• Survey: More than Half of Consumers Lack Confidence in Their Ability to Properly Take New Medications as Directed

    Patients report a preference for online educational options over traditional written information in era of healthcare consumerism

    ROCKVILLE, MD — January 23, 2019 — More than half of consumers lack confidence in their ability to properly take new medications as directed, according to a survey released today by DrFirst, the nation’s leading provider of e-prescribing and patient medication management solutions. Among the consumers who had concerns about taking new medications correctly, two-thirds blamed their anxiety on a lack of time with physicians at the point of care.

    The survey, which focused on patients with non-chronic conditions, also found that the least preferred format for educational information on medications is written materials. Overall, respondents would most prefer learning about a drug’s purpose and potential side effects from a short online video sent by their doctor or pharmacist via a link.

    “At a time when most physicians are working at full capacity and have less time for face-to-face patient encounters, it’s critical that we seek alternative methods for educating patients about how to safely take new medications and about each drug’s potential side effects,” said G. Cameron Deemer, president of DrFirst. “Rather than rely on written hand-outs from doctors and pharmacists, we must take advantage of technologies like smartphones and patient portals to deliver impactful, customized details about prescribed medications.”

    Saving money is priority – and high costs are detrimental to medication adherence

    Another key finding was that most consumers are interested in reducing their out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications. That’s not surprising given that recently released analysis from the Office of the Actuary at CMS found that spending for retail prescription drugs reached $333.4 billion in 2017 – and that those rising costs represent 10 percent of overall healthcare spend.

    According to the DrFirst survey, more than three-quarters of respondents reported trying to obtain coupons or drug discounts for a new prescription, either online or by asking their doctor or pharmacist. Further, 64 percent of consumers would take advantage of an opportunity to pre-pay for out-of-pocket prescription costs in order to receive a discounted price. These new findings are consistent with a previous DrFirst survey which revealed that 73 percent of consumers would change pharmacies if they knew it would save them money on a prescription.

    Prescription drug pricing and medication adherence are strongly correlated, as noted in a 2017 Truven Health Analytics-NPR Health Poll. That survey found that 67 percent of patients who failed to fill their prescriptions in the last 90 days reported high costs as the reason. These combined findings indicate that giving patients an option for coupons, discounts, or lower-priced pharmacies could drive medication adherence, reduce prescription abandonment and improve health outcomes.

    Survey Details

    Respondents to the online survey of 200 consumers were 40 percent male and 60 percent female. Eighty-three percent reported having health insurance. The largest age group represented was between 25 and 34 years old (35 percent), followed by 18-24 (22 percent) and 35-44 (18 percent). Respondents qualified for the survey only if they had filled at least one prescription in the last six months, with almost two-thirds reporting they fill a prescription medicine at least once a month.

    About DrFirst

    DrFirst, the nation’s leading provider of e-prescribing and medication management solutions, enables stakeholders across the healthcare industry to use comprehensive real-time data and connectivity to increase their patient safety ratings, efficiency, and profitability. Today, more than 170,000 healthcare professionals and more than 60% of electronic health record (EHR) vendors depend on DrFirst’s innovative software solutions to improve clinical workflows, expedite secure collaboration across a patient’s care team and drive better health outcomes. The company’s integrated technologies include its award-winning electronic prescribing platform, the most comprehensive medication history available, clinically specialized secure messaging, and patient medication adherence monitoring and benefits checking. In addition, DrFirst was the first to offer e-prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) and is considered the industry standard for providers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.drfirst.com or connect with us @DrFirst.

    DrFirst Media Contact:
    Lisa Chernikoff
    Amendola Communications
    734-678-5513
    [email protected]  

    Posted 1.23.2019

  • With an Eye on Pioneering the Future of Health IT, Greenway Health Appoints Kali Durgampudi as Chief Technology and Innovation Officer

    Experienced health IT veteran and CHIME Foundation award winner will lead the company’s technology innovation strategy, and is committed to keeping Greenway’s customers ahead of evolving market trends

    TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 23, 2019 – Greenway Health, a leading health information technology and services provider, today announced Kali Durgampudi has been named chief technology and innovation officer. Durgampudi will advance Greenway’s products and services to continue to help its customers turn data and insights into action through next-generation technologies.

    An experienced industry leader, Durgampudi will work within an agile culture at Greenway where teams work collaboratively to provide customers with innovative solutions that help them navigate value-based care, maintain a thriving, profitable practice, and deliver exceptional care to patients.

    “The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and our customers are looking to us for guidance on what technologies they need to implement and integrate. To meet this demand, Greenway must be forward thinking, nimble and continue to deliver solutions and services that meet these needs and more,” said Richard Atkin, CEO of Greenway Health. “Kali is a leader who strives to create a collaborative culture and mindset. He is well known for driving innovation and organizational excellence in healthcare. His insights and expertise in the marketplace will help us consistently innovate and push the limits of what’s possible.”

