Humana using online videos, social media to explain healthcare

(11/24/2008)

Humana is trying to help consumers better understand healthcare through a new media experience called "Stay Smart, Stay Healthy." It takes complex healthcare topics and puts them into easy-to-understand video clips. It also includes a full complement of social media outlets, including a Facebook presence and YouTube channel. The videos address why healthcare is so expensive, explains consumer-driven healthcare, and deciphers acronyms such as HSA, HMO, and FSA.

-

More tech firms to tap into healthcare market share

(11/25/2008)

Technology firms that traditionally have not been involved in healthcare may attempt to tap into the industry. Reuters reports that a growing number of technology companies are considering foraying into healthcare to claim a piece of the $2.5 trillion market in the United States. Several companies have started developing tools to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient care, Reuters says. In addition to Google and Microsoft's new online personal health record applications, Intel introduced a patient monitoring system to help doctors remotely track patients with chronic diseases. Companies with a history in the healthcare market, such as General Electric and Phillips, are expected to increase their efforts. General Electric's $17 billion healthcare unit estimates its technology sector could grow to a $5 billion–$7 billion business, up from the estimated 10% of revenue it currently represents, Reuters says.
-

Availity and Prematics Launch First Comprehensive E-Prescribing Service For Florida Physicians

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. and VIENNA, Va., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Availity, L.L.C. and Prematics(TM) today announced the launch of CarePrescribe(SM), the first fully-managed, easy-to-use electronic prescribing service offered at no charge to physicians throughout Florida. After a three-month controlled deployment with select physician practices in the Miami and Tampa areas, the service is now available to prescribers state-wide.

The Availity(R) CarePrescribe(SM) service is a registered solution with ePrescribe America. It is integrated across the Prematics and Availity network platforms, making it accessible through the Availity Health Information Network, a secure online health information exchange, and through a handheld system provisioned by Prematics. CarePrescribe offers physicians a no-cost, seamless solution for eliminating medication errors, streamlining practice productivity, and making patients' lives easier. Availity and Prematics are deploying CarePrescribe with support from Humana and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, which were instrumental in bringing the solution to Florida physicians.
.

Allscripts' ePrescribe integration is live with Google Health

Allscripts' ePrescribe integration is live with Google Health, the company reports. According to Allscripts, the partnership provides physicians with a new means of sharing medication history securely over the Internet with their patients via Google Health. If a patient's physician uses the Allscripts ePrescribe solution, he or she can ask for a secure personal identification number from the physician to establish a sharing link between the e-prescribing and Google Health, allowing the patient to securely import medication history, allergies, and conditions into his or her Google Health Account. The Web-based e-prescribing solution from Allscripts has been offered free of charge to every physician in the United States via the National ePrescribing Patient Safety Initiative (NEPSI). Allscripts is a national cosponsor of NEPSI and Google is the search sponsor.

Docs want more specialty-specific mobile applications

Skyscape: Docs want more specialty-specific mobile applications

Physicians would like to have more specialty-specific tools on mobile applications. That's according to a new Skyscape white paper, Demand for Clinical Information via PDA by Specialty Physicians. Among the half of all U.S. physicians who use PDA/smartphone-based mobile applications, two-thirds say their PDA/smartphone is essential to their clinical practice. Yet nearly three-quarters say they would like more access to specialty-specific drug references, clinical applications, and medical tools/alerts on mobile applications. According to Skyscape, this could indicate a way for pharma to better engage and communicate with specialists through technology solutions.

Epocrates for iPhone big hit with physician users

In the first month of availability, more than 125,000 users, including 25,000 U.S. physicians, downloaded the Epocrates Rx drug and formulary software for the iPhone. Epocrates conducted surveys among 607 physicians and consumers to evaluate how the iPhone is being used to support clinical decisions and ensure medication safety. Nearly 80% report using Epocrates during patient visits. They also share drug safety information with their patients. Patient reaction is also positive, with the majority feeling more confident their provider is confirming clinical information. More than 70% of physicians report using Epocrates at least once per day, and half plan to use it more in the future. In addition, 90% believe all healthcare professionals should use a clinical reference, such as Epocrates.
.

Doctors Get High Marks as Regence Members Share Opinions Online

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ --

An overwhelming majority of Regence members would recommend their doctor to others, according to a popular online survey on the company's member Web site -- myRegence.com. A "Member Feedback" feature on the site allows Regence members to post feedback on their experiences with individual providers, including physicians, dentists, other health care professionals and facilities.

"Our own research and national studies show that patients want to hear from other patients," said David Clark, Senior Vice President of Health Care Services for Regence. "We created the feedback feature so members can share experiences and compare notes. That kind of information helps our members make better decisions about their health care."