What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is one of the easiest, fastest, and most secure ways to exchange documents, sound files, and more over the internet. You may not know it, but more than likely, you’ve used an FTP site on the Internet before.
In the dictation and transcription industry, the most common use for FTP is exchanging audio files and transcribed documents back and forth between a transcriptionist, or transcription service providers and their clients.
What is FTPS?
FTPS (also know as FTP Secure and FTP-SSL) is an extension of the commonly used File Transfer Protocol (FTP) that adds support for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocols. Basically, it ensures that information is securely transferred using a private and safe data stream. This protects the data stream from being intercepted by unauthorized individuals.
The main purpose behind FTPS is to transfer data, but it is also used to obtain general access to the FTP server's file system. The FTPS protocol runs on a secure channel – no clear text passwords or file data are transferred.
If I use FTPS, do I still need encryption?
FTPS is designed to allow you to transfer files over the Internet in a secure way. However, once files get where they are going, they are simply placed on the server in a folder. Those files can still be accessed by all parties with a username and password. This does not sufficiently protect sensitive data such as PHI.
If you're working with PHI, FTPS transfers and encryption are recommended for the most secure file transfer. This is mandated by the HITECH Act of 2009 which strengthens HIPAA regulations on how PHI is handled.
What is an FTP Site?
An FTP site is like a large filing cabinet for your digital files. With a traditional filing cabinet, the person who does the filing has the option to label and organize the files however they see fit. They decide which files to keep locked and which remain public. The same is true with an FTP site.
The “key” to an FTP site is the user name and password. This allows you and your list of authorized users the ability to place documents and audio files in folders, both when sending and receiving.
Do I need special software?
No, special software is not required unless you’re looking for advanced FTP features. Generally speaking, you can use a standard web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) or a dedicated FTP software program, sometimes called an FTP Client.
In the dictation and transcription industry, security is the number one concern. The FTP Client you decide to use should support 128-bit encryption for HIPAA readiness, like TranscriptionGear.Com’s GearXport software.
Advantages over Email
FTP offers a long list of advantages over email. Emailing someone is just like mailing a letter. Do you really ever know if the recipient ever receives the letter? Under most circumstances you can assume they did, but when we’re speaking of medical dictation and transcription work, do you really want to assume?
FTP is inherently more reliable then email because your PC makes a direct connection with the FTP server, then begins to transfer the files. After the file transfer is complete, you actually see the files sitting on the server. This confirms that they are there and whoever needs to pick them up, can. A single email however can be routed through several servers before it finally gets to its designation and then you have to consider spam filters picking them up.
Most email providers impose a limited file attachment size. If the limit is exceeded when you send or your client sends an audio file, the file will not transfer and will not be received. FTP eliminates the issue completely and you can rest assured you will not encounter a job to large to transfer.
Workflow Automation
In the dictation and transcription industry, most things are time-sensitive. Utilizing powerful dictation software with FTP interfacing built-in such as the GearTools Suite can save a great deal of time and it makes sending and receiving files easier than ever. Files can simply be exchanged using predefined rules. As you type, new jobs are being transferred to you. When you finish a job, save it to a specified location and what the GearTools Suite sends it back to the FTP site so the client side can automatically download it and even print it if necessary!
What should I look for in an FTP Provider?
Your FTP site will play a big part in your business. It is absolutely necessary to investigate each FTP provider you consider and ask them questions like, “How many years have you been in business?” and “What’s your uptime like?”
When your FTP service goes down, so does your ability to transfer file. Price is always a factor, but also consider the technical support options, the company’s reputation, and the overall value of the plan.
Introducing Gear FTP
From the company that brought you idigital and GearPlayer, TranscriptionGear.Com is proud to introduce Gear FTP, now available with secure FTPS transfer. TranscriptionGear.Com's FTP service has been designed from the ground up specifically for the dictation and transcription industry. Also, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that Gear FTP is 100% compatible with all Gear products and the idigital toll-free call-in dictation service.
Call one of our dictation experts today at 888-834-2392 for more information or visit us online at: www.transcriptiongear.com/store/FTP-Services.html
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
HITECH Act Ramps up HIPAA Compliance Requirements
By Lora Bentley
IT Business Edge
Posted April 3, 2009.
Among tax cuts and credits, more bailout fund requirements, and restrictions on executive pay packages, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) also includes a section that expands the reach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and introduces the first federally mandated data breach notification requirement.
Title XIII of ARRA, also known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act), reserves $22 billion to "advance the use of health information technology" -- in large part so the U.S. will be able to move to e-health records by President Obama's 2014 deadline.
It also expands the reach of HIPAA data privacy and security requirements to include the "business associates" of those entities (health care providers, pharmacies, and the like) that are subject to HIPAA. Business associates, according to Goodwin Procter attorney Jacqueline Klosek, are companies like accounting firms, billing agencies, law firms or others that provide services to the entities covered under HIPAA.
Under the HITECH Act, those companies are now directly subject to HIPAA security and privacy requirements, as well as to the same civil and criminal penalties that hospitals, pharmacies and other HIPAA-covered entities face for violations. Before HITECH came into force, Klosek explains, business associates that failed to properly protect patient information were liable to the covered entities via their service contracts, but they did not face governmental penalties.
Kelly Hagan, a shareholder in the law firm of Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt, says the most significant (and least publicized, in his opinion) changes in the HITECH Act are those that strengthen HIPAA enforcement measures. In particular, Hagan points to subsection 13410(c), which requires civil penalties that are collected under the HITECH Act to be funneled back into the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Civil Rights enforcement budget.
He says the situation now is reminiscent of the creation of the Fraud and Abuse Control Account: "It was remarkable when they put the Fraud and Abuse Control Account in place and started funneling the monetary penalties back into the enforcement agency's budget how quickly that became a priority. If history repeats itself, what that suggests is that the OCR's traditional approach to enforcement, which has been complaint-driven and compliance-oriented, is going to ... become more proactive, more punitive."
Moreover, monetary penalties are mandatory for violations involving "willful neglect" as of Feb. 17, 2011. At that point, "all of a sudden HIPAA compliance becomes a fact of life instead of a paper tiger," Hagan says.
If that's not enough, Proskauer Rose associate Sara Krauss observes yet another enhancement: The HITECH Act provides for the Department of Justice to pursue criminal penalties for a violation that rises to the level of criminal activity. However, in the event that DOJ declines to act on a violation, the HITECH Act allows OCR to pursue civil penalties for that same violation.
The expanded opportunity for state attorneys general to get involved in enforcement under the HITECH Act will create more complexity for those subject to HIPAA -- especially those who do business in more than one state, according to Klosek.
"Those companies won't be able to just say, 'OK, this is how the federal authorities are interpreting it and enforcing it.' They'll also have to say, 'This is how state authorities are interpreting it and enforcing it,'" she says. "And it may be different from state to state. The base law will be the same, but there's certainly some flexibility in how it's interpreted."
