Health Technology Leaders Surprised And Giddy Over Administration’s Proposed Rules On Patient Data
Trump administration officials say the rules are geared toward putting patients in control of their own health records. Health technology experts were thrilled at the prospect of more open sharing of health information in a standardized format. “Oh, my goodness, I’ve been dancing in the streets!” said Aneesh Chopra, president of CareJourney, a company that analyzes data for health care firms. Other health and technology news focuses on the challenge of getting people to actually use new digital tools, simple devices that can have a big impact on patients' lives, and mental health apps.
Stat:
Health Tech Leaders Emboldened By Plan To Free Up Patient Data
As the nation’s largest annual gathering of health technology leaders wraps up Friday, many are leaving surprised, and emboldened, by the breadth of a Trump administration proposal to liberate vast stores of patient information to help deliver on the promise of better, digitally enabled care. By allowing patients to control their electronic health records — and share them with researchers and entrepreneurs as they see fit — the government is hoping to harness the increasing power of artificial intelligence and other digital tools to provide more personalized medical services at a lower cost. (Ross, 2/15)
Modern Healthcare:
HHS Using Disclosure, Transparency To Try To Force Change
To get healthcare's powerful players to behave as desired, HHS and its various units are increasingly turning to the same playbook: naming and shaming bad actors. Most recently, the CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology issued two proposed rules on Feb. 11 to spur interoperability and counter information-blocking. (King, 2/16)
Modern Healthcare:
CIOs Focus On Proving IT's Usefulness To Drive Adoption
After spending billions of dollars on new technology solutions, healthcare leaders must figure out ways to ensure a solid return on investment. That's not always easy, especially when some clinicians continue to resist using digital tools to their fullest potential, or when the technology itself creates barriers. Pamela Arora and Ken Lee offer real-world examples to show how technology can improve care and lower costs. Managing Editor Matthew Weinstock recently spoke with Arora, from Dallas-based Children's Health, and Centura Health's Lee about their strategies as health IT leaders. (Weinstock, 2/16)
Georgia Health News:
A Few Devices — Some Very Simple — Can Help Seniors’ Quality Of Life
A lift chair has made a big difference for Henry Cato, 78, of Franklin, who has neuropathy in his legs. The chair is a kind of recliner, but it includes a mechanism that pushes the chair up from its base and slowly moves the sitting person into a standing position. Henry does not have to struggle to get to his feet. He received the lift chair from the Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging. It makes things easier for both him and his wife, Queen, 72, who is his caregiver. (Thomas, 2/17)
The Washington Post:
Mental Health App Guide Offers Reviews And Information
If you’re struggling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression, an app might help. But should you invest in a therapy app or one that only tracks symptoms? Which apps are credible, and which ones are scams — or even harmful? (Blakemore, 2/17)
