HIMSS Weekly Insider
HIMSS News from
November 2009

In This Issue

HIMSS Medical Banking Project collaboration launches ● Get the latest HIMSS10 updates ● Take a look at the newest opportunities for HIMSS Corporate Members

Have a question, comment or idea? Please send them to Matt Schlossberg.

News You Can Use

Survey: Health Orgs Not Ready for Security Challenges

With ARRA underway, healthcare organizations face new challenges to maintain privacy and security of patient health data. However, data gathered from healthcare IT and security professionals indicate that many organizations may not be ready to meet some of the HITECH components of the ARRA legislation and other security challenges, according to the results of the 2009 HIMSS Security Survey, sponsored by Symantec Corp. Read the complete results of the survey.

HIMSS Medical Banking Project Collaboration Launches


H. Stephen Lieber


John Casillas

As the convergence between banking and health IT accelerates, HIMSS and the Medical Banking Project have come together to form the HIMSS Medical Banking Project. HIMSS President & CEO H. Stephen Lieber and MBProject Founder John Casillas made a joint announcement on Oct. 29 in Chicago and at the Southern California Health Care Summit in Ontario, Calif.

The collaboration brings together two organizations with similar organizational mission statements with both focused on leveraging IT to achieve efficiencies, cost savings and overall improvement in healthcare delivery.

The HIMSS MBProject aligns two expanding areas—health IT and banking—to create a new HIMSS membership community in medical banking. This new focus fosters much-needed education and cross-industry dialogue between the banking and health IT communities to expand and build current HIMSS MBProject programs that include industry forums, work groups and annual institute.

The new HIMSS medical banking community is focused on banks, providers, payors and employers, audiences that can benefit from innovations in health IT and banking. Current membership of the MBProject is 163 organizational and 41 individual members. Mr. Casillas joins HIMSS as senior vice president managing the medical banking content area.

To provide ongoing programming for this membership constituency, HIMSS will incorporate medical banking issues into many of its initiatives. The HIMSS MBProject will also continue collaborating with leading and global trade groups to build and expand established programs targeted to the new banking technology stakeholder. Learn more about the HIMSS MBProject online.

VCE Education Sessions Continue Until Dec. 4

Last week’s HIMSS Virtual Conference & Expo answered healthcare professionals’ most pressing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and meaningful use questions. Twelve of the educational program’s 18 sessions featured industry thought leaders who shared best practices for ARRA success and strategies for achieving meaningful use. Although most of the live segment of HIMSS Virtual Conference on Nov. 3-4 is over, the event’s educational sessions and expo remain available to registrants through Dec. 4.

The call for proposals for the next HIMSS Virtual Conference & Expo on June 9-10, 2010 opens Jan. 18; the deadline for proposal submissions is Feb. 22. Details on proposal submissions will be available in the coming months.

Welcome New Corporate Members

The following organizations recently became HIMSS Corporate Members:

HIMSS Launches San Antonio Chapter

The HIMSS San Antonio Chapter has been formally approved by HIMSS Board of Directors. It will cover San Antonio and Southwest Texas.

To become a member of the chapter, visit the HIMSS Member Center and scroll down to “Manage Chapter” to update. Be sure to update your contact details and demographics. E-mail the HIMSS Membership Department with any questions.

Join the San Antonio Chapter Nov. 12, at Dave and Busters for their inaugural event. The chapter will host a lunch-and-learn event. Event details will be announced soon. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP.

Review Your HIMSS Corporate Membership at RSNA

If you or your firm is attending the RSNA show in Chicago, take the opportunity to meet with your Corporate Relations Representative to spend some time reviewing your HIMSS Corporate Membership benefits and your plans for HIMSS10.

Reserved meeting space has been held on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, at McCormick Place for those interested. If you would like to schedule some time to meet, contact Gail Arnett or Deborah Caruso to schedule time.

Members from HIMSS Analytics staff will also be onsite to provide you information on the HIMSS Analytics Database. To schedule time to discuss or see a demo, contact Jessica Daley.

Special Report: HIMSS10—Atlanta

HIMSS10 Certification Activities Offer Competitive Edge

In today's competitive healthcare market, professional certification distinguishes individuals from their peers. The premier credential in the industry, the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems enhances and promotes the healthcare information and management systems profession. At HIMSS10, attendees can learn more about the benefits of certification and take the first steps to becoming certified. These onsite opportunities include sessions to take the CPHIMS Exam and the Canadian Supplement to the CPHIMS Exam.