    Durgampudi joins Greenway with a wealth of diverse technology experience delivering highly complex, enterprise-class products and solutions. In previous roles, he led the development of state-of-the-art technologies, including health information management, electronic medical records, artificial intelligence (AI) and more. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of research and development with Nuance, a conversational and cognitive AI technology company. Prior to that role, he was vice president of product development at Eclipsys before its merger with Allscripts.

    “I am excited to join the Greenway team, a market leader for nearly 40 years, and I look forward to our work pioneering the future of healthcare,” Durgampudi said. “Our focus at the company is to deliver innovative and high-quality solutions on time, every time.”

    Durgampudi currently serves as an International Advisory Board member of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). Recently, he received the CHIME Foundation’s prestigious Industry Leader Award for 2018. Winners of the award have more than 20 years of positive, long-lasting influence within the healthcare IT industry and have supporting evidence of the positive impact of their work.

    Durgampudi has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Automobile Engineering from Gulbarga University in India, and a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Central Oklahoma. He also holds a master’s certificate in Project Management from George Washington University. 
    For more information about Greenway, its leadership team, and leading-edge solutions, please visit http://www.greenwayhealth.com/leadership.

    About Greenway Health 
    Improving health is at the heart of Greenway Health’s work. We connect providers to the right information and insights, at the right place and time, so they can make patient-driven care a reality while navigating the ever-changing healthcare system. Greenway delivers exceptional service through a deep team of clinical, financial and technology experts committed to innovations that keep people healthier and happier. We partner with over 8,000 organizations and 75,000 progressive providers across more than 40 specialties, which translates into more than 100 million lives that are touched by our solutions. All of Greenway Health’s solutions and services are designed to meet our company-wide goals of serving physicians, connecting the industry, and empowering better care. Whether as a customer, strategic partner or staff member, we invite you to partner with us to create a smarter healthcare system. For more details, visit http://www.greenwayhealth.com, call (866) 242-3805 or follow Greenway on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

    Contact Author
    CORTNEY JOHNSTON
    ARPR, on behalf of Greenway Health
    (855) 300-8209
    Email >

     
    Posted 1.23.2019

  • Spok Showcases Interoperability Expertise at IHE Connectathon and HIMSS19

    Spok demonstrates potential of interoperable solutions at upcoming international healthcare events

    SPRINGFIELD, VA – January 22, 2019 – Spok, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Spok Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPOK) and a global leader in healthcare communications, is reinforcing its commitment to advancing interoperability for hospitals and health systems through leadership roles in upcoming international industry events. Spok will demonstrate the power of standards-based interoperability with its leading clinical communication platform, Spok Care Connect®, at Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE)’s North American Connectathon, Jan. 21-25, in Cleveland, Ohio, and HIMSS19, including the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase™, Feb. 11-15, in Orlando, Florida.

    “Interoperability is much more than a buzzword. It is key to increasing patient safety as well as reducing total cost of ownership for the hospital,” said Vincent D. Kelly, president and chief executive officer of Spok Holdings, Inc. “We understand how important interoperability is, and Spok is committed to continuing to elevate the way our customers deliver care.”

    IHE North American Connectathon is the healthcare industry’s largest, most rigorous interoperability testing event. Hundreds of industry’s top leaders gather annually to collaborate and test implementations of IHE Profiles and other world-class standards. Spok has participated in Connectathon and in the Patient Care Device (PCD) domain of the IHE on Planning and Technical Committees for over a decade. Spok is currently co-chair for the PCD domain planning committee and a co-lead of the Alert Communication Management profile working group.

    At Connectathon, Spok validates its solutions against an increasing number of vendors, including the leading EHR, infusion, physiological monitoring, and medical equipment management systems, for bidirectional interoperability using Health Level Seven (HL7) profiles. Spok has qualified with more than 20 of the top PCD vendors, and expects to add to that number in the coming year. These efforts not only improve patient safety and experience, but they also provide hospital value by diminishing the cost of deployment of Spok solutions.

    “Health data is not useful if it cannot be shared in meaningful ways,” said Hemant Goel, president of Spok, Inc. “In addition to the more than 20 PCD interfaces validated at Connectathon, Spok has integrated with more than 300 health IT systems. Bidirectional information sharing is vital to providing the actionable intelligence needed to drive more efficient decision-making for care teams and for improving patient outcomes.”

    At HIMSS19 at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, Spok customer University of Utah Health will share how they applied Lean process improvement methodologies and clinical communication technology to one of the most pressing patient safety challenges and most expensive conditions to treat in the U.S. healthcare system: sepsis. University of Utah Health leaders will share how they improved safety and outcomes for septic patients, and also reduced length of stay and total direct costs for the organization.

    • Surviving Sepsis: How Health IT Saves One Life Per Week
      Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019: 2:30-3:30 EST (Room W315A)
      Presenters: Dr. Devin Horton, Hospitalist and Assistant Professor, University of Utah Health
      Matt Sanford, MBA, Senior Value Engineer, University of Utah Health

    Spok is also pleased to participate in the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase, the highest trafficked area of the conference exhibit floor. Technology leaders join forces to showcase systems exchanging and using data in real time to improve care and outcomes in specific use cases. Spok has taken on key roles in the HIMSS Interoperability Showcase for more than 10 years, expanding its footprint each year as other vendors increasingly tap Spok as a leader in facilitating the delivery of care-critical information. At HIMSS19, Spok will participate in several use cases throughout the week, including physiological alarm scenarios and safe medication practice.

