What's New

HIMSS07 Offers Attendees Outstanding Education, Exhibits & Networking

The 2007 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition brought some 24,000-plus attendees and 900 exhibitors to New Orleans from Feb. 25-March 1. Keynote and Views from the Top speakers, as well as presenters for more than 300 education sessions, shared their insights and perspectives on healthcare IT and management systems topics.

This edition of the HIMSS Weekly Insider brings readers to the conference with the photos below. Look for additional conference updates in the weeks ahead.

HIMSS07 attendees enjoy the New Orleans weather outside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

With more than 4,200 people in the auditorium, Gen. Colin Powell shares his perspective on the political world and civilian life with HIMSS07 attendees.

The exhibit floor attracted some 900 exhibitors at the 2007 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans.

New Location Announced For AHIC Meeting On March 13

The American Health Information Community announced a change in the location for the March 13 meeting, according to an announcement in the Thursday, March 1, edition of the Federal Register. The new meeting location will be at the Computer History Museum, 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, Calif. The meeting will be held on March 13, from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. PDT. Visit the AHIC Web site for more information.

Tools & Resources

Show Your Spirit & Wear HIMSS Gear

HIMSS Gear was launched at the 2007 Annual Conference & Exhibition. It is now available to all members. It is also an opportunity for you to purchase great logo gear. Items include: shirts, hats, visors, mugs, water bottles and more! Plus, for every item purchased $1 will be donated to the HIMSS Foundation. Order your HIMSS Gear today!

HIMSS Webinars Offer At-Your-Desk Education

Mark your calendars for these HIMSS webinars. Both sessions are Web-based programs using the Microsoft Live Meeting console. Audio is accessed via a phone bridge.

Building a Community Foundation for a RHIO
Date: March 21
Time: 1-2 p.m. CDT

Speaker:
David S. Szabo, Partner, Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP, Boston, Mass.

Register online.

Nursing Informatics Webinar: Supporting Evidence-Based Practice Through Standardized Nursing Language
Date: March 28
Time: 1-2 p.m. CDT

Speakers:
Vivienne Smith, MS, RN, Informatics Nurse Specialist, University of Colorado Hospital, Denver, Colo.
Kathy Smith MS, PMC, RN, Informatics Nurse Specialist, University of Colorado Hospital, Denver, Colo.

Register online.

 

Five Questions

William Yasnoff, MD, PhD
Managing Partner
NHII Advisors

Health Record Banks: An Emerging Healthcare Information Infrastructure

Bills to establish a regulatory framework for health record banks have been introduced in both Houses of Congress; however, these bills have yet to become laws. According to Dr. William Yasnoff, PhD, managing partner of NHII Advisors, a new version of the Independent Health Record Bank Act of 2006 will be introduced during the next session of Congress. The HIMSS Weekly Insider recently spoke with Dr. Yasnoff about the necessary next steps for the vision of health record banking to become a reality.

HIMSS: What are the primary rationales for health record banks?

Dr. Yasnoff: Communities are finding the development of systems that provide "anytime, anywhere” healthcare information to be quite challenging. Health record banking addresses their key problems:

• Privacy: By giving consumers clear ownership and control of their complete electronic records, each person is empowered to establish and maintain their customized privacy policy.
• Financial sustainability: Initially, this can come from small monthly fees for health record banking accounts; a 2005 national survey found 52 percent of consumers were willing to pay $5 per month or more. Later, as the healthcare savings are clearly demonstrated and the value of aggregate information increases, other revenue sources may be engaged to reduce, and perhaps eliminate, these fees.
• Interoperability: By requiring all health record banks to use the same data standards for deposits and withdrawals, everyone in the healthcare system needs just one identical interface. Also, since each patient's complete record is located in a single bank, none of the banks need to communicate with any other bank to retrieve data for a particular patient.
• EHR incentives for physicians: Banks could pay for deposits of standard electronic reports of outpatient encounters generated by office EHRs.  Alternatively, the bank could provide no-cost access to an application service provider (ASP) model EHR in exchange for transfer of information generated into patients' accounts.

HIMSS: How would such health record banks manage data differently than today’s financial institutions?

Dr. Yasnoff: One key difference between a health record bank and a financial bank is they are primarily custodians of money, with information as a by-product.  In a health record bank, the information is the "money" and must be treated as such. So health record banks need to be even more careful with information than financial banks. For example, health record banks need outside "privacy and confidentiality" audits to assure information is being handled properly in accordance with consumer instructions. Health record banks would also benefit from regulation formalizing in law the ownership of the records by the consumer and the responsibility of the health record bank to strictly follow each consumer's instructions about releasing information.

HIMSS: Why is privacy & security the primary challenge of such a network?

Dr. Yasnoff: Having an institution as the custodian for all or a major portion of the electronic medical records in a community requires an extraordinary level of trust. A legal "trust" relationship between a health record bank and its customers (similar to a "trust account" in a financial bank) would be very helpful in reassuring consumers the bank is acting solely on their behalf in holding their complete medical records and making them available only as they direct.