CPHIMS Review Course
Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Led by expert instructors who have earned the CPHIMS designation, the CPHIMS Review Course covers key topic categories that may be addressed on the CPHIMS exam. The course features both lecture and interactive discussion and a practice exam. The cost is $250.

CPHIMS Testing Sessions
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 (CPHIMS Exam)
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
1 p.m.-3 p.m.
4 p.m.-5 p.m.(Canadian Supplement to the CPHIMS Exam)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 (CPHIMS Exam)
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Exam sessions at HIMSS10 are offered via laptops (provided). Upon completion, candidates receive immediate results. The preregistration and exam fee deadline is Feb. 12, 2010; exam fees are non-refundable and nontransferable to another person or another administration. Each session is limited to 30 candidates. Exam sessions will be filled on a first-in/first-confirmed basis, so candidates are encouraged to pre-register as soon as possible. The cost is $300 for HIMSS Members and $375 for non-members to take the CPHIMS Exam. The cost to take the Canadian Supplement CPHIMS Exam is $75.

Need more information about CPHIMS? During the HIMSS10 Communities Open House on Monday, March 1, 2010, attendees can network with CPHIMS Technical Committee Members to hear firsthand the benefits of certification. For more information on HIMSS10 certification activities, visit the HIMSS10 Web site. Click here to download the CPHIMS Candidate Handbook.

Organizational Sponsorships Available for HIMSS10 Interoperability Showcase

The Interoperability Showcase is gearing up for another busy series of demonstrations at HIMSS10. At nearly 15,000 square feet the Interoperability Showcase has become one of the largest booths on the HIMSS exhibit floor. More than 70 organizations and vendors showcase a real world, real-time demonstration of complex healthcare environments that are standards-based using IHE and HITSP and provide an early look at other proven and tested standards in the industry. Registration has closed for the Connected Demonstration but the Showcase team is still accepting registrations for Organizational level sponsorships which includes government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. For Organizational sponsorship questions contact Tia Peterson.

Blumenthal Added to HIMSS10 Keynoter Lineup

National Coordinator for Health Information TechnologyDavid Blumenthal, MD, MPP, will be presenting the keynote address, Becoming a Meaningful User of Health IT:  Moving Toward a New Level of Professionalism in Healthcare, on Wednesday, March 3 during the 2010 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in Atlanta. Dr. Blumenthal was appointed national coordinator for health information technology in April 2009. As a practicing primary care physician and leading national healthcare policy expert, Dr. Blumenthal will share his thoughts about ONC’s strategic efforts to advance rapid adoption and the meaningful use of health IT.

HIMSS10 keynote sessions feature today’s newsmakers exploring the mobile technologies changing today’s healthcare market, the business side of healthcare as it impacts delivery of care, and an inspirational tale of heroism and safety amidst crisis. In addition to Dr. Blumenthal, confirmed keynoters are Dan Hesse, CEO, Sprint Nextel Corp.; Sanjay Gupta, MD, senior medical correspondent, CNN; Harry Markopolos, fraud investigator; and Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, III, US Airways pilot, and founder and CEO, Safety Reliability Methods.

Go online for more details on the HIMSS10 keynoters’ lineup, as well as the latest information on HIMSS10 education, the exhibition and networking events.

HIMSS10 Opportunities

Become an Exhibitor at HIMSS10—and Get a Discount on Space

HIMSS Corporate Members receive a $600 discount per 100square feet purchased. As a Corporate Member, HIMSS10 is a unique opportunity to put your company in front of health IT decision-makers from around the globe. Last year, 27,500 attended HIMSS09 in Chicago.

Each 10x10 booth space includes:

*If booth space is confirmed by Dec. 1, 2009.

HIMSS Corporate Member Rate: (discount applied)

For more information, e-mail or call Kelly Laidler, 312-915-9285; Becky Washler, 319-393-3117; or Tia Peterson, 312-915-9232.

Connect with Attendees Before—and After—HIMSS10

Seventy-six percent of trade show attendees decide which exhibits they will visit before they ever step foot into the show. Give your company the competitive edge by alerting current and prospective customers about your HIMSS10 participation.

Exclusively for HIMSS Diamond and Platinum Corporate Members, the pre- and post-show attendee lists are designed for a single-time use to connect with your audience. They include attendee name, title, company name, complete mailing address and a code identifying additional demographics. Fill out the application today. Go online to learn how to become a Diamond or Platinum HIMSS Corporate Member.

Discount on Pavilion Product Sessions

Corporate Members can spotlight their solutions with Pavilion Product Sessions at a discount. These 45-minute sessions allow you to educate attendees on your solutions in a dynamic educational theatre setting on the exhibit floor.

