Health Information Technology News

Health IT: The Race Is On
A $30 billion information technology market is hard to pass up. That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ program to invest that huge amount of money in health records technology has received a lot of attention in the IT vendor community. That’s normal. What’s unusual is that Congressional hearings followed on the heels of new regulations in a matter of mere days.

Department of Health launches Manx Emergency Care Record
The Department of Health has today begun the roll-out of a public awareness campaign about the new Manx Emergency Care Record (MECR). The MECR is a summarised electronic record of key medical information for use in emergency situations.

Talbert House names IT director
David Rickard has been named director of information technology at Centerpoint Health and Talbert House in East Walnut Hills. Rickard previously spent 31 years at Convergys, most recently serving as platform manager. Prior to that position, he was director of budget management, development environment and internal systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury College and a master’s degree …

Medco Health Solutions Agrees To Buy United BioSource For About $730 Mln Cash – Update
Pharmacy-benefits manager Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (MHS) agreed Monday to acquire closely held research firm United BioSource Corp. or UBC, in a deal valued at about $730 million in cash. The deal, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is projected to close in the third quarter of 2010.

Company news
Ingenix , Eden Prairie, a health information technology and services company, announced it is acquiring Axolotl, a provider of health information exchange services. The combined company will enable health information to be shared for the benefit of patients and health care professionals.

Health Central: Need partner to pursue big goals
Health Central, the only independent hospital in the Metro Orlando area, is looking for a partner, preferably one that is big, powerful and operates in the black.

EHRs Neglecting Preventative Care, Health Promotion
Current e-health record software fails to help clinicians identify patients who need additional services, finds government report.

EHRs Neglecting Preventative Care, Health Promotion
Current e-health record software fails to help clinicians identify patients who need additional services, finds government report.

Private Firms Take Up Torch Of Health IT Push
Health insurance companies, doctors’ professional associations and provider organizations are taking efforts to move hospitals and physicians towards ‘meaningful use’ of information technology into their own hands, The Hill reports…

Sage Healthcare Division Supports National Health Center Week for 4th Consecutive Year
Employees Volunteer Time at Community Health Centers Across the U.S.