HIMSS: What are the potential benefits of Independent Health Record Banks?

Dr. Yasnoff: The potential benefits include providing consumer-controlled, complete medical records that can improve quality, reduce errors and increase the efficiency of healthcare; enhancing privacy protection through consumer control; allowing consumer-approved secondary use of individual and aggregate medical record information for public heath and medical research; promoting the use of EHRs by physicians by either paying small fees for deposits or providing ASP-model EHRs at no charge; and doing all these things at a reasonable cost that is financially sustainable.

HIMSS: Why are you so passionate about healthcare IT?

Dr. Yasnoff: I believe it is essential for the healthcare system to adopt HIT now to improve productivity. Otherwise, the increased demand from the baby boomers may strain the system beyond its limits.

 

Meet Our Members

Maggie Lohnes, RN, CPHIMS, FHIMSS
Administrator, Clinical Information Management
MultiCare Health System

Maggie Lohnes, RN, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, is administrator of clinical information management at MultiCare Health System, one of the largest providers of key medical services in Washington’s Pierce County, South King County and Southwest region. She is charged with a range of responsibilities, including health information management, clinical application support, clinical informatics as well as community outreach. Previously, she worked for Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, Calif., where she advanced from supervisor of medical records transcription to coordinator of clinical informatics to information systems manager.

As a HIMSS member since 1993, Ms. Lohnes has provided exceptional leadership to HIMSS efforts. Currently, she is chair of the HIMSS Advocacy Legislation and Regulation Review Task Force and vice chair of the HIMSS Advocacy and Public Policy Steering Committee. Ms. Lohnes’ extraordinary support of HIMSS Advocacy efforts and work to ensure representation of the clinician perspective in all policy positions was demonstrated when she personally recruited more than 15 industry experts to serve on the Legislation and Regulation Review Task Force, which reviews new legislation and regulations as well as develops HIMSS position statements and white papers. For her outstanding efforts, Ms. Lohnes was the recipient of the “Spirit of HIMSS” Award in September 2006.

Beyond her volunteer duties with HIMSS, Ms. Lohnes is the founding member of the South Sound Health Information Exchange, a member of the CalRHIO Technology Committee, a member of the Health-e-LA Interim Leadership Committee and coordinator of the San Gabriel Valley RHIO.

According to Ms. Lohnes, the Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition is her career touchstone and one particular event during this year’s conference was extremely valuable to her.

“Though it’s hard to choose from events such as meeting the governor of Tennessee, moderating the RHIO Symposium, accomplishing an extraordinary number of vendor meetings to discuss our organization’s needs, it was a site visit that made this year’s conference exceed any other,” she said. “A small group of us were encouraged to visit a small healthcare provider, a home health nurse practitioner who cares for the indigent geriatric population left behind after Hurricane Katrina. Sharmaine Lawson’s energy, spirit and devotion to her patients—and her demonstration of health information technology’s value in preserving patient records—left even the most seasoned Beltway insider humbled, and it reminded us of the importance of continuing our advocacy efforts to support improved patient care.”

Did You Know

The 2001 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans introduced:

• “Views from the Top” education sessions with nationally recognized speakers who are experts on key industry topics.
• HIMSS Bookstore with HIMSS publications at special prices for attendees.
• New education tracks on e-Health, international and patient safety.

Calling All Members

Apply Now: HIMSS Committee Applications Open Through March 8

Share your expertise, ideas and insights with other healthcare IT leaders. Join a HIMSS committee and make a difference in the future of healthcare IT.

HIMSS is currently seeking volunteer members to serve on committees for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. Interested members must submit electronically the application form through March 8 to serve on the following steering committees and committees:

• Advocacy and Public Policy
• AFEHCT Financial Systems
• Ambulatory Information Systems
• CPHIMS Technical
• Enterprise Information Systems
• Membership
• MS-HUG
• Personal Health Record
• Privacy & Security
• Patient Safety and Quality Outcomes
• Nursing Informatics

Applicants must provide contact information for themselves and three professional references, details about prior HIMSS and other leadership experience, and a brief essay stating why they would like to serve on a committee. Committee participation is open to all individual and corporate HIMSS members who are not serving in other leadership positions within the Society. The HIMSS Board of Directors chair-elect will appoint individuals to serve for two years, with the opportunity to serve an additional term on the recommendation of the committee chair, board liaison(s) and staff liaison. Contact Joan Flagg via e-mail or call at 734.477.0862 with any questions.

Cisco & HIMSS Partner To Create New Users Group

The Community for Connected Health is a new users group created by Cisco and HIMSS. It is dedicated to the sharing of best practices for using information delivered via medical-grade networks to enable healthcare that is safe, timely, efficient and patient-centered. The core focus is to provide value to the members-caregivers, end users, CIOs, and other IT professionals through education, networking, and access to Cisco healthcare and technology experts. As a member of HIMSS, it costs you nothing to participate in the Community for Connected Health, yet the benefits to your professional development are invaluable. For more information, go to the Web site. To join, send an e-mail with your contact details.