Choose a theatre that best represents your solution or get maximum exposure with multiple sessions: Clinical informatics, EHR/EMR, managing the business of healthcare, ARRA, wireless and mobility, and new solutions at HIMSS10. Fill out the application today.

Senior Executive Reception Opportunity

To become a commercial supporter of the Senior Executive Reception, contact Kelly Laidler, Tia Peterson or Becky Washler. Commercial supporters get three minutes of podium time; collateral material at check-in table; logo on invitation and registration; post-conference list of event attendees; and more.

Vendor Headquarters and Meeting Space

Discounted pricing for Corporate Members. Private meeting spaces are in high demand at the HIMSS10. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure meeting space onsite at the Georgia World Congress Center inside the exhibit hall and/or in public space.

Vendor headquarters are private meeting spaces located in Exhibit Halls B and C. These structures are located on the perimeter of the exhibits and allow companies to host client demos or meetings away from your exhibit space. The interior of the Vendor Headquarters allow you to customize the interior of the space to meet your needs. Complete the contract today.

Securing a meeting space at HIMSS10 offers vendors many convenient benefits, including a private a secure place for client and sales meetings, focus groups, training sessions, relaxation room for staff, and much more.

New for HIMSS10—The Meeting Place. The Meeting Place is a new option offered by HIMSS and offers private meeting options in either public space or Exhibit Halls B and C. HIMSS offers a new solution for companies to conduct business at HIMSS10.  The Meeting Place also provides turnkey furniture options and can be set for conference, theatre, classroom or rounds. Complete the contract today. Vendor Headquarter and Meeting Space FAQ’s also are online.

Corporate Member Benefits at HIMSS10

Senior Executive Reception at HIMSS10

This exclusive reception brings together senior executives from across the spectrum of health IT companies to exchange fresh perspectives and establish new business contacts.  We hope your organization will be represented. The Reception is scheduled for Sunday, February 28, 2010, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Diamond Members receive four complimentary invitations; Platinum Members receive three complimentary invitations; and Gold Members receive two complimentary invitations. Invitations are coming soon. For questions, contact Gail Arnett and Deborah Caruso.

Corporate Member Complimentary Registrations for HIMSS10

As a Corporate Member, your company will receive complimentary registration for HIMSS10. Allotments are determined by Corporate Membership level and HIMSS10 exhibitor status. See below for breakdown:

Diamond
  • Eight full conference registrations
  • 15 exhibitor registrations (if exhibiting at HIMSS10)
Platinum
  • Two full conference registrations
  • Five exhibitor registrations (if exhibiting at HIMSS10)
Gold
  • One full conference registration

HIMSS10 exhibitor: Access these additional badges through the online exhibitor registration site. Not exhibiting at HIMSS10: Receive a code to enter through the online registration site for attendees. Look for an email from Gail Arnett and Deborah Caruso within the next week.

Learn More About Attending or Presenting at the HIMSS10 Venture Fair

The HIMSS10 Health IT Venture Fair and Building Your Health IT Business Program, presented in collaboration with Blank Rome and Howard Burde Health Law LLC is designed to connect the financial community with some of the best health IT investment opportunities available. The Venture Fair is the perfect way for investors to kick-off their participation at HIMSS10. The Venture Fair is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010.

Benefits for investors attending the Venture Fair include:

Attendee registration is open!

Benefits for presenters attending the Venture Fair include:

Online presenter registration is open!

Following is the Venture Fair schedule:
Registration and Networking Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Building Your Health IT Business: 8:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.
(Learn the keys to building a successful Health IT Business)
Networking Lunch: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Company Presentations: 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Presentations by pre-qualified emerging companies seeking venture funding)

For more information, contact Deborah Caruso, 312-915-9505.

Housing Deadline for HIMSS10 Exhibitors

HIMSS10 Focus Groups Registration Opening

Registration for HIMSS10 Focus Groups opened for Diamond Corporate Members on Nov. 9. Registration for Platinum members opens Dec. 7.

HIMSS has several options to assist your company by providing a moderator. HIMSS will recruit up to 15 individuals with a goal of capturing eight to ten individuals for your Focus Group. Information and cost for this service will be included in an e-mail.

Focus Groups are exclusive benefits for Diamond and Platinum members, but slots are filled on a first come, first serve basis. For HIMSS10, the number of available Focus Groups has increased to 42 one-hour sessions. For more information, contact Gail Arnett.