    In addition to the education session and interoperability showcase, HIMSS19 attendees are invited to visit the Spok booth (#3371) for a personal tour of the latest evolution of Spok Care Connect. Learn more and book a demo or meeting at www.spok.com/HIMSS.

    About Spok

    Spok, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Spok Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPOK), headquartered in Springfield, Virginia, is proud to be a global leader in healthcare communications. We deliver clinical information to care teams when and where it matters most to improve patient outcomes. Top hospitals rely on the Spok Care Connect® platform to enhance workflows for clinicians, support administrative compliance, and provide a better experience for patients. Our customers send over 100 million messages each month through their Spok® solutions. Spok is making care collaboration easier. For more information, visit spok.com or follow @spoktweets on Twitter.

    Spok is a trademark of Spok Holdings, Inc. Spok Care Connect is a trademark of Spok, Inc.

    Contacts

    Jill Asby
    +1 (952) 230-5363
    [email protected]

    Posted 1.22.2019

  • PDS Expands Managed Services with Pivot Point Consulting Partnership

    PDS Expands Managed Services with Pivot Point Consulting Partnership

    MADISON, WS – JANUARY 22, 2019 – Healthcare IT consulting leader Pivot Point Consulting, a Vaco Company, has partnered with PDS, Inc. to provide US-based solutions for expanded managed services. The combined team will be based at the PDS Managed Services Center of Excellence in Madison, WI a 24,000 square foot facility housing 150+ employees.

    The partnership agreement brings together deeply experienced teams and strengthens both companies’ managed services capabilities to deliver a trusted, centralized solution for:

    • EHR Service Desk (Tier 1 – 3)
    • Patient Engagement (Patient Portal and Telehealth)
    • Identity & Access Management
    • IT Infrastructure
    • Incidence Management
    • 24x7x365 Help Desk
    • Advisory services to identify and drive value across managed services, the patient experience and healthcare operations

    The addition of PDS’ dedicated support experts who manage 50,000+ interactions/month builds upon Pivot Point’s healthcare IT experience in implementing and optimizing EHR systems and providing strategic services.

    “Our comprehensive suite of services, delivered by a tightly integrated team, provides healthcare organizations with the best quality managed services without compromising physician and patient quality. Our certified professionals free up health systems to focus on business transformation, system enhancement and optimization at a time where operational effectiveness really matters.”
    – Rachel Marano, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Pivot Point Consulting

    “This partnership enables us to provide solutions that integrate trusted EHR specialists from both an application and advisory perspective into the patient experience toolkit – extending the value of investments organizations have made already and delivering even more.”
    – Greg Fliearman, Principal Consultant, PDSOrganizations can learn more about these new managed services at the HIMSS19 Conference in Orlando. Visit Booth 4125 or come to Urban Tide Restaurant in the Hyatt (connected to the convention center) on February 12 – 14 between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The firms will be hosting a cocktail party on Tuesday, February 12th from 6 – 9 p.m. at Marlow’s Tavern (9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819). No vendors, please. Register at http://www.pivotpointconsulting.com/himss19.

    For more information, visit pivotpointconsulting.com and pdsit.net.

    About Pivot Point Consulting, a Vaco Company
    Pivot Point Consulting enables healthcare organizations to realize the most value from their technology and data through their advisory, implementation, optimization and managed services. The company provides strategy and talent solutions for providers, payers and life sciences organizations – with 300 consultants serving over 75 clients across the United States.

    Pivot Point Consulting has earned many industry and workplace quality awards including: Highest Rated Vendor in KLAS Implementation Services in the Select Category (July 2017), #1 in KLAS for Epic Consulting in the Select Category (2016) and #9 in Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in 2016.

    For more information about Pivot Point Consulting, visit http://www.pivotpointconsulting.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

    About PDS, Inc.
    PDS, Inc. is a Midwest-based Information Technology Solution Provider that supports healthcare organizations with Data Center & End User Technologies, Security, Support and Managed Service solutions. PDS has been providing business and clinical application support services for over 20 years with leading healthcare provider clients across the United States.

    For more information about PDS, visit http://www.pdsit.net. Follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contact:
    Lance Wand
    Director, Marketing
    [email protected]
    (608) 246-2847

    Posted 1.22.2019

  • Pivot Point Consulting Expands Managed Services with PDS Partnership

    Healthcare IT consulting leader Pivot Point Consulting, a Vaco Company, selects PDS, Inc. to be part of a partnership to provide US-based solutions for managed services.

    NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 21, 2019 – Healthcare IT consulting leader Pivot Point Consulting, a Vaco Company, selects PDS, Inc. to be part of a partnership to provide US-based solutions for managed services. The combined team will be based at our Managed Services Center of Excellence in Madison, WI at PDS’ 24,000 square foot facility housing 150+ employees.