The HITECH Act's data breach notification requirements for protected health information add another level of complexity. Though several states have data breach notification laws covering information that could be used in identity theft (Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers, banking information, and the like), only a few have extended such notification laws to health information. And the federal government has never addressed the issue. Until now.
The HITECH Act requires HIPAA-covered entities to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services and affected individuals when their protected information has been compromised. Notice must be given to the individuals whose data is affected "without unreasonable delay," and no later than 60 days after the breach occurs. Similarly, business associates that experience a breach are required to notify the covered entities with which they have contracted, and the covered entities will then notify the affected individuals. If the breach involves 500 people or more, the covered entity will also be required to notify major media outlets.
The fact that Congress chose to limit the requirements to health information complicates matters further for companies that operate in several states. They are already subject to the various state data breach notification requirements, which can be different and at times inconsistent. And those will still apply to information other than in the health arena. So those companies can't simply come up with a form letter that will work for every breach.
Proskauer Rose partner Tanya Forsheit says, "If they have a situation, they really need to understand what the various laws require them to do, and if they are also now subject to the new HIPAA provisions, it's going to be that much more complex, frankly."
To prepare for these new requirements, the experts suggest covered entities and business associates alike should, at a minimum, review their current security programs and processes to make sure they are in compliance. At a minimum, HIPAA.com contributor Ed Jones suggests, "Covered entities should notify their business associates of the...changes in ARRA, and begin working on a plan to revise their business associate contracts to reflect the changes."
HIPAA.com also provides a "to-do list" to help business associates prepare. The list includes such tasks as appointing a security official and developing written policies and procedures that include both physical safeguards (locking computers) and technical safeguards (encrypting e-mail). Training employees on how to protect electronic health information is also important.
"The requirements are tremendous," Klosek says. "Fully complying with the HIPAA privacy and security rules requires a whole bunch of policies, procedures, training... For those companies that haven't had that in place and now have a year, or less, to get it all in order, it's really a tremendous undertaking."
IT Business Edge
Posted April 3, 2009.
Among tax cuts and credits, more bailout fund requirements, and restrictions on executive pay packages, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) also includes a section that expands the reach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and introduces the first federally mandated data breach notification requirement.
Title XIII of ARRA, also known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act), reserves $22 billion to "advance the use of health information technology" -- in large part so the U.S. will be able to move to e-health records by President Obama's 2014 deadline.
It also expands the reach of HIPAA data privacy and security requirements to include the "business associates" of those entities (health care providers, pharmacies, and the like) that are subject to HIPAA. Business associates, according to Goodwin Procter attorney Jacqueline Klosek, are companies like accounting firms, billing agencies, law firms or others that provide services to the entities covered under HIPAA.
Under the HITECH Act, those companies are now directly subject to HIPAA security and privacy requirements, as well as to the same civil and criminal penalties that hospitals, pharmacies and other HIPAA-covered entities face for violations. Before HITECH came into force, Klosek explains, business associates that failed to properly protect patient information were liable to the covered entities via their service contracts, but they did not face governmental penalties.
Kelly Hagan, a shareholder in the law firm of Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt, says the most significant (and least publicized, in his opinion) changes in the HITECH Act are those that strengthen HIPAA enforcement measures. In particular, Hagan points to subsection 13410(c), which requires civil penalties that are collected under the HITECH Act to be funneled back into the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Civil Rights enforcement budget.
He says the situation now is reminiscent of the creation of the Fraud and Abuse Control Account: "It was remarkable when they put the Fraud and Abuse Control Account in place and started funneling the monetary penalties back into the enforcement agency's budget how quickly that became a priority. If history repeats itself, what that suggests is that the OCR's traditional approach to enforcement, which has been complaint-driven and compliance-oriented, is going to ... become more proactive, more punitive."
Moreover, monetary penalties are mandatory for violations involving "willful neglect" as of Feb. 17, 2011. At that point, "all of a sudden HIPAA compliance becomes a fact of life instead of a paper tiger," Hagan says.
If that's not enough, Proskauer Rose associate Sara Krauss observes yet another enhancement: The HITECH Act provides for the Department of Justice to pursue criminal penalties for a violation that rises to the level of criminal activity. However, in the event that DOJ declines to act on a violation, the HITECH Act allows OCR to pursue civil penalties for that same violation.
The expanded opportunity for state attorneys general to get involved in enforcement under the HITECH Act will create more complexity for those subject to HIPAA -- especially those who do business in more than one state, according to Klosek.
"Those companies won't be able to just say, 'OK, this is how the federal authorities are interpreting it and enforcing it.' They'll also have to say, 'This is how state authorities are interpreting it and enforcing it,'" she says. "And it may be different from state to state. The base law will be the same, but there's certainly some flexibility in how it's interpreted."
The HITECH Act's data breach notification requirements for protected health information add another level of complexity. Though several states have data breach notification laws covering information that could be used in identity theft (Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers, banking information, and the like), only a few have extended such notification laws to health information. And the federal government has never addressed the issue. Until now.
The HITECH Act requires HIPAA-covered entities to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services and affected individuals when their protected information has been compromised. Notice must be given to the individuals whose data is affected "without unreasonable delay," and no later than 60 days after the breach occurs. Similarly, business associates that experience a breach are required to notify the covered entities with which they have contracted, and the covered entities will then notify the affected individuals. If the breach involves 500 people or more, the covered entity will also be required to notify major media outlets.
The fact that Congress chose to limit the requirements to health information complicates matters further for companies that operate in several states. They are already subject to the various state data breach notification requirements, which can be different and at times inconsistent. And those will still apply to information other than in the health arena. So those companies can't simply come up with a form letter that will work for every breach.
Proskauer Rose partner Tanya Forsheit says, "If they have a situation, they really need to understand what the various laws require them to do, and if they are also now subject to the new HIPAA provisions, it's going to be that much more complex, frankly."
To prepare for these new requirements, the experts suggest covered entities and business associates alike should, at a minimum, review their current security programs and processes to make sure they are in compliance. At a minimum, HIPAA.com contributor Ed Jones suggests, "Covered entities should notify their business associates of the...changes in ARRA, and begin working on a plan to revise their business associate contracts to reflect the changes."
HIPAA.com also provides a "to-do list" to help business associates prepare. The list includes such tasks as appointing a security official and developing written policies and procedures that include both physical safeguards (locking computers) and technical safeguards (encrypting e-mail). Training employees on how to protect electronic health information is also important.
"The requirements are tremendous," Klosek says. "Fully complying with the HIPAA privacy and security rules requires a whole bunch of policies, procedures, training... For those companies that haven't had that in place and now have a year, or less, to get it all in order, it's really a tremendous undertaking."
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Philips Launches SpeechControl
March 23, 2009
Atlanta, Ga. – Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) today announced the launch of SpeechControl, driver software that enables compatibility between the Philips SpeechMike product and Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition program. The addition of SpeechControl is part of Philips’ strategy to integrate digital speech processing into the everyday workflow of document-critical sectors.