Member Spotlight

Peter A. McClennen
President
dbMotion Inc.
Platinum-level HIMSS Corporate Member

HIMSS: Your company is a Platinum-level HIMSS Corporate Member. What led your company to join HIMSS in the first place?

McClennen: Without question, HIMSS is the premier organization where informatics, customers, vendors and system integrators come together under a single forum. Whenever you think about where you can access those various constituents, HIMSS is the place to do it.

HIMSS: What are some of the ways you leverage your benefits as a HIMSS Corporate Member?

McClennen: We always participate in the Annual Conference. We try to maximize the opportunity, not only to have a technical exhibit but also to be a part of all the associated HIMSS events-whether it is meeting with other vendors, networking with clients or hearing what other people are doing in the industry. We also use that forum as an educational opportunity for ourselves. When we want to get our company's teams up to speed with what is happening in the market, it is the ideal forum. Outside of the annual meeting, we utilize the HIMSS Analytics Database to understand market trends and market needs, and also to target our message and R&D. In addition we are taking a look at the newer HIMSS events, such as the Virtual Conference & Expo.

HIMSS: What role do you imagine your company playing at HIMSS this year, particularly event participation, networking, volunteerism, etc.?

McClennen: We are actually looking at some of the regional activities—meetings that take place around the country. That's probably the primary objective we have with HIMSS right now. We haven't taken advantage of that in the past, so now we are considering it. This will also be the first year we participate in Connectathon and the Interoperability Showcase at HIMSS2010.

HIMSS: Health reform and economic recovery are two major issues affecting the health IT industry. In what ways does your HIMSS membership help your company in the face of such enormous challenges?

McClennen: I think HIMSS has been invaluable in that regard. There is a lot of valuable information on your Web site. We have attended nearly all the Webinars hosted by HIMSS to learn about the latest health reforms-not just about the stimulus, but also to stay on top of the changing nature of what's happening with healthcare in Washington in general. We also leverage HIMSS' global platform in that we are an active member of the European business and Asia.

HIMSS: You were an exhibitor at HIMSS09 last year. What specific challenges or trends in the health IT industry do you see as we draw closer to HIMSS10 in Atlanta?

McClennen: We are working to manage this wave of opportunity that's happened because of ARRA. This is an unprecedented time for healthcare IT and having an understanding of how we can best collaborate across vendors and customers is the most important thing. I think this is where HIMSS is so important---continuing to push the stories and case studies demonstrating the value of true interoperability.

Member Benefits Spotlight

Learn More About HIMSS Related Sponsorship Opportunities

On Oct. 15 HIMSS held a Webinar detailing marketing opportunities for upcoming events with the intent of maximizing your presence in the Healthcare IT Community. If you missed the Webinar or just want to review the material, they are available online. Learn how HIMSS can help you position your company to reach HIT Decision makers. View the recorded presentation. Download the slides.

HIMSS Introduces New RSS Feeds

Making it even easier to stay current with easily accessible and updated information, HIMSS introduces two new RSS feeds—ambulatory information systems and clinical informatics. The HIMSS Web site offers step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for these and other RSS feeds.

HIMSS Advocacy Tools Keep You In the Know

The HIMSS Advocacy and Public Policy Center provides HIMSS members with a number of tools to keep up with health IT, stimulus funding, and healthcare reform activities on Capitol Hill and at the White House, including updates on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, HIMSS Fact Sheets, the Legislative Action Center, and the complimentary monthly e-newsletter, HIMSS Pulse on Public Policy, for timely insight into HIT policy in Washington and around the nation and how it might affect you. If you have plans to be in Washington, DC, the HIMSS Government Relations staff would be happy to help you arrange meetings with your elected officials; please visit the HIMSS Advocacy Toolkit. If you would like to become more involved with HIMSS public policy activities, contact the HIMSS Government Relations team.

Share Your Insights at the HIMSS CDS Wiki

Well executed clinical decision support will be key to achieving many of the meaningful use requirements, e.g. making sure that elderly patients don’t receive drugs that might harm them. The HIMSS CDS Task Force is bringing together implementers to share their insights and best practices for harnessing CDS to address such challenges. Please check out the wiki where these implementation pearls are unfolding, and jump into the process.

Become an ARRA Era Sponsor

The ARRA Era—Taking HIT to the Streets, a one-day conference designed to help hospitals and health systems identify and qualify for funding opportunities from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), is scheduled for Dec. 4, in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, and Jan. 15, 2010, in Chicago.