    The partnership agreement brings together deeply experienced teams and strengthens both companies’ managed services capabilities to deliver a trusted, centralized solution for:

    • EHR Service Desk (Tier 1 – 3)
    • Patient Engagement (Patient Portal and Telehealth)
    • Identity & Access Management
    • IT Infrastructure
    • Incidence Management
    • 24x7x365 Help Desk
    • Advisory services to identify and drive value across managed services, the patient experience and healthcare operations

    The addition of PDS’ dedicated support experts who manage 50,000+ interactions/month builds upon Pivot Point’s healthcare IT experience in implementing and optimizing EHR systems and providing strategic services.

    “Our comprehensive suite of services, delivered by a tightly integrated team, provides healthcare organizations with the best quality managed services without compromising physician and patient quality. Our certied professionals free up health systems to focus on business transformation, system enhancement and optimization at a time where operational effectiveness really matters.” – Rachel Marano, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Pivot Point Consulting

    “This partnership enables us to provide solutions that integrate trusted EHR specialists from both an application and advisory perspective into the patient experience toolkit – extending the value of investments organizations have made already and delivering even more.” – Greg Fliearman, Principal Consultant, PDS

    Organizations can learn more about these new managed services at the HIMSS19 Conference in Orlando. Visit Booth 4125 or come to Urban Tide Restaurant in the Hyatt (connected to the convention center) on February 12 – 14 between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The rms will be hosting a cocktail party on Tuesday, February 12th from 6 – 9 p.m. at Marlow’s Tavern (9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819). No vendors, please. Register at http://www.pivotpointconsulting.com/himss19.

    For more information, visit pivotpointconsulting.com and pdsit.net.

    About Pivot Point Consulting, a Vaco Company Pivot Point Consulting enables healthcare organizations to realize the most value from their technology and data through their advisory, implementation, optimization and managed services. The company provides strategy and talent solutions for providers, payers and life sciences organizations – with 300 consultants serving over 75 clients across the United States.

    Pivot Point Consulting has earned many industry and workplace quality awards including: Highest Rated Vendor in KLAS Implementation Services in the Select Category (July 2017), #1 in KLAS for Epic Consulting in the Select Category (2016) and #9 in Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in 2016.

    For more information about Pivot Point Consulting, visit http://www.pivotpointconsulting.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

    About PDS, Inc. PDS, Inc. is a Midwest-based Information Technology Solution Provider that supports healthcare organizations with Data Center & End User Technologies, Security, Support and Managed Service solutions. PDS has been providing business and clinical application support services for over 20 years with leading healthcare provider clients across the United States.

    For more information about PDS, visit http://www.pdsit.net. Follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contact Author
    ELLIE ANDONIAN
    Pivot Point Consulting, a Vaco Company
    253-232-5513
    [email protected]

    Posted 1.21.2019

  • Scottsdale Institute Analytics Summit Explores Digital Health Data Strategy

    Healthcare executives discuss leveraging analytics to improve outcomes

    MINNEAPOLIS/CHICAGO – January 17, 2019 – Analytics executives from 13 leading healthcare organizations gathered last fall in Chicago as part of the annual Scottsdale Institute Analytics Summit to share strategies, insights and challenges regarding a digital health strategy and consumer engagement. This collaborative event focused on understanding what types of analytics initiatives can influence consumer and patient behaviors. In addition, participants discussed how digital health is enhancing health systems’ abilities to leverage analytics insight to improve health outcomes.

    “As digital health continues to transform healthcare and the behavior of consumers continues to evolve, data is starting to become more important than ever before,” said Janet Guptill, Executive Director of the Scottsdale Institute. “Scottsdale Institute is dedicated to providing educational and collaborative opportunities for healthcare executives around crucial topics such as this one. Our ultimate goal as an organization is to host and facilitate these conversations so healthcare leaders can network with their peers and gain knowledge and resources to put the strategies in place to reach their ultimate goals of providing high-quality service and exceptional patient care.”

    The two-day event covered many topics, with day one focusing on the current state of consumer engagement and analytics, and day two centered on digital health, data governance and recommendations for the future of analytics. Throughout the Summit, participants took a deep dive into the blurred boundaries among population health, digital health and consumer engagement. The group also examined non-healthcare disruptors and the impact those organizations will have on analytics, along with how digital health is influencing consumer behavior and how it’s being marketed. Finally, the Summit concluded with a focus on governance, organizational ownership, and one of the biggest hurdles for organizations, data operationalization.