SpeechControl features a clear, intuitive input mask that allows SpeechMike buttons to be programmed with the most frequent speech recognition commands, enabling users to start a recording, move the cursor or correct passages with the touch of a button. In addition, the software supports configuration of the Philips USB foot switch for use with Dragon NaturallySpeaking right out of the box with a minimum installation effort. Commands may also be configured for use with other programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
"SpeechControl emphasizes Philips' leading technological position in the digital speech processing sector. The intelligent integration of cutting-edge dictation hardware and the world's leading speech recognition solution will take digital dictation to new heights in terms of productivity gains," said Dr. Thomas Brauner, CEO and Category Leader, Philips Speech Processing. "The integration of the SpeechMike with Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the result of growing interest in speech recognition - among companies and public institutions, in the legal sector, in healthcare, in science, and research. It opens up a wealth of opportunity for users to define practices which best suit their individual preferences."
"Test users welcomed the improved use of the trackball in Dragon Pad. They said that SpeechControl was intuitive and very powerful. The default programming of the individual buttons was also found to be neat and logical, making operation easier and increasing user-friendliness," said Wolfgang Spanlang, product manager at Philips Speech Processing.
All SpeechMikes, USB foot switches and SpeechMike Air (available in the fall) will now be shipped with the software, which can also be downloaded free of charge from the Philips Speech Processing Web site at www.philips.com/dictation. All users of the current SpeechMike generation can upgrade easily and free of charge online.
For further information contact:
Philips Speech Processing
May Fong
Tel: 905-201-4202
E-mail: may.fong@philips.com
www.philips.com/dictation
About Philips Speech Processing
For more than 50 years Philips Speech Processing has been the driving force in delivering dictation and speech technologies to users around the world. With its headquarters and production centre located in Vienna, Austria, Philips Speech Processing is the world’s market leader in professional analogue and digital dictation solutions. From office-based desktop dictation to mobile dictation, from conference recording to entire workflow solutions with the SpeechExec software family, our products support every imaginable scenario. Revolutionary digital dictation products, such as the SpeechMike, the Digital Pocket Memo with Voice Commands, the Barcode Module and the LAN Docking Station are helping professionals to work more efficiently every day, in the easiest possible manner, entirely in keeping with Philips ‘sense and simplicity’ philosophy. For more information, visit: www.philips.com/dictation.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 121,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
Atlanta, Ga. – Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) today announced the launch of SpeechControl, driver software that enables compatibility between the Philips SpeechMike product and Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition program. The addition of SpeechControl is part of Philips’ strategy to integrate digital speech processing into the everyday workflow of document-critical sectors.
SpeechControl features a clear, intuitive input mask that allows SpeechMike buttons to be programmed with the most frequent speech recognition commands, enabling users to start a recording, move the cursor or correct passages with the touch of a button. In addition, the software supports configuration of the Philips USB foot switch for use with Dragon NaturallySpeaking right out of the box with a minimum installation effort. Commands may also be configured for use with other programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint.
"SpeechControl emphasizes Philips' leading technological position in the digital speech processing sector. The intelligent integration of cutting-edge dictation hardware and the world's leading speech recognition solution will take digital dictation to new heights in terms of productivity gains," said Dr. Thomas Brauner, CEO and Category Leader, Philips Speech Processing. "The integration of the SpeechMike with Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the result of growing interest in speech recognition - among companies and public institutions, in the legal sector, in healthcare, in science, and research. It opens up a wealth of opportunity for users to define practices which best suit their individual preferences."
"Test users welcomed the improved use of the trackball in Dragon Pad. They said that SpeechControl was intuitive and very powerful. The default programming of the individual buttons was also found to be neat and logical, making operation easier and increasing user-friendliness," said Wolfgang Spanlang, product manager at Philips Speech Processing.
All SpeechMikes, USB foot switches and SpeechMike Air (available in the fall) will now be shipped with the software, which can also be downloaded free of charge from the Philips Speech Processing Web site at www.philips.com/dictation. All users of the current SpeechMike generation can upgrade easily and free of charge online.
For further information contact:
Philips Speech Processing
May Fong
Tel: 905-201-4202
E-mail: may.fong@philips.com
www.philips.com/dictation
About Philips Speech Processing
For more than 50 years Philips Speech Processing has been the driving force in delivering dictation and speech technologies to users around the world. With its headquarters and production centre located in Vienna, Austria, Philips Speech Processing is the world’s market leader in professional analogue and digital dictation solutions. From office-based desktop dictation to mobile dictation, from conference recording to entire workflow solutions with the SpeechExec software family, our products support every imaginable scenario. Revolutionary digital dictation products, such as the SpeechMike, the Digital Pocket Memo with Voice Commands, the Barcode Module and the LAN Docking Station are helping professionals to work more efficiently every day, in the easiest possible manner, entirely in keeping with Philips ‘sense and simplicity’ philosophy. For more information, visit: www.philips.com/dictation.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 121,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
TranscriptionGear.Com Unveils the 2nd Generation Pink Glimmer Transcription Headset to Benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation
Concord, Ohio – TranscriptionGear.Com today introduced the new Glimmer Transcription Headset, adding in-line volume control and a stereo / mono switch to the world’s only pink transcription headset intended to help raise awareness of breast cancer initiatives.
Glimmer™, made by Insight Headsets™, is designed for transcription with PCs and cassette transcribers that use a 3.5-millimeter (1/4 inch) plug as well as other compatible devices in the dictation and transcription industry.
“Sales of the first-generation Glimmer headset have resulted in thousands of dollars being donated to help raise awareness about breast cancer initiatives.” said Kris Wilson, President of TranscriptionGear.Com. “The new Glimmer adds highly desirable features and retains its lightweight design without adding any additional cost to the user. We’re looking forward to the next-generation Glimmer helping us in the race to find a cure.”
TranscriptionGear.Com will begin shipping the new Glimmer headset worldwide immediately. From the sale of the pink Glimmer headset, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
For more information about the new pink Glimmer transcription headset, visit www.PinkHeadset.com or call TranscriptionGear.Com at 888-834-2392.
About TranscriptionGear, Inc.
TranscriptionGear, Inc. is the leading catalog and on-line provider of dictation and transcription equipment, software, supplies, reference material and accessories. TranscriptionGear.Com provides the largest collection of product on-line with fast, same-day shipping and friendly technical support. TranscriptionGear.Com’s website provides quick, convenient access to hundreds of products 24/7/365. Product specialists are available by telephone to provide consultations and solutions. TranscriptionGear, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dolbey Systems, Inc. who has over 95 years experience in providing dictation and transcription solutions.
Mission of the National Breast Cancer Foundation
The mission of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. The Foundation relates to women with compassion, understanding, and inspiration and conducts public educational programs across the nation. We fund programs that reach underserved and uninsured women who cannot afford mammography care. The National Breast Cancer Foundation supports programs conducting cancer research and provides funding to programs that offer free mammograms.
For Further Information, please contact:
Traci Miller, Marketing Executive
888-834-2392 ext. 119
tmiller@TranscriptionGear.Com
View Glimmer here.
