10 Reasons NPfIT is Making the NHS Even Better
by Matthew James

1. NPfIT is the National Programme for IT, and is being rolled out throughout the National Health Service. All NHS locations, from rural doctors surgeries to world leading hospitals, will benefit.

2. The NPfIT is the largest civil IT programme ever, and is charged with implementing new computer systems and communication technology in the NHS. This ensures that all hardware and software is compatible, and that systems are fully integrated between departments, sectors and locations.

3. NPfIT will make the lives of patients easier as any medical staff will be able to access a patients records electronically. For example, casualty staff can see patients records electronically, and can see what medication or allergies the patient has, no matter where the patients doctors surgery is. This information can be accessed in seconds, and doesnt require the patient to remember their whole medical history.

4. NPfIT will make medical staffs jobs easier because they can have access to the information they need within seconds, no matter where it may be located. Sharing patient records between departments and locations will make it easier for medical staff to diagnose and treat patients in a timely manner. Missed appointments will be reduced and so NHS resources can be better used.

5. NPfIT will save the NHS and the taxpayer over 120 million each year.

6. NPfIT will ensure that patient records are up to date and available no matter where the patient is. If a patient has treatment in a different town or hospital, or dental work done, their medical records will be instantly updated to reflect this.

7. Patients will no longer have to give the same information to several different healthcare professionals during the course of their treatment. A patients medical records will show what treatment they have had, so reading the records will provide the information that medical staff need.

8. Patients can see their test results online at home, so that they dont need to visit a hospital or their doctors surgery. This will be much more convenient, especially for those who are unable to travel, perhaps due to their current medical condition, as well as those who rely on public transport or on carers. Patients can also book and rearrange their appointments online, at the time and location most convenient to them.

9. Lost medical records will be a thing of the past, as electronic records will bring about an end to paper based records. There will be no transporting records all over the country via courier or taxi. Patient records wont be able to be left in places where they shouldnt be, or accessible by the general public.

10. Security is paramount. Smartcards are issued to staff once they have sufficiently proved their identity to the Registration Authority. These Smartcards are used to authenticate medical staff which can then grant them access to patient data. Different types of staff will need different levels of access. A receptionist or a dentist wont need the same information as a brain surgeon, or a contagious disease specialist. The Smartcard will only allow access to the information that person needs to do their job.

NPfIT is revolutionising the NHS, and proving to be incredibly beneficial for both patients and medical staff alike.

Are Doctors Paying Attention to EMR Software?
by Robert Bell

Electronic Medical Records got a ringing endorsement from Senator Hillary Clinton at a January campaign stop, which may be an omen of increased discussion between now and November.

Many of the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) increase the complexity of operating a paper-based office. With the burden of compliance landing squarely on the shoulders of the medical establishment, many practices are turning to electronic medical records software, automating functions that once required physical paperwork. Since technology drives public policy, a new concern has made its way onto the federal radar: theft of electronic medical records.

In the interests of ensuring the security of patient records, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last year began a process of unannounced HIPAA audits; this forces offices and hospitals to be consistently up-to-date in policies and practices involving patient records. In this environment, its easy to contract with an EMR software company, assuming that theyve handled everything in the complex world of medical legality.

Offices who turn to EMR software should be advised: be doubly certain any system you purchase is HIPAA-compliant, since any legal action is likely to be directed at you. Things to look for in ensuring HIPAA compliance from your EMR software include:

- Digital signatures and encryption on all patient information.

- An intra-office database (rather than one stored on another server).

- Safe, secure backup capability.

Since the inception of HIPAA and the takeoff of the EMR trend, there are now many agencies in the business of independent HIPAA audits. In your search for EMR software, look for software that has already been certified as HIPAA-compliant, preferably by multiple independent organizations.