    The Summit was hosted by Scottsdale Institute, a not-for-profit membership organization of health systems advanced in IT, and supported by Impact Advisors, a healthcare IT consultancy. The Summit participants included:

    • Lisa Brandt, Vice President, Population Health, IU Health Physicians
    • Lauren Bui, Vice President, Data Management & Analytics, CHRISTUS Health
    • Melvin Chung, Executive Director, Data & Analytics, John Muir Health
    • David Classen, MD, Chief Health Informatics Officer, Pascal Metrics, Inc. / University of Utah
    • Roopa Foulger, Vice President, Data Delivery, OSF HealthCare System
    • Mark Hohulin, Senior Vice President, Healthcare Analytics, OSF HealthCare System
    • John Lee, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer, Edward-Elmhurst Health
    • John Long, Vice President, Enterprise Analytics, UW Health
    • Brett MacLaren, Group Vice President, Client & Analytics Services, Interim Chief Data Officer, Providence St. Joseph Health
    • John Pyhtila, PhD, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Partners HealthCare System, Inc.
    • Gregory Snow, Director Enterprise Information Management, Spectrum Health
    • Lara Terry, MD, Medical Director, Clinical Analytics, Population Health, Partners HealthCare System, Inc.
    • Yohan Vetteth, Chief Analytics Officer, Stanford Health Care

    “We are always excited to help convene and hear firsthand from industry analytics leaders and data science experts on the front lines,” said Liam Bouchier, Principal at Impact Advisors. “This annual forum truly allows leaders to share and understand that their challenges are not theirs alone and that an industry colleague may have already found the solution. For example, consumer-based analytics are a foundational component of enabling digital health. It was fascinating to see how the different organizations were approaching this concept.”

    The Analytics Summit Report, “Digital Health Data Strategy,” highlights the conversations and lessons learned from the event. A copy of the report is available for free download at www.scottsdaleinstitute.org and at www.impact-advisors.com.

    About Scottsdale Institute

    The Scottsdale Institute (SI) is a not-for-profit membership organization of prominent healthcare systems whose goal is to support our members as they strive to achieve clinical integration and transformation through information technology (IT). SI facilitates knowledge-sharing by providing intimate and informal forums that embrace SI’s “Three Pillars”:

    > Collaboration
    > Education
    > Networking

    SI Affinity Groups offer a popular way to focus on a shared issue, topic or collective challenges. They can be title-specific, or a mix of executive titles focused on single issues like Digital and Population Health, Cybersecurity, Clinical Decision Support, Data and Analytics, and others. Affinity Groups convene in a variety of ways, including Dialogues, Summits, Ad Hoc Queries, Site Visits and Roundtables. For more information about Scottsdale Institute, visit www.scottsdaleinstitute.org.

    About Impact Advisors

    Impact Advisors is a nationally recognized healthcare consulting firm that is solving some of the toughest challenges in the industry by delivering strategic advisory, technology implementation and performance improvement services. Our comprehensive suite of digital health, clinical optimization and revenue cycle services spans the lifecycle of our clients’ needs. Our experienced team has a powerful combination of clinical, revenue, operations, consulting and IT experience. The firm has earned a number of prestigious industry and workplace awards, including Best in KLAS® for 11 consecutive years, Healthcare Informatics HCI 100, Crain’s Chicago Business Fast Fifty, as well as “best place to work” awards from: Modern Healthcare, Consulting Magazine, Becker’s Hospital Review and Achievers. For more information about Impact Advisors, visit www.impact-advisors.com.

    ###

    Media Contact:
    Karli Smith
    Chartwell Agency
    815-977-5343
    [email protected]

    Posted 1.17.2019

  • 4 Keynote Speakers to Explore Healthcare’s Challenges at CHIME HIMSS CIO Forum

    ANN ARBOR, MI, Jan. 16, 2019 – Four dynamic keynote speakers will offer valuable knowledge and inspiring messages from their personal and professional experiences on Feb. 11 at the 2019 CHIME HIMSS CIO Forum in Orlando, Fla. Hosted by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), the forum will feature:

    • Vivek H. Murthy, MD, the 19th surgeon general of the United States
    • Claire Pomeroy, MD, MBA, president and CEO of the Lasker Foundation
    • Neil Jacobstein, chair of the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Track at Singularity University and a distinguished visiting scholar at Stanford University Media X Program
    • Kristina and Kate Sheridan, a mother-daughter duo who will share their professional and personal journey in our healthcare system

    “Our speakers will provide a connected path for attendees to travel that will move from a global view of the state of healthcare to new research on the underlying determinants of health and care,” said Tim Stettheimer, vice president for education at CHIME. “From there, they will introduce new and developing technologies that will change how we advance health IT in 2019 and beyond. And as we complete our path of learning, we will deepen our understanding and commitment to change with a renewed motivation for personal leadership in the year to come.”

    Murthy served as the 19th surgeon general of the United States from December 2014 to April 2017. As surgeon general, he made innovation and improving health his top priorities. He will talk about the state of healthcare today, setting the foundation for the speakers who follow.

    Pomeroy, an expert in infectious diseases and a long-time advocate for patients, has used her experiences as a child in foster care to inform her approach to improving health and care. Her presentation will focus on the underlying social determinants of health.

    Jacobstein will explore how augmentation and AI are transforming healthcare. He will explain what augmentation is, why it matters, and where it is headed, providing examples of artificial intelligence and augmentation applications in action.

    Kristina Sheridan combines her experience as a caregiver of chronic pediatric patients and systems engineering to help the healthcare and IT communities develop and provide tools to manage the care of complex patients. Kate Sheridan is a patient empowerment advocate who survived complex chronic conditions and is now pursuing a career in healthcare. They will tell the powerful story of their healthcare journey, what they learned along the way and how patients and caregivers can be empowered in the care process.