Glimmer™, made by Insight Headsets™, is designed for transcription with PCs and cassette transcribers that use a 3.5-millimeter (1/4 inch) plug as well as other compatible devices in the dictation and transcription industry.
“Sales of the first-generation Glimmer headset have resulted in thousands of dollars being donated to help raise awareness about breast cancer initiatives.” said Kris Wilson, President of TranscriptionGear.Com. “The new Glimmer adds highly desirable features and retains its lightweight design without adding any additional cost to the user. We’re looking forward to the next-generation Glimmer helping us in the race to find a cure.”
TranscriptionGear.Com will begin shipping the new Glimmer headset worldwide immediately. From the sale of the pink Glimmer headset, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
For more information about the new pink Glimmer transcription headset, visit www.PinkHeadset.com or call TranscriptionGear.Com at 888-834-2392.
About TranscriptionGear, Inc.
TranscriptionGear, Inc. is the leading catalog and on-line provider of dictation and transcription equipment, software, supplies, reference material and accessories. TranscriptionGear.Com provides the largest collection of product on-line with fast, same-day shipping and friendly technical support. TranscriptionGear.Com’s website provides quick, convenient access to hundreds of products 24/7/365. Product specialists are available by telephone to provide consultations and solutions. TranscriptionGear, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dolbey Systems, Inc. who has over 95 years experience in providing dictation and transcription solutions.
Mission of the National Breast Cancer Foundation
The mission of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. The Foundation relates to women with compassion, understanding, and inspiration and conducts public educational programs across the nation. We fund programs that reach underserved and uninsured women who cannot afford mammography care. The National Breast Cancer Foundation supports programs conducting cancer research and provides funding to programs that offer free mammograms.
For Further Information, please contact:
Traci Miller, Marketing Executive
888-834-2392 ext. 119
tmiller@TranscriptionGear.Com
View Glimmer here.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Philips LFH0955 Conference Kit now includes free transcription software
In 2008, Philips surprised us with a high quality, portable digital conference recording system. The 955 has a special recorder with a left and right channel to allow you to record multiple channels and it comes complete with a handy metal carrying case and 2 conference microphones. Today, Philips surprised us again by announcing they were including a LFH7277 Transcription kit with each LFH0955 sold through the end of 2009. That's a $399 dollar value! Wow, thanks Philips.
Learn more about the Philips 955 Conference Recording System by watching the video below.
Learn more here.
Learn more about the Philips 955 Conference Recording System by watching the video below.
Learn more here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Olympus DS5000 Professional Recorder Independent Product Review
By Edward Robinson | June 25, 2008
In my office, we write many of our reports with significant amounts of custom information, and we use personal digital recorders with the dictation sent to a typing pool to get our reports typed accurately and quickly. Recently, I had to upgrade my professional quality digital recorder and wanted to share the quality of this product and my pleasure in evaluating it. I make note of the quality because this equipment is costly. A professional quality recorder is not available at Best Buy in most cases and will run you $300-$500. This one tops the scale but its worth it.
Every now and again you get a product which exceeds your expectations and is a joy to use. For me, this week the new Olympus DS 5000 professional recorder is that device. I rely heavily on this equipment on a daily basis as a critical part of my business infrastructure. I have been using this type of equipment since the mid 80s when my office used Dictaphone personal hand held units. This new recorder is the closest I have come to the Dictaphone professional micro cassette recorders my office used and which I have often missed due to their durability, quality of service, and supreme sound quality. This device may finally be a replacement for my memory of those devices.
This unit has a slide switch control like the old micro cassette recorders of the past which is familiar and easier to use than buttons. The switch has a solid and positive feel, closely mimicking the mechanical feel of the mechanical systems of the old technology of cassette recorders. The switch allows for very accurate dictation and allows starting, stopping, and recording at very precise locations compared to other equipment I have used. The sound quality on this unit is better than any digital units I have used in the past and equal or better to the cassette technology of many years past. On some high quality units with side slide switches I have used, including those from competing manufactures, I have found pops, clicks, and squeals in the sound recorded which I did not find with this equipment. The unit also sports a SD card slot in the top for quick transfer of files to my laptop in the field through the SD port I have in my laptop rather than using a cable or adapter. The recorder also has internal memory on a removable internal micro SD chip if you don’t want to use an SD card for some reason. The only feature related to the memory I have not yet found, and it may not exist, is the ability to transfer files between the internal memory and an SD card without connecting to a dock or cable. Another plus is that the unit comes with rechargeable batteries and a docking station to ease the configuration, use, and charging of the unit. This will save those times when I ran out of batteries in the middle of a project and had to hunt for new ones. If your batteries do run dry then the unit will accept standard AAA batteries.
I found that navigating and accessing features on the unit was very easy, and much easier than older units including the previous DS4000 flagship. This is just a few of the features this well thought out unit brings to the table. Other features which I have not yet explored are the file routing features, which allow custom routing of work upon docking, the ability to remap all the buttons on the unit, and the feature of the new DS2 format, which as of yet I am unfamiliar. So far, I have only found a few software glitches typical of a new digital system of this type.
I would like to give a thumbs up to TranscriptionGear.com who sold me the unit for quality customer service. To get the unit setup, I worked with the tech support team of TranscriptionGear.com and they helped me get the setup I needed quickly and professionally. They also explained some of the quirks which have not yet been worked out in the brand new software interface. One drawback is that as of yet, the AS5000 kit which allows transcription in DS2 format is not available. This is not a problem for now since the unit will work in DSS classic format mode allowing old transcription software to be used.
If you use a recorder to dictate your reports or take notes, you should consider this unit. If you do not you should consider the time savings which can be achieved by outsourcing your report production rather than typing it all yourself leaving you free to do work that makes more money. For full specifications and features I encourage you to visit the Olympus web site DS5000 feature page. If you have comments or suggestions based upon your experiences, I would love to hear them, so please leave them.
Visit writter's blog site here.
In my office, we write many of our reports with significant amounts of custom information, and we use personal digital recorders with the dictation sent to a typing pool to get our reports typed accurately and quickly. Recently, I had to upgrade my professional quality digital recorder and wanted to share the quality of this product and my pleasure in evaluating it. I make note of the quality because this equipment is costly. A professional quality recorder is not available at Best Buy in most cases and will run you $300-$500. This one tops the scale but its worth it.
Every now and again you get a product which exceeds your expectations and is a joy to use. For me, this week the new Olympus DS 5000 professional recorder is that device. I rely heavily on this equipment on a daily basis as a critical part of my business infrastructure. I have been using this type of equipment since the mid 80s when my office used Dictaphone personal hand held units. This new recorder is the closest I have come to the Dictaphone professional micro cassette recorders my office used and which I have often missed due to their durability, quality of service, and supreme sound quality. This device may finally be a replacement for my memory of those devices.