The User-Friendly Mammography Machine

Radiologists working at mammography clinics need a mammography workstation that enables them to process their workload thoroughly yet expediently. However, if you work at a smaller clinic, then you have probably noticed that affordable pacs are hard to come by. That is, until you use the Imagegrid mammography workstation. Integrated to connect workstations to front offices, hospitals and offices around the country as needed, this mammography machine relies on the Internet for speed and accessibility.This system focuses on pacs workstations that are volumetric imaging workstations. This means that you can view, store and retrieve patient images quickly and very easily. Radiologists will also benefit from the integrated volumetric imaging workstations, that also allow you to do your dictation, play it back, as well as create and review reports and images all at the same time. The mammography viewer allows doctors to view images taken in different modalities, including the computed tomography or CT scan and MRI, magnetic resonance imaging. Customization of the system is entirely possible, allowing it to be adjusted to fit your offices’ particular unique needs. Procedures, facilities, staff roles, data that must be pre-configured, all of these important areas are customizable to suit your purposes. For your convenience, the system can be accessed remotely, and authentication and applications can be optimized according to user needs.Your front office mammography clinic staff will find ris pacs to be a one-stop workstation. Get appointments scheduled flexibly and accurately with a color coded schedule, retrieve patient records and input new patient information easily when you use pacs workstations. Reports are quickly generated and procedures, even multiple procedures, can be scheduled at the same time, streamlining the front office work load. Transcription is an important part of the paperwork that occurs in a mammography medical office. You will want a pac that is compatible with your transcription program, and the Imagegrid is exactly that.Nurses and technologists will also appreciate the fully functional mammography workstation. Medical information about patients, including allergies and other statistics, can be digitally entered and recorded. A document scanner with import capabilities makes it possible to transmit and retrieve forms easily when needed.A mammography viewer needs to be flexible, customizable, and affordable for it to be usable by smaller doctors’ groups and clinics. Ris pacs are affordable pacs that are full of features that everyone on your radiology team will appreciate for its ease of use. The Imagegrid affordable pacs made possible by superior technology combined with lightning fast Internet access will make you happy every time you report to work. A mammography machine with these kinds of capabilities and at an affordable price will maximize the work done at your office with easy performance.

Medical Billing/Coding Services: A Boon for Doctors

There are many small clinics and specialist doctors who have a very good practice but have very little spare time to spend and be involved in organizing their office papers and execute the entire medical coding /claims / billing. It is important that someone has to successfully look into all aspects of medical billing/coding so that there are no errors. Neglecting this area of operations can be dangerous and prove to be costly. The physician can be free himself from all hassles by just outsourcing the entire process to a reliable medical billing service company. It will leave him with plenty of time to concentrate on his core work of treating the patients and other related office operations.There are some basic requirements today that have to be followed. It is of foremost importance that all patient data and related information /papers are filed and organized properly. There has to be some employee or office staff who will carefully organize every single piece of paper and information that may contain patient information/ demographics scans etc. Even loosing a small piece of information / bill could mean loss of money for both the doctor and the patient. It may sound exaggerated but money lost because of these missing bits of paper usually run into thousands of dollars annually.A good Billing service company will help to,Train your staff perfectlyInstall billing softwareKeep all claims organizedReduce claim timeIncrease earningsWith a good EMR (Electronic Medical record) in place the doctor has to just enter the basic information into the computer using the online billing software and the rest will be handled by the billing company. What are the advantages of using a web based medical billing software?Can retrieve patient records in an instant.Can check old bills/ claims anytimeAll records are stored with high securityNo lost dataQuick claim processing possibleCan be integrated with any office automation software used in the clinicRecords accessible 24 hrs a dayCan integrate patient scheduling alsoDictation for transcription possibleClearing house service availableReduced rejection of claimsThus it is indeed a boon for the “one man show” type physicians /specialist to outsource their entire medical coding / billing to an online professional company.

Use Dicom Printers For Ease in Teleradiology Distribution

Dicom Solutions offer affordable PACS software and systems suitable for smaller medical centers, imaging centers, radiology departments, small clinics, chiropractic and orthopedic clinics, podiatry offices, dental, and veterinary offices. You can select from a full suite of DICOM Solutions the specific components, including dicom printers, which can be added onto your current system in stages, making the transition to digital imaging easier and even more cost effective.Small medical offices are finding that computed radiology, or cr, solutions offer a perfect answer for the issues raised by meeting HIPAA standards of retention of patient records for seven to ten years. Trying to store this much hard copy patient data requires a large storage area, as well as technicians whose job it is to file, sort and retrieve the data as needed. Now with PACS software, all you need is a personal computer and server, and you are good to go. The dicom archive is also a major benefit if a disaster strikes. All it takes is one major flood or hurricane, and you could be out years of patient data. However, it is a simple matter to perform digital backups both in office and off-site, so that in cases of emergency your important information is kept safe. The dicom archive is also very easy for doctors to use, because digital images can be brought up online and compared, a huge benefit for mammography and oncology offices. Consultations between doctors can occur online through the use of the archived medical images, even if the doctors are countries apart, via the world wide web. There are times, however, when hard copies of digital images must be made, and dicom printers are there for all your digital printing distribution needs. Many printers are powerful yet compact, so that you can place them near your cr workstations and they will take up very small footprints. Printers vary according to the size of media, so you will want to consult the particular printer’s product details in order to compare printers and find the one that is best suited to your particular medical requirements. You will also want a printer that is compatible with the dicom software in place on the pc, and this is why the dicom printers are perfectly suited to the task. Printers that offer color imaging are also available. You will want to make sure that any printer you are considering is FDA approved, and will make prints quickly. Some printers will print films in any modality, while others specialize in certain ones, so check to ensure that the printer will meet your unique needs. Dicom printers offer a wealth of versatility that will make your CR solutions more customized to meet your particular medical office’s needs at the best price.

Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is a computer-based system of entering, automating, and sharing medical information. EMR is designed to increase the efficiency of patient record-keeping and sharing valuable health information between various medical specialists. The ideal EMR software system would work on a patient-by-patient basis, be easy to use and easily accessed by any number of hospitals, practices, clinics, and specialists. It would contain information needed by the system from blood pressure and weight to address, phone number, and the name of an insurance provider. Finally, to allay the fears that patient records might be publicly accessed through Google, security and privacy considerations are critical. Because EMR implementation is such a tremendous task, many companies have jumped onto the bandwagon as providers - but not all are created equal. There are, however, a number of questions you should ask when choosing your EMR partner. 1. Do you have a strong partner for long-term viability, support and service? Having a strong partner will allow your investment to be maximized by using them as a consultant as your practice is met with new demands. 2. Does the solution have a solid foundation and technology that is stable, compatible, and flexible? In the ever-changing environment of healthcare, a flexible and standard technological base - such as Microsoft SQL - allows for adaptation and change. As new measures or standards are added to the different aspects of the patient record, a solidly founded EMR can quickly adapt to these needs. 3. Is the solution CCHIT compliant today and in the future? CCHIT is quickly becoming the standard for system interoperability. As the healthcare industry broadens to patient records from practice or provider records, the ability to communicate with other systems while maintaining patient confidentiality will be critical. 4. Does the system allow you to manage your practice’s records using your methodology? Each practice, provider and specialist differs on how they practice medicine and chart patient information. Since many EMR solutions focus on primary care, they are not equipped to meet the needs of specialties like cardiology, orthopedics, or urology - to name a few. A solution with specific content for individual specialties means higher levels of documentation, faster encounters, and better coding. 5. Does the solution provide a solid business case that meets your goals and offers a solid ROI for the coming years? There is a difference between a system that improves a practice’s documentation and one that will show a significant return on investment and offer a plan to meet its objectives. When considering an EMR system, a practice should base their choice on the total cost of ownership - not simply the price tag. Electronic Medical Records are not restricted by the limitations of paper. The result of EMR implementation would be a sea change as the medical industry closes in on full participation, addressing the many problems of paper with the power of the computer. For more information on EMR software, visit GBS Corp’s web site at www.gbscorp.com

Digital photography and imaging has reshaped the radiology medical field. That, along with the use of speedy computers, makes it possible for your small medical office or clinic to find an affordable pacs solution such as the Candelis imagegrid. This offers radiology departments and mammography imaging centers with the technology they need at a price they can afford, to the benefit of your patients. You can work at the lightning-fast speeds available online when you use pacs, or picture archive and communication systems, such as the Candelis imagegrid as the foundation of your mammography workstation. The workstation allows you to view CT scans and MRIs quickly and easily, store them in large numbers and retrieve them as needed. Pacs such as candelis pacs can also work as part of a ris pacs system. A radiology information system allows you and your office staff to organize and store patient information with ease. You can schedule patient appointments, create reports and access patient records quickly and accurately through the use of your pacs workstations used in combination with ris. You will also want to ensure that your mammography viewer is compatible with your transcription pedals, so a customizable and flexible system such as those from Candelis are a must for a busy mammography clinic. Patient information can quickly and easily be entered into a computerized mammography workstation such as a Candelis pacs. Because the mammography viewer can be used by multiple medical specialists and technicians through the Internet, your patients will benefit from the ease of authorized medical personnel access to their important medical information, which leads to better patient care. A mammography workstation can help you get your dictation, reports and image storage and retrieval done in the fewest possible steps. This allows for streamlined office function, saved time and a better end result for both you and your patients. The system is also customizable to suit your particular medical office’s needs in a computerized workstation. One of the best features that your mammography workstation can bring to your medical office is the protection that it provides in terms of digital archiving. Although hard copies of patient records and images take up a great deal of room, when you convert to a digital system you can store your records on CDs and DVDs in practically no space at all. Time is saved on record retrieval when your system is digital, and accuracy is vastly improved.

Despite the fact that electronic medical record programs and services are in demand, many have remained skeptical about them. But an article on the American Academy of Family Practice has shown that it may be a feasible option. The piece addresses all queries and hesitations on the efficiency of the service and the systems themselves.