    The CHIME HIMSS CIO Forum will take place Feb. 10-11 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel in Orlando. More information about the forum and registration is available here.

    About CHIME
    The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers (CIOs), chief medical information officers (CMIOs), chief nursing information officers (CNIOs) and other senior healthcare IT leaders. With more than 2,800 members in 51 countries and over 150 healthcare IT business partners and professional services firms, CHIME provides a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate; exchange best practices; address professional development needs; and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and healthcare in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

    Contact
    Candace Stuart
    Director of Communications and Public Relations, CHIME
    734.665.0000
    [email protected]

    Posted 1.16.2019

  • MEDITECH Furthers Commitment to Interoperability as Northwestern Medical Center Goes Live with CommonWell Services

    MEDITECH strengthens CommonWell footprint as Vermont health system deploys services, advancing interoperability initiatives

    January 15, 2019 – MEDITECH, a leading Enterprise Health Record (EHR) vendor and Contributor Member of CommonWell Health Alliance®, has successfully deployed CommonWell interoperability services at Northwestern Medical Center (St. Albans, VT), taking another meaningful step forward in the goal of more connected care between healthcare organizations.

    CommonWell services allow participating provider sites to share patient information seamlessly for improved patient care and quality outcomes, helping to bridge gaps in patient care and deliver the best outcomes possible for the community at large. This transformative functionality is embedded into the MEDITECH EHR, streamlining a truly connected system.

    To date, more than 11,000 provider sites in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico have gone live with CommonWell Services, with more than 45 million unique individuals’ records available to providers connected to the CommonWell network.

    “CommonWell congratulates MEDITECH for helping to expand the CommonWell footprint across its customer base,” said Jitin Asnaani, executive director of CommonWell Health Alliance. “I am proud of the dedication and tenacity CommonWell members have in breaking down data silos to improve the quality and safety of patient care delivery.”

    Northwestern Medical Center (NMC), located just south of the Canadian border, has been an integral part of the St. Albans community, dating back to the original St. Albans Hospital, established in 1883. For over 125 years, this organization has served the people of northwestern Vermont and looks forward to doing so for years to come. As population health is at the heart of interoperability, the CommonWell vision is acutely aligned with NMC’s diligent servitude to its community, and its goal of a healthier patient population.

    “Northwestern Medical Center is excited to partner with MEDITECH and CommonWell to help our medical and clinical staff,” says Joel Benware, Chief Information, Innovation and Compliance Officer for Northwestern Medical Center.

    “We believe that this connection will enable us to have greater access to patients’ information, therefore giving us better insight into their care and treatment.”

    Lawrence O’Toole, associate vice president of strategy at MEDITECH and member of the CommonWell Health Alliance Board of Directors, is encouraged to see MEDITECH customers continue to adopt CommonWell services, moving the EHR community closer to being a truly united front.

    “It’s exciting to see a valued partner in Northwestern Medical Center deploy CommonWell services, and to strengthen a flourishing network of healthcare organizations committed to interoperability initiatives,” said O’Toole. “Interoperability is a foundational component of MEDITECH’s vision for healthcare, and we’ll continue to push for a more connected future.”

    Want to hear more about MEDITECH’s commitment to interoperability? Come see us at HIMSS19 (booth #3921) or stop by the Interoperability Showcase, Feb 12-14, booth #9100, where we will be participating in a use case with CommonWell Health Alliance.

    Posted 1.15.2019

  • CynergisTek Executives Selected to Lead Three Presentations at HIMSS19 on Security and Compliance in Healthcare

    Leading Healthcare Security Experts and Provider Clients to Exhibit, Share Strategies on Medical Device Security and Discuss Cybersecurity Best Practices

    AUSTIN, TX – January 15, 2019 — (HIMSS Booth #4009) — CynergisTek, (NYSE AMERICAN: CTEK), a leader in healthcare cybersecurity, privacy, and information assurance, today announced that its Executive Vice President of Strategic Innovation, David Finn, Vice President of Compliance Strategies, David Holtzman, and Vice President of Security Strategy, Clyde Hewitt, were selected to present three sessions at the 2019 Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Annual Conference and Exhibition. HIMSS brings together 45,000+ health information and technology professionals, clinicians, executives and vendors from around the world.  

    In the presentation titled, “Building Business Narratives to Sell Security to the Board,” Finn and Theresa Meadows, Senior Vice President and CIO for Cook Children’s Health Care System, will explain the current business impact of recent data breaches and the importance of investing in a strong security program. This presentation will explore the challenges associated with educating the board and senior leaders of an organization and best practices for establishing successful information security governance in order to mitigate risk across the entire organization. This session will take place on Tuesday, February 12 at 4:15 PM ET in the Orlando – Orange County Convention Center, W320. 