This unit has a slide switch control like the old micro cassette recorders of the past which is familiar and easier to use than buttons. The switch has a solid and positive feel, closely mimicking the mechanical feel of the mechanical systems of the old technology of cassette recorders. The switch allows for very accurate dictation and allows starting, stopping, and recording at very precise locations compared to other equipment I have used. The sound quality on this unit is better than any digital units I have used in the past and equal or better to the cassette technology of many years past. On some high quality units with side slide switches I have used, including those from competing manufactures, I have found pops, clicks, and squeals in the sound recorded which I did not find with this equipment. The unit also sports a SD card slot in the top for quick transfer of files to my laptop in the field through the SD port I have in my laptop rather than using a cable or adapter. The recorder also has internal memory on a removable internal micro SD chip if you don’t want to use an SD card for some reason. The only feature related to the memory I have not yet found, and it may not exist, is the ability to transfer files between the internal memory and an SD card without connecting to a dock or cable. Another plus is that the unit comes with rechargeable batteries and a docking station to ease the configuration, use, and charging of the unit. This will save those times when I ran out of batteries in the middle of a project and had to hunt for new ones. If your batteries do run dry then the unit will accept standard AAA batteries.
I found that navigating and accessing features on the unit was very easy, and much easier than older units including the previous DS4000 flagship. This is just a few of the features this well thought out unit brings to the table. Other features which I have not yet explored are the file routing features, which allow custom routing of work upon docking, the ability to remap all the buttons on the unit, and the feature of the new DS2 format, which as of yet I am unfamiliar. So far, I have only found a few software glitches typical of a new digital system of this type.
I would like to give a thumbs up to TranscriptionGear.com who sold me the unit for quality customer service. To get the unit setup, I worked with the tech support team of TranscriptionGear.com and they helped me get the setup I needed quickly and professionally. They also explained some of the quirks which have not yet been worked out in the brand new software interface. One drawback is that as of yet, the AS5000 kit which allows transcription in DS2 format is not available. This is not a problem for now since the unit will work in DSS classic format mode allowing old transcription software to be used.
If you use a recorder to dictate your reports or take notes, you should consider this unit. If you do not you should consider the time savings which can be achieved by outsourcing your report production rather than typing it all yourself leaving you free to do work that makes more money. For full specifications and features I encourage you to visit the Olympus web site DS5000 feature page. If you have comments or suggestions based upon your experiences, I would love to hear them, so please leave them.
Visit writter's blog site here.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Advantages of Digital Dictation
Digital files can be quickly and safely downloaded to a PC where they can be transcribed or distributed electronically. Tapes must be rewound and manually transported or couriered from the author to the transcriptionist, contributing to delays in document turnaround time, adding unnecessary expenses and increasing the possibility of lost or damaged tapes.
Digital uses optic technology that produces consistently clear sound quality –every time—with no degradation after heavy usage. Tapes come in contact with the recording head in both the recorder and the transcription unit. Thus, over time, they wear out and affect the sound quality.
Digital files can be safely and easily stored on a hard dive, making archiving and retrieval simple. For instances where the original dictation must be archived, the tape itself must be stored, creating storage space issues and increasing the possibility of tapes becoming lost, damaged or mislabeled.
Digital dictation job access is as instantaneous as it is to skip from one voice mail message to the next. For the author or transcriptionist to rapidly locate dictations on tapes, they must rewind or fast-forward the tape, a slow and imprecise process.
Digital voice files are compatible and speech-recognition ready. With tape, there is no possibility of incorporating speech recognition.
If requirements demand it, digital recording time can exceed 100 hours or more. Recording capacity is limited with tapes. The longer the tape recording time, the thinner the tape becomes, increasing the possibility of it weakening or breaking during a critical dictation.
With digital, demographics (author name, dictation subject matter, work type, etc.) can be captured automatically or entered “on the fly” on the unit itself, where they are permanently attached to the dictation. No job demographics can be captured with tape-based units.
Digital dictation allows the author to mark certain jobs “open” and, after transfer of completed jobs, keep and continue to work on “open” jobs. When a tape is given to the transcriptionist, the author cannot make any additions or changes to the dictation.
Digital dictation allows patient/client demographics or other job information to be captured through an optional barcode reader and automatically associated with the dictation. No Bar code information can be captured when using tapes.
Digital units display the time, date, author name, job length, total recorded time length, total time available and multiple work or job types. The information offered on tape-based recorder displays is limited.
Digital units have the capability of using a docking station that automatically downloads dictation and recharges the unit. With tapes, batteries must be recharged or replaced often and tapes must be manually removed and delivered to the transcriptionist.
Distributing digital work to a transcriptionist is as easy as forwarding an email file, dramatically reducing turnaround time. Distributing dictation tapes among transcriptionists is a manual process and dependent on the physical transport of the tape.
Digital uses optic technology that produces consistently clear sound quality –every time—with no degradation after heavy usage. Tapes come in contact with the recording head in both the recorder and the transcription unit. Thus, over time, they wear out and affect the sound quality.
Digital files can be safely and easily stored on a hard dive, making archiving and retrieval simple. For instances where the original dictation must be archived, the tape itself must be stored, creating storage space issues and increasing the possibility of tapes becoming lost, damaged or mislabeled.
Digital dictation job access is as instantaneous as it is to skip from one voice mail message to the next. For the author or transcriptionist to rapidly locate dictations on tapes, they must rewind or fast-forward the tape, a slow and imprecise process.
Digital voice files are compatible and speech-recognition ready. With tape, there is no possibility of incorporating speech recognition.
If requirements demand it, digital recording time can exceed 100 hours or more. Recording capacity is limited with tapes. The longer the tape recording time, the thinner the tape becomes, increasing the possibility of it weakening or breaking during a critical dictation.
With digital, demographics (author name, dictation subject matter, work type, etc.) can be captured automatically or entered “on the fly” on the unit itself, where they are permanently attached to the dictation. No job demographics can be captured with tape-based units.
Digital dictation allows the author to mark certain jobs “open” and, after transfer of completed jobs, keep and continue to work on “open” jobs. When a tape is given to the transcriptionist, the author cannot make any additions or changes to the dictation.
Digital dictation allows patient/client demographics or other job information to be captured through an optional barcode reader and automatically associated with the dictation. No Bar code information can be captured when using tapes.
Digital units display the time, date, author name, job length, total recorded time length, total time available and multiple work or job types. The information offered on tape-based recorder displays is limited.
Digital units have the capability of using a docking station that automatically downloads dictation and recharges the unit. With tapes, batteries must be recharged or replaced often and tapes must be manually removed and delivered to the transcriptionist.
Distributing digital work to a transcriptionist is as easy as forwarding an email file, dramatically reducing turnaround time. Distributing dictation tapes among transcriptionists is a manual process and dependent on the physical transport of the tape.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
A HITECH Headache
ADVANCE looks at the complex rules governing EHR incentive payments--and the questions still unanswered.
By Cheryl McEvoy
As early as Oct. 2010, the government will begin distributing stimulus funds to providers for meaningful use of EHRs. But dicing up the $20 billion carrot won't be as clear cut as it seems. From caseload to specialty to EHR launch date, a number of factors will play into how much a provider gets and how they get it, and other questions have yet to be addressed. Amid the uncertainty, providers are wondering if upfront costs will be too much to stomach for a risky return.