Pre-qualified buyers have been identified using the HIMSS AnalyticsTM Database and verification process. These buyers are healthcare providers who have indicated they have an EMR purchase planned with no supplier as yet selected.

For more information, please contact Kelly Laidler at 312-915-9285; Becky Washler at 319-393-3117; and Tia Peterson at 312-915-9232.

CM Opportunities

HIMSS to Launch Diversity Business Roundtable for Health IT

HIMSS is excited to announce the launch of the Diversity Business Roundtable for Health IT. This new initiative will enable businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans the opportunity to advocate, collaborate, network and grow as the health IT market prepares for rapid expansion over the next decade.  HIMSS has tremendous resources to help its Corporate members capitalize on ARRA funding and other opportunities to develop their businesses, and invites entrepreneurs who want to be part of the healthcare transformation to join in the inaugural call on Nov. 13, when they can help shape the direction and priorities for the new group.  For more information and to join, contact Arnol Simmons.

Comments Sought on HHS' Proposed Rule Relating to HIPAA and the Use of Genetic Information

Earlier this month, HHS issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that proposes changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule to prohibit health plans from using or disclosing genetic information for underwriting purposes.

The proposed rule modifies the HIPAA Privacy Rule pursuant to GINA Title I to clarify that genetic information is health information and to prohibit the use and disclosure of genetic information by covered health plans for eligibility determinations, premium computations, applications of any pre-existing condition exclusions, and any other activities related to the creation, renewal, or replacement of a contract of health insurance or health benefits.  In combination with the new penalties for violations of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, as provided for by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a use or disclosure of genetic information in violation of the HIPAA Privacy Rule could result in a fine of $100 to $50,000 or more for each violation.

Included in the proposed rule is an opportunity to provide public comments. We are asking that interested members send comments to Mike Kroll, Informatics Coordinator, by 5 p.m. (ET) on Nov. 13.

Join the New HIMSS Ambulatory IS Steering Committee

Ambulatory Practice IS ARRA Work Group will be under the leadership of Dr. Jim Sorace the Ambulatory committee chairperson. This group will be responsible for creating resources and tools to assist Ambulatory practices understand the incentives and the meaningful use requirements for the implementation of EHR's as defined by ARRA. The first meeting will be Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. ET. Contact Jill Redenius for meeting information.

Join the PHR Roundtable Presentation

You are invited to attend the Personal Health Record Roundtable presentation “ Patient Engagement in the Healthcare Process is Critical” by Ashish V. Shah, Senior Vice President and Chief Architect at Medicity. Mr. Ashish will discuss the workflow needs of both the patient and the physician and their importance in the PHR world. This WebEx will take place on Friday, November 13, at 11:30 a.m. EASTERN. If you would like to attend this WebEx, please contact Jill Redenius for meeting access information.

Share Your Stories of Real-World Success on Patient Safety and Quality Outcomes

Emphasizing the link between improvements in healthcare quality and patient safety and health IT, HIMSS is seeking real-world success stories to be peer-reviewed for consideration as a case study in the Stories of Success! Leveraging HIT, Improving Quality & Safety program. ASQ is co-sponsoring the project; the National Quality Forum and The Joint Commission have a representative serving on the case study review group.

A newly developed program, Stories of Success! showcases outstanding accomplishments in the adoption and use of information technology to achieve improved patient safety, quality, effectiveness and efficiency.

A template developed by the work group allows online submission of the case studies, due by Nov. 16. Selected by peer review, the case studies will be posted on the HIMSS Web site and categorized by the goals met from the National Priorities Partnership or The Joint Commission.

Additional educational opportunities with the case studies include a series of quarterly podcasts and a session at HIMSS10.

Upcoming Events

Nov. 12
2009 HITSP Webinar Series: Security, Privacy and Infrastructure

Nov. 15-17
HIMSS Middle East—Health IT Leadership Summit

Nov. 19—10 a.m. (CT)
Microsoft HUG Webcast—The H1N1 Threat to Health and Productivity

Dec. 4
The ARRA Era—Dallas

Dec. 10
2009 HITSP Webinar Series: Quality Measures Real World Sites

Jan. 11-15, 2010
IHE 2010 North American Connectathon

Jan 15, 2010
The ARRA Era—Chicago

March 1-4, 2010
HIMSS Interoperability Showcase

March 1-4, 2010
HIMSS10—Atlanta

May 26-28, 2010
HIMSS AsiaPac 10

Note: The inclusion of an organization name, product or service in this publication should not be construed as a HIMSS endorsement of such organization, product or service, nor is the failure to include an organization name, product or service to be construed as disapproval.