Call for Participation - HITSP Technical Committees

The Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel Technical Committees and Work Groups have begun to address harmonization work for v. 2.0 of the current Interoperability Specifications and the new Emergency Responder EHR Use Case. Three new use cases expected in April will focus on:

• Medication management
• Consumer access to clinical information
• Quality (inpatient and ambulatory quality measures and clinician access)

HIMSS members can contribute to the HITSP project, so consider volunteering and actively participating in one or all of the following HITSP Technical Committees and Work Groups:

• Population Health
• Consumer Empowerment
• Care Delivery
• Security and Privacy Work Group

Requirements for committee participation are:

1. Your organization is a member of HITSP.
2. Your expertise is in any of the following areas:
   • Healthcare information technology (HIT) and systems
   • HIT standards development and implementation
   • Healthcare providers/clinicians/informaticists
   • Healthcare information technology vendors/suppliers

Participation is via regular conference calls in addition to the following face-to-face meetings:

May 8-10/Arlington, Va.
June 18-20/San Diego, Calif.
September 4-6/Arlington, Va.

If you would like to volunteer for a HITSP Technical Committee, contact Jessica Kant, standards harmonization coordinator, HIMSS, via e-mail. Visit the HITSP Web site for further information.

Deadlines Approaching–Apply Now For Davies Awards Program

Be a recognized healthcare IT leader and apply now for the HIMSS Nicholas E. Davies Awards of Excellence. Applications are now open for the awards.
 
View the Award Application Process Guidelines on the HIMSS Web site.

Public Health Davies Award initiated in 2004
7 public health entities recognized to date
Applications due March 16

Organizational Davies Award initiated in 1995
24 healthcare organizations recognized to date
Applications due March 30

Ambulatory Care Davies Award initiated in 2003
13 practices recognized to date
Applications due April 30

Contact David Collins for more information.

Take The 2007 Special Interest Group Survey

HIMSS Special Interest Groups are an invaluable community within HIMSS. Member-driven and forward-thinking, SIGs are at the forefront of important industry discussion. HIMSS needs your feedback to help shape the program according to your needs. Plus... add your contact information after completing the survey and you’ll be entered to win a HIMSS Membership Renewal.

2007 CEO IT Achievement Award Nominations Open

The annual CEO IT Achievement Award recognizes one or more healthcare industry chief executive officers who demonstrate leadership and commitment to using information technology to advance their healthcare organization's strategic goals. Modern Healthcare and HIMSS will honor the 2007 CEO IT Achievement Award recipients at a VIP breakfast event Tuesday, June 26, during the 2007 HIMSS Summit. Following the breakfast, Summit attendees will hear from award recipients themselves regarding the implementation of their successful IT programs. Nominate your CEO today!

 

Save the Date

Early Bird Discount Deadline April 10! - RHIO/HIE Connecting Communities Regional Forums: Creating the Vision… Living the Reality

An exclusive series in collaboration with the eHealth Initiative and HIMSS

Regional health information organizations (RHIOs) and health information exchange (HIEs) initiatives are ramping up for dynamic growth! Communities across the United Sates are mobilizing healthcare information across organizations to deliver clinical results and information to physicians and other health care providers at the point of care. Connecting Community Forums are designed to provide key insights and practical advice to these state, regional and community-based initiatives. The forums bring together industry leaders to share their experience and knowledge regarding RHIO and HIE development. Earn up to 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits (TM) and up to 8.7 contact hours of continuing education credits towards renewal of the CPHIMS credential.

To Register:
Orlando, Fla. – May 3
Boston, Mass. – May 10

 

More Upcoming Events

May 10-15
HIMSS AsiaPac 2007 Annual Conference & Exhibition
The agenda for HIMSS AsiaPac 2007 features keynotes and thought-leader speakers, more than 40 education sessions, real-world case studies, a hands-on trade exhibit with interoperability demonstrations, networking forums, professional development opportunities and much more.

May 14
HIMSS Advocacy Day/Health IT Day on Capitol Hill
HIMSS Advocacy Day/Health IT Day on Capitol Hill brings healthcare IT advocates to Washington, D.C., to ensure healthcare IT public policy issues continue to take center stage. Advocacy Day 2007 will be held on May 15.

May 14-18
National Health IT Week
National Health IT Week is the nation’s only fully collaborative annual forum where public and private sector organizations unite to foster widespread healthcare IT adoption.

Chapter Calendar

HIMSS Utah Chapter Hot Topics from the 2007 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition

Wednesday, March 14
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
University of Utah CAMT Building
Map to CAMT

The HIMSS Utah Chapter has planned a comprehensive luncheon and educational event discussing hot topics from the HIMSS07 conference held in New Orleans from Feb. 25-March 1. Those who were unable to attend the annual conference will have the opportunity to hear important industry updates and developments.  The event will begin with a complimentary lunch, and following speakers will give an overview of the week’s highlights. Please register by Monday, March 12, to attend the educational luncheon.

For more information on the HIMSS Utah Chapter, visit the Chapter's Web site.

Visit the HIMSS Chapter Calendar on the HIMSS Web site to find the chapter meeting in your area.