April 12, 2009 by Atul.

We want to share our big lesson from HIMSS - the mega event in Chicago which concluded just a couple of days ago.  

No, it is not about avoiding the long taxi lines to get out of the McCormick (tho’ it does have us wondering about Chicago’s bid for the Olympics and how there’s more work to be done there).  

At HIMSS, which was attended by over 29,000 attendees, there was palpable eagerness on the part of vendors - and who can blame them, given the economic conditions? 

What was unsettling, though, was that some of these - including some EMR vendors - were desperate and eager to bag a customer, even if it meant fudging a bit and resorting the usual FUD scare tactics.

One sales creature on the exhibition floor was observed to tell a prospect how penalties (for not starting with the EMR) would start in 2010.   

Of course, this is untrue.  Penalties don’t start till 2015, with summary details and copious detailed info here.

The sales professionals who try to convert prospects with such tactics are only harming their own companies - After all, EMR decision is not going to be an impulse buy like purchase of a DVD. When the physician or office manager finds out that there is no penalty imminent, they will only be distrustful of the company that told them otherwise.     

So, the message of this post? For the EMR selectors, buyers and users (typically physicians or their representatives): Take your time. EMR decision has a long term  implications ; Understand what you are getting into; Do your work , not just the snapshot of today’s environment but also about how you expect your work to change in the future.

-And don’t get forced into a rushed decision. This is far too important. 

If you need help with the EMR selection process, feel free to contact us. This is what we do and we have guided many.   

Posted in ARRA, HIMSS, EMR incentive, EMR, Quality, trade groups, Uncategorized | No Comments »

May 21, 2008 by Atul.

Whether outside the US or inside, it is important to get objective data so that patients can make an informed decision.

The US govt’s HHS has launched an advertising campaign to make folks aware about their website. Called Hospital Compare, this website-based tool provides a comparison, with pretty good user-oriented search flexibility.

 here’s a sample:

Top Hospitals 97%     Average For All Reporting Hospitals In The United States    79%  Average For All Reporting Hospitals In California    73%  KAISER FOUNDATION HOSPITAL - SANTA CLARA    92%  STANFORD HOSPITAL    87%  WASHINGTON HOSPITAL    67%           Top Hospitals represents the top 10% of hospitals nationwide. Top hospitals achieved a 97% rate or better.

 Be careful, though, as the reported data can be easily mis-interpreted by a lay person. If you look at the data, get a qualified person to help you understand the differences. Also, some/most of the information may be somewhat dated (thru 2007) and in fairness to Quality professionals, all hospitals are continuously engaged in improving to the extent possible.

Finally, this gives a picture of some parameters regarding hospitals’ performance, there are many many other aspects that you cannot capture here.

Posted in Reporting, Quality, Uncategorized | No Comments »