDE.

It was one year ago that I experienced a layoff and I can emphasize with the CalRHIO staff who received the news this week.  I can only offer: keep your eyes open for the next wonderful opportunity!

Smart Pumps and the EHR

I'm a fan of EHRs that go beyond a simple electronic chart.  To me the future includes HIE and the data from monitoring devices recorded in the record, as well.  I'm proud to say a Baton Rouge hospital agrees and has linked its "smart" infusion pumps to their EHR. 

Today it is the pump, tomorrow it will be the BP cuffs, thermometer, EKG, EEG, and even home monitoring devices.  Amazing!

Delinquent Blogger and the Balance of Time

I haven't been keeping up on my blogging, and in the past this has lead to a decrease in my stats.  This time my stats seem to be staying up so thank you readers and searchers!

Why am I so delinquent on my blog posts? 

Mostly because of the REC proposal by a consortium of leaders across California focused on priority providers especially those in rural, remote and isolated communities or caring for underserved populations.  The proposal is due tomorrow.  Phew!  But, we will need to prepare for being invited by ONC to submit a formal proposal by the end of January.

I'm also going through another round of edits on the book, but it isn't taking as much time as previously.  In addition to the book, I'll soon start preparing a self-study class that will provide one Category 1 ACHE credit.

I've also been doing some compliance research, which always seems to just absorb time and have had a 2nd interview for another job.  That makes two job opportunities that could materialize in the new year.

And, then there are the weekly Saints games (yes, I'm a little sad this week) and all of those things associated with the holidays and a two week break from school for the kids.

The next few days I'll try to slow down and enjoy the opportunity to share time with my family.  Earlier today, my wise youngest daughter said:

"Mom, half the time I want you to find a new job, but the other half of the time I don't want you to work so we have more time together." 

Yes, we will enjoy the time we have together because you never know when I'll find that next exciting opportunity.  I'm lucky to have such a supportive family!

Leadership in Healthcare Organizations

Effective leadership in healthcare organizations is so very important and the Joint Commission and Governance Institute are really stepping up and helping to clearify the responsibilities of these vital roles.  So I'm sharing another white paper titled,  Leadership in Healthcare Organizations:  A Guide to Joint Commission Leadership Standards.

There is no summarizing if you are a healthcare leader  -- read the whole thing!

Art of Health IT Transformation

I came a cross a white paper from the National Center of Healthcare Leadership titled The Art of Health IT Transformation.  I'm working on a REC proposal and really find Step 2 Clearly Communicating the Vision helpful.  The whole paper is worth reading! 

Gartner's Hype Cycle

 
I just wanted to check on where a few of my favorite IT solutions are on the cycle.  This graphic isn't really clear, so click on the graphic or go to http://www.gartner.com/DisplayDocument?id=1108412 and check out corporate blogging, wikis and social software suites.

Remote, Rural, Critical Access Hospitals and Central North Regional Extension Center

Things are moving pretty quickly since I posted on California's HIT/HIE Strategic Plan, but I finally have a few minutes for an update here on my blog.

I'm now part of a consortium that will apply for ONC HIT Extension Program funding in the second cycle.  We represent a large geographic area of California, but also some of the most rural, remote and isolated communities in Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, Shasta, Siskiyou, Lake, Glenn, Colusa, Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Bute, Tehama, Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Tuolomne, Mono, Inyo, Mariposa, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. We are currently reaching out into our communities and gathering letters of support to establish a Regional Extension Center to:

furnish assistance, defined as education, outreach and technical assistance, to help providers in our counties select, successfully implement and meaningfully use certified EHR technology to improve the quality and value of healthcare.

If you would like to learn more about our efforts visit CAs HIE webpage or contact me. 

Health IT Buzz - ONC Blog

Dr. Blumenthal is now blogging to allow readers to learn more about health information technology and provide a forum for engagement at Health IT Buzz.  And, he has established some guidelines:

To foster a meaningful and constructive discussion, we follow these guiding principles:

• We will provide unique, individual perspectives on what’s going on at ONC
• We will post comments, except for spam and remarks that are off-topic, denigrating or offensive*
• We will reply to comments promptly, when appropriate*
• We will be respectful of your privacy*
• We will be respectful when disagreeing with others’ opinions

Welcome to the blogosphere!