First, the battle is between using the usual paper and file based medical records and using an electronic medical record software method that turns everything digital. Many may wonder, if it isn’t broken why fix it? But with the rising patient numbers, any product that would lessen the health care professionals’ time handling papers and increase patient visits is a good thing.

The promise of technology with an electronic medical record service is the capacity to quickly and easily obtain patient records from virtually anywhere and quickly and accurately make correct diagnosis.

Skepticism involved questions on the software’s accuracy with records, operational costs, and difficulty of use. Some are skeptical about giving their patients’ private history under the care of an electronic medical record company. We list the issues raised here:

- A doctor can still be efficient even without these electronic record keeping products.

- The price may be too high.

- It might not be HIPPA regulated.

- It might be too difficult to understand and would only waste very important time.

- What will become of the physical records if the transition to computerized form happens?

- There are so many electronic record service providers to choose from.

Electronic medical record programs will at first have a high cost to them without doubt. Money is recovered via the increase in patient care, reductions in paperwork and associated costs for equipment, supplies and staffing and in centralizing information and data and health records. Compare it with medical transcription, which costs as high as $25,000 and you’ll notice the difference.

HIPPA compliance concerns are also not a setback, as electronic medical record packages all meet HIPPA standards. As regards ease of operation, while it could take time to learn, it’s really not difficult to master, given a very user-friendly interface. Customer hotlines are even available at all times for all concerns and queries.

Using an electronic medical record service has also been proven to tack on some minutes to each patient consultation and even allows real-time updating. Some opt to store their records for a year first, before turning over to electronic records firms.

Regarding the specific program that the physician should use, it really depends on the purpose. Shopping around and reading articles and reviews about the programs in the market first will allow you to bag the most appropriate suite.

Your medical practice can greatly gain from the appropriate kind of electronic medical record software. Electronic medical records software is quickly taking the place of paper documents these days.

Electronic Medical Record Software Advantages:

- The efficiency of your practice improves. This is because the data is easier to maintain.

- Time consuming and long paperwork that add to your overhead expenses will be eliminated.

- No paperwork represents less space required to save and store your documents.

- When you use EMR software, data is easily accessible.

- Users are provided with password access so the data is secured and confidentiality is maintained. There’s less danger of unauthorized users gaining access to data as opposed to paperwork documentation. History of who accessed and edited data is also on hand.

- Data is backed up 3-4 times each day and a duplicate of it is also saved in an off-site facility.

- Physicians can go into patient records fast so they can be better cared for.

- Electronic prescriptions lessen mistakes that pharmacists may make because of the illegible handwriting of the physician.

- Electronic medical record software also means huge savings on the cost of transcription.

- You may be provided with a discount on your malpractice insurance if you have reliable EMR software installed.

- Time is saved by allowing multiple user access to records.

- Remote access to the data is given.

- You can improve your practice’s administration by analying the trends.

- They can be easily integrated with other databases and systems and are also easy to use and install.

EMR software is truly a worthwhile investment as it improves efficiency in administration to provide enhanced patient care. This depends on your selection of vendor, though. Find an established vendor with an excellent track record. Your provider must be able to give adequate support and good customer service and must be able to conduct on-site or web-based training. As long as it complies with HL7 or HIPAA requirements, you can go for either the cheaper web-based service or a full scale software package.

You should be sure that the product is just how you want it. Know all the fees associated with the EMR software. Know if upgrades are free or at least, discounted. For better integration, buy a medical practice management software from the same firm, or find a product that can do both.

Electronic Medical Records got a ringing endorsement from Senator Hillary Clinton at a January campaign stop, which may be an omen of increased discussion between now and November.

Many of the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) increase the complexity of operating a paper-based office. With the burden of compliance landing squarely on the shoulders of the medical establishment, many practices are turning to electronic medical records software, automating functions that once required physical paperwork. Since technology drives public policy, a new concern has made its way onto the federal radar: theft of electronic medical records.

In the interests of ensuring the security of patient records, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last year began a process of unannounced HIPAA audits; this forces offices and hospitals to be consistently up-to-date in policies and practices involving patient records. In this environment, it’s easy to contract with an EMR software company, assuming that they’ve handled everything in the complex world of medical legality.

Offices who turn to EMR software should be advised: be doubly certain any system you purchase is HIPAA-compliant, since any legal action is likely to be directed at you. Things to look for in ensuring HIPAA compliance from your EMR software include:

- Digital signatures and encryption on all patient information.

- An intra-office database (rather than one stored on another server).

- Safe, secure backup capability.

Since the inception of HIPAA and the takeoff of the EMR trend, there are now many agencies in the business of independent HIPAA audits. In your search for EMR software, look for software that has already been certified as HIPAA-compliant, preferably by multiple independent organizations.