The Skinny on Incentives
Before they rake in rewards, providers must decide which payments to pursue: Medicare or Medicaid. Depending on calculations, hospitals can snag payments from both programs, but physicians can't "double dip," according to Harry Greenspun, MD, chief medical officer, Perot Systems Healthcare Group.
Payments will be based on caseload, so most providers will aim for Medicare payments, according to John Hazewinkel, project manager, Michigan Health Information Network. Medicaid incentives are available to a wider range of providers, including nurse practitioners, physicians assistants and midwives (Medicare is primarily open to physicians and hospitals), but providers must meet minimum caseload requirements-10 percent for acute care hospitals, 20 percent for pediatricians and 30 percent for other caregivers. Children's hospitals have no minimum.
"Medicaid is pretty limited," Hazewinkel said. "It's still going to be helpful to those who qualify, but they have to meet higher thresholds."
Medicare requires no minimum caseload, but payments will be based on billing for services. Most providers will be able to earn the maximum incentive, Hazewinkel said.
No matter the payment path, providers must meet the all-important criterion: meaningful use. "Buying a system will not get you a check," said Jeffery Daigrepont, senior vice president, the Coker Group. "You really have to buy a) the right system [and] b) use the system in the right way."
Providers must use a certified EHR system to qualify for incentives, Hazewinkel noted. While a certifying body hasn't been formally named, many providers are looking to the Certification Commission for HIT for the green light.
For those applying for Medicare incentives, the guidelines are "pretty clear," Hazewinkel said. Because Medicare is a federal program, it's standardized across the country.
Physicians who meet Medicare eligibility can earn 5 years of payments. The amount will be 75 percent of their Medicare allowables, up to $18,000 the first year and diminishing each year. All in all, a physician can rake in up to $44,000 in payments--$48,400 in underserved areas, which get an extra 10 percent boost from the government.
Hospital payments will be "a little more obtuse," Hazewinkel said. The exact amount will vary, as it's based on a formula. Starting with the base sum of $2 million plus an additional amount for the number of discharges, the calculation also includes inpatient bed stays, charity care and a "transition factor," which basically reduces the payment over time.
Medicaid payments have less defined parameters; each state will decide how reimbursement is made. In general, providers can earn up to 100 percent of their implementation costs, plus additional, smaller payments over time for maintenance and support, Hazewinkel said. The payments aren't straight 1-for-1 reimbursements; they're intended to be a pat on the back and a boost of momentum for continued use of EHRs.
Physicians who choose the Medicaid path can earn a maximum of somewhere around $65,000, Hazewinkel said, but a number of details still need hammering out.
Questions Remain
The HITECH guidelines leave much to ponder; in many cases, the only answer is "wait and see."
Caseload verification: As noted, providers must report a minimum caseload to earn Medicaid incentives, but many states have no means to confirm the numbers. "In [Michigan], and I imagine every other state, they're going to have difficulty in determining how people meet those thresholds," Hazewinkel said. States can identify heavy Medicaid billers, but they don't know what percentage that is compared to a provider's overall business, he explained.
Caseload reports could fall vulnerable to fraud, Dr. Greenspun noted. Providers may doctor their practice percentage or target specific populations to earn more incentives, so states will need to stay alert.
CBO estimations: The oft-quoted $20 billion isn't set in stone; it's the difference between the $36 billion the government expects to spend in reimbursements and the $16 billion it expects to collect from penalties, according to Congressional Budget Office estimations. If adoption takes a difference course than anticipated, the government may be left scrambling.
"If the numbers start coming in different, where are the areas where they can fix it?" Dr. Greenspun asked. The government could alter the definition of meaningful use, he hypothesized, or change the Medicare charity care requirement for hospitals, meaning less money in providers' pockets.
Medicaid cash flow: States will decide how to dole out Medicaid payments, which could lead to variation. The federal definition of meaningful use will most likely serve as a baseline, but states may add unique requirements, like participating in a state immunization registry, Daigrepont said.
There's also no guarantee payment will come in the form of a check. "If you look at the budget shortfalls in so many states that have large Medicaid populations, they may be hard-pressed to freely pass on these incentive payments to providers and hospitals," Dr. Greespun said.
Instead of going straight to physicians, payments may fund programs related to HIT goals, he explained.
Provider Progress: The experts agreed, the sooner a provider adopts an EHR and qualifies for incentives, the better. But it's unclear what will happen to providers who don't keep the pace.
A doctor may start on track, but hit a wall 3 years (and $38,000) into the incentive program, Dr. Greenspun said. Would the physician be required to continue the program, or could they walk away with the money?
Is It Worth It?
With so many details in the air, providers are wondering whether EHR adoption is worth the effort. Starting in 2015, providers who don't use EHRs will face increasing payment cuts, up to 5 percent. It's enough to convince most hospitals to adopt the technology, Hazewinkel projected, but physicians may need more convincing.
"The cost of EHR implementation exceeds the total cost of these incentives," he said, so physicians are less than thrilled to shell out the dough. Michigan has a high volume of physicians planning to retire in 5-10 years, he added, so there's even less motivation to make the big switch.
Dr. Greenspun also noted that, in some cases, it's less expensive to pay the penalties than purchase an EHR system, but "it's a very short-sighted view," he said.
As the health care sector turns to technology, those who refuse to adopt won't just face penalties, but will eventually be shut out of the system. "You will have to be fully digitized, fully electronic, fully transparent in your quality and cost to participate," Dr. Greenspun said.
What it comes down to is having the right perspective. Dr. Greenspun encouraged providers to remove the financial lens and look at incentives as a "catalyst" for improved care. "[Providers] should be focusing on how they can really use these to benefit their organization.as opposed to putting in a system to get these payments," he said, "because that's not an equation that makes sense."
Cheryl McEvoy is an editorial assistant with ADVANCE.
Visit http://www.advanceweb.com
By Cheryl McEvoy
As early as Oct. 2010, the government will begin distributing stimulus funds to providers for meaningful use of EHRs. But dicing up the $20 billion carrot won't be as clear cut as it seems. From caseload to specialty to EHR launch date, a number of factors will play into how much a provider gets and how they get it, and other questions have yet to be addressed. Amid the uncertainty, providers are wondering if upfront costs will be too much to stomach for a risky return.
The Skinny on Incentives
Before they rake in rewards, providers must decide which payments to pursue: Medicare or Medicaid. Depending on calculations, hospitals can snag payments from both programs, but physicians can't "double dip," according to Harry Greenspun, MD, chief medical officer, Perot Systems Healthcare Group.
Payments will be based on caseload, so most providers will aim for Medicare payments, according to John Hazewinkel, project manager, Michigan Health Information Network. Medicaid incentives are available to a wider range of providers, including nurse practitioners, physicians assistants and midwives (Medicare is primarily open to physicians and hospitals), but providers must meet minimum caseload requirements-10 percent for acute care hospitals, 20 percent for pediatricians and 30 percent for other caregivers. Children's hospitals have no minimum.
