Kaiser Health News - Health IT

States' Capabilities To Share Patient Data Vary Greatly

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:54:29 GMT

Although the federal government has encouraged sharing of digital health records, the development of state health information exchanges has been slowed by governance, financing and policy issues, according to a Brookings Institution study.

Roundup: State Legislatures Consider Nursing Home, Insurance Exchange Bills

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:43:00 GMT

A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Kansas, Missouri, California, Michigan, Oregon and Louisiana.

Patients' Financial Health Put At Risk By Costs Of Some Medical Treatments

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:43:00 GMT

A New Jersey newspaper explores how medical costs put patients at financial risk. Meanwhile, the NewsHour explores the future of health care, offering alternative scenarios about how policy decisions, political outcomes and technology might play into an individual's health.

Report Highlights Gaps In Health IT Implementation

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:44:41 GMT

A report from the Bipartisan Policy Center noted that gaps persist in the nation's efforts to transition from a paper-based to a computer-based health records system.

First Edition: January 30, 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:25:54 GMT

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including a report that GOP leaders are pledging quick action on legislation to extend the payroll tax break and to prevent a scheduled cut in Medicare physician payment.

States Streamline, Add Efficiency To Medicaid, Survey Finds

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:38:00 GMT

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, 29 states have streamlined their programs, with most taking advantage of federal incentives to use new technology.

Wis. Company Helps Lead The Way To Digitizing Health Records

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:46:59 GMT

The New York Times examines the work of Epic Systems, which supplies electronic records for large health care providers.

For Physicians, The Practice Of Medicine Can Pose Business Challenges

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:43:05 GMT

CNN reports that the difficulties physicians in private practice face in part stems from their lack of business understanding. The Miami Herald reports on how new technology might prove healthful.

Health IT Spending Set To Grow

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:42:53 GMT

The spending bill approved Dec. 17 by Congress included new investment in a joint Pentagon-Department of Veterans Affairs digital records program.

Medicaid News: Provider Leaves Wash. State; Lawsuits In Calif., Iowa

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:17:00 GMT

Regence BlueShield is leaving Washington's Medicaid market and several news outlets analyze Medi-Cal lawsuits.

HHS' New Rules On Electronic Payments Could Benefit Doctors, Hospitals

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:14:29 GMT

NPR reports on how efforts to set uniform standards for electronic claims for health care services could pay off.

Political Cartoon: 'Technical Difficulties'

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:25:56 GMT

KHN's regular installment of health policy humor.

Roundup: Texas Members Oppose State's MLR Waiver; Calif.'s Disability Case Takes Unusual Turn

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:47:00 GMT

News outlets report on state health policy developments in California, Kansas, Massachusetts, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Connecticut and Washington.

More Digital Data Equals More Risk Of Breaches

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:25:00 GMT

The New York Times reports that, as more patient data become digital, the risk of breaches increases.

Viewpoints: Fascination With Wyden, Ryan Plan; Need For School Nurses; Pa. Abortion Bill Controversy

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:14:44 GMT

A selection of editorials and opinions on health policy from around the country.

Data Inform Decision-Making Among Patients, Doctors, Insurers

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:11:00 GMT

A study uses a new measure to judge nation's health care, another asks doctors to rate the best and worst insurers.

Microsoft, GE Form New Company To Create Health Care Software

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:55:23 GMT

The joint venture seeks to help health organizations integrate data.