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 »

July 5, 2008 by Atul.

European Union citizens will soon be able to get medical treatment anywhere within the 27-nation bloc, without prior authorization, acording to the recent news items .

Of course, this applies only to the procedures covered in the patient’s home country and the reimbursement only to the extent allowed. So, the main merit from the patient’s persepctive is avoiding the long lines for treatment.

 Only about 10 days ago, the mighty and powerful AMA (American Medical Association) released guidelines indirectly endorsing or at least acknowledging the prevalence and durability of medical tourism as a real trend.

Back in Europe, the Financial Times story reports that UK officials are not happy about the EU decisions will ensure that NHS payment will not go to these expenses.

With our focus limited to what we can handle, we at PreviMed remain in close contact with our US-based customers and have no immediate plans for serving the European market.

Still, this shows that there will soon be an increasing demand for better (read: accredited) hospitals anywhere in the world and US-based insurance companies and other businesses that don’t harness/explore, will miss out the early benefits. 

Posted in trade groups, insurance-companies | 1 Comment »

June 17, 2008 by Atul.

If you had any doubts about AMA’s acknowledgement, acceptance for this trend, then, you owe it to yourself to read the press release issued by AMA today.

Of particular interest are the 9 guiding principles, meant -but not exclusively - for the patients considering this option.

a) Medical care outside of the U.S. must be voluntary.

(b) Financial incentives to travel outside the U.S. for medical care should not inappropriately limit the diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives that are offered to patients, or restrict treatment or referral options.

(c) Patients should only be referred for medical care to institutions that have been accredited by recognized international accrediting bodies (e.g., the Joint Commission International or the International Society for Quality in Health Care).

(d) Prior to travel, local follow-up care should be coordinated and financing should be arranged to ensure continuity of care when patients return from medical care outside the US.

(e) Coverage for travel outside the U.S. for medical care must include the costs of necessary follow-up care upon return to the U.S.

(f) Patients should be informed of their rights and legal recourse prior to agreeing to travel outside the U.S. for medical care.

(g) Access to physician licensing and outcome data, as well as facility accreditation and outcomes data, should be arranged for patients seeking medical care outside the U.S.

(h) The transfer of patient medical records to and from facilities outside the U.S. should be consistent with HIPAA guidelines.

(i) Patients choosing to travel outside the U.S. for medical care should be provided with information about the potential risks of combining surgical procedures with long flights and vacation activities.

As some of you already know, PreviMed’s products and business models endorse and embrace these guidelines. For instance, from day 1, PreviMed has preached that dealing with accredited facilities is the way to go.

We plan to present, in the near future,  specific commentary on each of the AMA’s guding principles.

Posted in trade groups, PreviMed-General | 1 Comment »