"Medicaid is pretty limited," Hazewinkel said. "It's still going to be helpful to those who qualify, but they have to meet higher thresholds."
Medicare requires no minimum caseload, but payments will be based on billing for services. Most providers will be able to earn the maximum incentive, Hazewinkel said.
No matter the payment path, providers must meet the all-important criterion: meaningful use. "Buying a system will not get you a check," said Jeffery Daigrepont, senior vice president, the Coker Group. "You really have to buy a) the right system [and] b) use the system in the right way."
Providers must use a certified EHR system to qualify for incentives, Hazewinkel noted. While a certifying body hasn't been formally named, many providers are looking to the Certification Commission for HIT for the green light.
For those applying for Medicare incentives, the guidelines are "pretty clear," Hazewinkel said. Because Medicare is a federal program, it's standardized across the country.
Physicians who meet Medicare eligibility can earn 5 years of payments. The amount will be 75 percent of their Medicare allowables, up to $18,000 the first year and diminishing each year. All in all, a physician can rake in up to $44,000 in payments--$48,400 in underserved areas, which get an extra 10 percent boost from the government.
Hospital payments will be "a little more obtuse," Hazewinkel said. The exact amount will vary, as it's based on a formula. Starting with the base sum of $2 million plus an additional amount for the number of discharges, the calculation also includes inpatient bed stays, charity care and a "transition factor," which basically reduces the payment over time.
Medicaid payments have less defined parameters; each state will decide how reimbursement is made. In general, providers can earn up to 100 percent of their implementation costs, plus additional, smaller payments over time for maintenance and support, Hazewinkel said. The payments aren't straight 1-for-1 reimbursements; they're intended to be a pat on the back and a boost of momentum for continued use of EHRs.
Physicians who choose the Medicaid path can earn a maximum of somewhere around $65,000, Hazewinkel said, but a number of details still need hammering out.
Questions Remain
The HITECH guidelines leave much to ponder; in many cases, the only answer is "wait and see."
Caseload verification: As noted, providers must report a minimum caseload to earn Medicaid incentives, but many states have no means to confirm the numbers. "In [Michigan], and I imagine every other state, they're going to have difficulty in determining how people meet those thresholds," Hazewinkel said. States can identify heavy Medicaid billers, but they don't know what percentage that is compared to a provider's overall business, he explained.
Caseload reports could fall vulnerable to fraud, Dr. Greenspun noted. Providers may doctor their practice percentage or target specific populations to earn more incentives, so states will need to stay alert.
CBO estimations: The oft-quoted $20 billion isn't set in stone; it's the difference between the $36 billion the government expects to spend in reimbursements and the $16 billion it expects to collect from penalties, according to Congressional Budget Office estimations. If adoption takes a difference course than anticipated, the government may be left scrambling.
"If the numbers start coming in different, where are the areas where they can fix it?" Dr. Greenspun asked. The government could alter the definition of meaningful use, he hypothesized, or change the Medicare charity care requirement for hospitals, meaning less money in providers' pockets.
Medicaid cash flow: States will decide how to dole out Medicaid payments, which could lead to variation. The federal definition of meaningful use will most likely serve as a baseline, but states may add unique requirements, like participating in a state immunization registry, Daigrepont said.
There's also no guarantee payment will come in the form of a check. "If you look at the budget shortfalls in so many states that have large Medicaid populations, they may be hard-pressed to freely pass on these incentive payments to providers and hospitals," Dr. Greespun said.
Instead of going straight to physicians, payments may fund programs related to HIT goals, he explained.
Provider Progress: The experts agreed, the sooner a provider adopts an EHR and qualifies for incentives, the better. But it's unclear what will happen to providers who don't keep the pace.
A doctor may start on track, but hit a wall 3 years (and $38,000) into the incentive program, Dr. Greenspun said. Would the physician be required to continue the program, or could they walk away with the money?
Is It Worth It?
With so many details in the air, providers are wondering whether EHR adoption is worth the effort. Starting in 2015, providers who don't use EHRs will face increasing payment cuts, up to 5 percent. It's enough to convince most hospitals to adopt the technology, Hazewinkel projected, but physicians may need more convincing.
"The cost of EHR implementation exceeds the total cost of these incentives," he said, so physicians are less than thrilled to shell out the dough. Michigan has a high volume of physicians planning to retire in 5-10 years, he added, so there's even less motivation to make the big switch.
Dr. Greenspun also noted that, in some cases, it's less expensive to pay the penalties than purchase an EHR system, but "it's a very short-sighted view," he said.
As the health care sector turns to technology, those who refuse to adopt won't just face penalties, but will eventually be shut out of the system. "You will have to be fully digitized, fully electronic, fully transparent in your quality and cost to participate," Dr. Greenspun said.
What it comes down to is having the right perspective. Dr. Greenspun encouraged providers to remove the financial lens and look at incentives as a "catalyst" for improved care. "[Providers] should be focusing on how they can really use these to benefit their organization.as opposed to putting in a system to get these payments," he said, "because that's not an equation that makes sense."
Cheryl McEvoy is an editorial assistant with ADVANCE.
Visit http://www.advanceweb.com
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What Does the HITECH Act Mean to You?
By Carolyn Hartley, Healthcare Authority & EHR Consultant
Visit www.hipaa.com
Even though the US Senate is likely to pass the stimulus package in the next day or two, the House and Senate still have to come to an agreement on their funding differences. The HITECH Act is still holding its own with some possible additions to the $20 billion agreed upon by the House.
Key words used by both House and Senate are "meaningful use" and "shovel ready". In other words, everything is set in place ready to go, but just needs money to get it off the ground. You've made a decision on your health IT system, you've completed your readiness assessments, and you've built a strategy to move forward. All you need now is money. Where do you fit in the funding equation below?
A good starting point is to complete a readiness and/or needs assessment. Several are available online, including one from the California Community Clinics EHR Assessment and Readiness Project.
Visit www.hipaa.com
Even though the US Senate is likely to pass the stimulus package in the next day or two, the House and Senate still have to come to an agreement on their funding differences. The HITECH Act is still holding its own with some possible additions to the $20 billion agreed upon by the House.
Key words used by both House and Senate are "meaningful use" and "shovel ready". In other words, everything is set in place ready to go, but just needs money to get it off the ground. You've made a decision on your health IT system, you've completed your readiness assessments, and you've built a strategy to move forward. All you need now is money. Where do you fit in the funding equation below?
- $18 billion through the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement systems for hospitals and physicians who are "meaningful users" of HIT.
- $2 billion to the Office of the National Coordinator that must begin to be spent within 90 days of the legislation being signed into law on items such as the infrastructure necessary to allow for, and promote, the electronic exchange and use of health information for each individual in the United States; updating the Department of Health & Human Services’ technologies to allow for the electronic flow of information; integrating health IT education into the training of healthcare professionals; and, promoting interoperable clinical data repositories.
- $1 billion to be made available for renovation and repair of health centers and for the acquisition of health IT systems.