     During the presentation, “Assessing When a Vendor’s Security Incident is a Breach,” Holtzman alongside Shari Lewison, CISO at University of Iowa, will discuss why third-party vendors are constantly a target for breaches and share examples of proper vendor self-assessments. More specifically, this session will identify how covered entities can determine if a reportable breach occurred with a business associate and steps that organizations can implement to determine the root cause of the incident. This session will take place on Wednesday, February 13 at 10:00 AM ET in the Orlando – Orange County Convention Center, W320. 

    In the session, “How to Close Biomedical HIPAA Compliance and Security Gaps,” Hewitt and Tracey Hughes, Associate Chief Operating Officer and Senior and Director of Clinical Engineering for Duke Health Technology at Duke Health, will outline the security and compliance risks associated with medical devices. This presentation will address the implications medical devices have on hospital operations and patient safety if they are compromised as well as address the multi-disciplinary management challenges with these devices and proven techniques for increased security. This session will take place on Thursday, February 14 at 2:30 PM ET in the Orlando – Orange County Convention Center, W204A.  

    “Once again, we’re thrilled to be presenting and exhibiting at HIMSS, especially as the healthcare industry continues to be one of the largest targets for security and privacy-related incidents,” said Mac McMillan, CEO of CynergisTek. “It provides a great platform for us to help HIMSS raise awareness and educate attendees on the most pressing security, privacy and compliance challenges facing the industry. It’s also a great opportunity to engage with industry leaders, executives, and attendees seeking proper security procedures and best practices for protecting their organization against the evolving threat landscape.” 

    CynergisTek will also be exhibiting at HIMSS19 and attendees will have the opportunity to speak with company executives to learn more about the latest threats and best practices in security, privacy, and compliance. To learn more about CynergisTek, stop by booth #4009 at HIMSS19 from February 11 to 15 in Orlando. To schedule a meeting with one of CynergisTek’s executives, please contact Danielle Johns at [email protected].   

    About CynergisTek 

    CynergisTek is a top-ranked cybersecurity firm dedicated to serving the information assurance needs of the healthcare industry. CynergisTek offers specialized services and solutions to help organizations achieve security, privacy, compliance, and document output goals. Since 2004, the company has served as a partner to hundreds of healthcare organizations and is dedicated to supporting and educating the industry by contributing to relevant industry associations. The company has been recognized by KLAS in the 2016 and 2018 Cybersecurity reports as a top performing firm in healthcare cybersecurity as well as the 2017 Best in KLAS winner for Cybersecurity Advisory Services.  

    ### 

    Media Contact: 
    Danielle Johns
    Senior Account Executive
    Aria Marketing
    (617) 332-9999 x241
    [email protected]

    CynergisTek Investor Relations Contact: 
    CynergisTek, Inc.
    Bryan Flynn
    (512) 402-8550 x8
    [email protected]

    Posted 1.15.2019

  • Make CFCHE Part of Your 2019 Career Development Plans


    1.15.2019
    Ashley Jester, Specialist, Professional Development and Membership

     

    Looking to get more out of your membership and advance your career in 2019?  Our CHIME Foundation Certified Healthcare Executive (CFCHE) program is a great opportunity and comes highly recommended by our Foundation partners and CIO members alike.   

    This program enriches your understanding, knowledge and experience in the areas that define a good healthcare IT industry partner. Not only will you gain industry recognition for your expertise in this field, but you will gain insightful learning along the way and a great networking group among those who have taken the challenge. As Lydon Neumann, CFCHE and vice president of Impact Advisors, LLC put it, “The recognition by colleagues and customers has been very rewarding, which is a positive reflection on the value of CHIME certification and my personal and professional commitment to serve healthcare’s technology leaders.” 

    For those considering this journey, we encourage you to connect with those around you.  The CHIME CFCHE webpage is a great resource. You can view a list of colleagues who have gone through this journey and became CFCHE certified themselves. Eligibility and testing requirements are also available online. 

    If time or availability has stopped you from pursuing your professional goals, there are flexible opportunities with CFCHE. The enrollment and studying process works at your pace. You have an entire year from your application date within which to test. Testing can be completed three different ways: 

    • In-person events (CHIME CIO Forums and CPES) 
    • Testing Centers, 
    • Online remote testing 

    Choose what fits your schedule; prices for testing remain the same for all options. If you’re ready to make the commitment, the next in-person exam opportunity is 2-4:30 p.m. Feb.  10 at CHIME/HIMSS CIO Forum in  Orlando, Fla.   

    “As one of the early adopters of CFCHE, I learned quite a bit through the study materials and appreciated the process itself,” said Kali Durgampudi, chief technology & innovation officer at Greenway Health. “I would strongly recommend to anybody who is considering this as it provides an instant credibility to our CIO partners that we do understand their world a little bit more than we used to.”  

    The opportunity of professional certification is knocking at your door this year. Let 2019 be a year to reflect, gain deeper knowledge and expand into a network of support that recognizes you as a leader in healthcare. For questions or advice on how to get started, please contact us at [email protected].   

    Wishing you a great 2019! 