- $550 million for – among other things – the purchase of equipment and services including, but not limited to, health IT within Indian Health Service facilities.
- $400 million for comparative effectiveness research on how use of electronic data impacts healthcare treatments and strategies.
- $300 million to support regional and sub-national efforts towards health information change.
- $40 million to be used by the Social Security Administration to use EMRs to submit disability claims.
A good starting point is to complete a readiness and/or needs assessment. Several are available online, including one from the California Community Clinics EHR Assessment and Readiness Project.
Monday, July 13, 2009
To Scan or Not to Scan
By Leslie Medley
Advance for Health Information Professionals
View the article here.
President Obama, like every other president, has signified many changes he would like to see. Whether they are social, political or economic, the changes are always meant to push the American people a little further. We are asked to grab not what is within our grasp, but that which is just outside of our reach. To that end, sometimes the changes take hold and sometimes not.
One of the Obama Administration's goals is to start modernizing health care. And through a series of stimulus packages that are in the billions of dollars, to incorporate an EHR system that may help reduce "preventable medical errors." There are many obstacles to overcome to make an EHR effective, but the outcome could make a dramatic impact on health care. But what effect will it have on the MTs and medical transcription service organizations (MTSOs) out there?
One obstacle to overcome is privacy, or perhaps lack thereof in an EHR system. Multiple access points of patient data over an open network like the Internet increases possible loss of security. As electronic data may be more difficult to secure, it may even mandate a stricter HIPAA definition in protecting this patient data. HIPAA, which regulates the use and disclosure of certain information held by "covered entities," establishes regulations for the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI). And though security practices for networks have been established, wireless networks may pose a few more risks.
Another significant obstacle is older record integration with the newer EHR system. We have all seen it. The file rooms filled to the brim. Boxes half crushed with the lettering on the front written in black magic marker. And invariably the box where the Smith records are (Sl-Sz) was found in the Bs. These files need to be a part of the records for pre-existing conditions, histories and similar information. Scanning these documents is possible. But the process is extremely expensive and very time consuming. The differences in original sizes, as well as degradation of the material, may even make some of the scans illegible. In addition, destroying data in a shredder is foolproof, but destroying electronic data may be a little more concerning.
Add to this the ever increasing financial limitations as they relate to hardware, software and networking obligations to utilize an EHR on a system wide scale. Many facilities are experiencing a time of fiscal restraint right now; particularly smaller facilities or those that have a large network of hospitals to maintain. The available budgets may not allow for the basic infrastructure needed. However, with the advancement of certain software programming languages such as Java, innovative wireless technology may be able to defray some of the cost associated with the system upgrade.
Many standards are in place that will help to enable specific aspects of a future EMR. ASTM International Continuity of Care Record is a patient health summary standard based upon XML, allowing easy interoperability between different entities. ANSI X12 is a set of transaction protocols used for transmitting virtually any aspect of patient data. This is used for transmitting billing information, because several of the transactions became required by HIPAA for transmitting data to Medicare. DICOM is a heavily used standard for representing and communicating radiology images. HL7 messages are used for interchange between hospital and physician record systems and between EHR systems and practice management systems. HL7 Clinical Document Architecture documents are used to communicate documents such as physician notes and other material.
In conclusion, every facility has different and unique environments. Any EHR system will usually need to be custom designed. This is because some of the available EHRs are based on templates that are initially very broad in scope. These templates may then be customized with the vendor to better fit data entry based on a specialty, facility or other specified needs. There are also EHR systems available that do not use templates for data entry and therefore can be easily personalized by each individual user. This is where other data entry methods such as concept processing, voice recognition and transcription come into play. With an MT's ability to grow and expand within his/her vocation, the doors that will open up within the health care community for qualified MTs will be many. If nothing else, maybe MTs can get back to having one PC on their desks and not three.
Visit www.advanceweb.com to read more articles.
Advance for Health Information Professionals
View the article here.
President Obama, like every other president, has signified many changes he would like to see. Whether they are social, political or economic, the changes are always meant to push the American people a little further. We are asked to grab not what is within our grasp, but that which is just outside of our reach. To that end, sometimes the changes take hold and sometimes not.
One of the Obama Administration's goals is to start modernizing health care. And through a series of stimulus packages that are in the billions of dollars, to incorporate an EHR system that may help reduce "preventable medical errors." There are many obstacles to overcome to make an EHR effective, but the outcome could make a dramatic impact on health care. But what effect will it have on the MTs and medical transcription service organizations (MTSOs) out there?
One obstacle to overcome is privacy, or perhaps lack thereof in an EHR system. Multiple access points of patient data over an open network like the Internet increases possible loss of security. As electronic data may be more difficult to secure, it may even mandate a stricter HIPAA definition in protecting this patient data. HIPAA, which regulates the use and disclosure of certain information held by "covered entities," establishes regulations for the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI). And though security practices for networks have been established, wireless networks may pose a few more risks.
Another significant obstacle is older record integration with the newer EHR system. We have all seen it. The file rooms filled to the brim. Boxes half crushed with the lettering on the front written in black magic marker. And invariably the box where the Smith records are (Sl-Sz) was found in the Bs. These files need to be a part of the records for pre-existing conditions, histories and similar information. Scanning these documents is possible. But the process is extremely expensive and very time consuming. The differences in original sizes, as well as degradation of the material, may even make some of the scans illegible. In addition, destroying data in a shredder is foolproof, but destroying electronic data may be a little more concerning.
Add to this the ever increasing financial limitations as they relate to hardware, software and networking obligations to utilize an EHR on a system wide scale. Many facilities are experiencing a time of fiscal restraint right now; particularly smaller facilities or those that have a large network of hospitals to maintain. The available budgets may not allow for the basic infrastructure needed. However, with the advancement of certain software programming languages such as Java, innovative wireless technology may be able to defray some of the cost associated with the system upgrade.
Many standards are in place that will help to enable specific aspects of a future EMR. ASTM International Continuity of Care Record is a patient health summary standard based upon XML, allowing easy interoperability between different entities. ANSI X12 is a set of transaction protocols used for transmitting virtually any aspect of patient data. This is used for transmitting billing information, because several of the transactions became required by HIPAA for transmitting data to Medicare. DICOM is a heavily used standard for representing and communicating radiology images. HL7 messages are used for interchange between hospital and physician record systems and between EHR systems and practice management systems. HL7 Clinical Document Architecture documents are used to communicate documents such as physician notes and other material.
In conclusion, every facility has different and unique environments. Any EHR system will usually need to be custom designed. This is because some of the available EHRs are based on templates that are initially very broad in scope. These templates may then be customized with the vendor to better fit data entry based on a specialty, facility or other specified needs. There are also EHR systems available that do not use templates for data entry and therefore can be easily personalized by each individual user. This is where other data entry methods such as concept processing, voice recognition and transcription come into play. With an MT's ability to grow and expand within his/her vocation, the doors that will open up within the health care community for qualified MTs will be many. If nothing else, maybe MTs can get back to having one PC on their desks and not three.
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