    More Foundation Insight:

    Posted 1.15.2019

  • Connect with CHIME Foundation at HIMSS


    1.15.2019
    Arika Lycan, Specialist, CHIME Foundation

     

    CHIME is looking forward to seeing you in February in Orlando! We have an array of events going on, with lots to pique your interest. As usual, CHIME aims to provide high-quality educational content, many opportunities for networking and connection, and a home-away-from home should you visit the CHIME booth on the exhibit floor. Learn more about CHIME’s footprint at the event and how you can get involved. 

    CHIME HIMSS CIO Forum 
    Sunday, Feb. 10 – Monday, Feb. 11 
    Hyatt Regency Orlando 
    Orlando, Fla. 

    CHIME Booth activities– located in the WEST C LOBBY 
    Stop by while attending HIMSS to chat, or attend one of our informative booth sessions:  

    Tuesday, Feb. 12 

    • 10 a.m-6 p.m. 
      Exhibit Hall Open
    • 10 a.m.-11 a.m. 
      CFCHE – CHIME Foundation’s professional designation for Healthcare IT Executives 
       
    • 1:30-2:30 p.m.  
      Connecting with Today’s CIOs- Speakers: Daniel Nigrin, M.D., SVP & CIO, Children’s Hospital Boston. & Theresa Meadows, M.S., CHCIO, SVP & CIO, Cook Children’s Health Care System 
       
    • 2:30- 3:30 p.m. 
      AEHIS Board Member Presentation – Dan Bowden 
       
    • 4-5 p.m. 
      Public Policy Power Hour                      

    Wednesday, Feb. 13 

    • 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. 
      Exhibit Hall Open 
       
    • 10:30-11:30 a.m. 
      CFCHE – CHIME Foundation’s professional designation for Healthcare IT Executives 
       
    • 1:30-2:30 p.m. 
      The New CIO- Speaker: Michael Archuleta, MBA, CIO, Mt San Rafael Hospital 
       
    • 2:30-3:30pm 
      AEHIA Board Member Presentation – Stacy Rasmussen 

    Foundation Luncheon during HIMSS 

    The CHIME Foundation would like to invite one to two representatives from your organization to our Annual CHIME Foundation Luncheon, held the week of HIMSS in Orlando. This is a great opportunity to hear from your CHIME Foundation Board and senior leadership, connect with your Foundation peers, and for us to treat you to lunch! As you enjoy lunch with the companionship of your fellow Foundation firms, you’ll hear a presentation from the CHIME Board and have the opportunity to ask questions/share thoughts. 
     

    Wednesday, Feb. 13 12:30-1:30 p.m. 

    • Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, Level 3 – Room 312C (essentially one floor directly above CHIME’s booth space on level 2)  
    • Two (maximum) representatives from your organization may attend. If you’ve not yet done so, please email with a quick note of RSVP (Name, Title, and Email address for your two attendees).  

    More Foundation Insight:

    Posted 1.15.2019

  • CHIME Tech Booth Sessions


    1.15.2019
    Rebecca Scholten, Specialist, Business Development

     

    Members of the CHIME Speakers Bureau faculty will be presenting two compelling sessions at the CHIME booth during HIMSS19. Both sessions are geared toward Foundation firms, and contain invaluable tips and tricks for your sales, marketing and product teams on how to improve your relationships with senior healthcare executives and CIOs. Anyone from your team may attend. After the presentations, the speakers will be available for a Q&A session, so come prepared with your questions!  

    The CHIME Speakers Bureau is a service line of CHIME Technologies, Inc. CHIME Tech is a for-profit subsidiary of CHIME that offers value-added benefits for Foundation firms, including the CHIME Speakers Bureau, Advisory Services Program, Cooperative Member Services, and educational services like the CHIME Leadership Academy. The CHIME Speakers Bureau faculty is comprised of experienced public speakers who are well-known members of the healthcare IT industry.  

    CHIME Speakers Bureau Faculty members are available for a variety of engagement types; including client facing presentations, internal training engagements for your team, blogging or content creation, and webinars. Check out of these sessions to see faculty members in action, while gaining methods for interacting with your customer base.   

    Session Information: 

    “Connecting with Today’s CIOs”
    Top issues of the moment CIOs are facing. What lies in the future for CIOs?
    Date: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12
    Speakers: Daniel Nigrin, M.D., SVP & CIO, Children’s Hospital Boston and Theresa Meadows, M.S., CHCIO, SVP & CIO, Cook Children’s Health Care System 

     “The New CIO”
    What does the new role of the CIO look like? How do the CIOs needs interact with business needs?
    Date: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13
    Speaker: Michael Archuleta, MBA, CIO, Mt San Rafael Hospital and Tressa Springmann, CHCIO, VP & CIO, LifeBridge Health
     

    To engage a CHIME Speakers Bureau faculty member for your event, get started by emailing [email protected]. Rebecca Scholten, Business Development Specialist with CHIME Tech, can help identify speakers for your unique event and makes the process as easy as possible.  

    To RSVP for the CHIME Tech booth sessions and to receive a calendar invitation, email Rebecca Scholten at [email protected]. Events will be recorded for those who cannot attend HIMSS19. We look forward to seeing you in the CHIME Booth at HIMSS19.  

    More Foundation Insight:

     

    Posted 1.15.2019
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