Every week, HL7 Standards, hosts a #HITsm Tweet Chat and poses four questions “on current topics that are influencing healthcare technology, health IT, and the use of social media in healthcare.” It’s always a great discussion and also a great chance to meet a wide variety of people that are passionate about healthcare IT.
In case you missed it, or are curious about what went on this week, we’ve put together the list of topics with some of the best responses for each topic. There were some interesting topics this week, as well as some great responses. If you have any opinions on any of these topics, feel free to continue the discussion in the comments. This chats take place every Friday at 11AM CST. You’ll find members of Healthcare Scene regularly participating in the chat under some of the following Twitter accounts: @techguy, @ehrandhit, @hospitalEHR, and @smyrnagirl.
Topic One: Big debate now about EHRs sparking upcoding if not fraud. What’s your take? Will inverse be true with digitized health system?
A1: I think it is just easier to spot now that we are using EHRs.I think instances fraud will decline because of high visibility #hitsm
— Mark James (@cardiologyHIT) September 28, 2012
A1: Simple answer, if you have solid F, W & A programs in place, upcoding will not be an issue. #HITsm
— Evony Reyes-Dossier (@EvonyDossier) September 28, 2012
T1: I know it’s cliche, but garbage in=garbage out. Does provider code or does the #ehr code? #HITsm
— Nanette Nuessle (@DrNanN) September 28, 2012
And what of the nuanced differences between upcoding and all-out fraud — do EHRs matter there?#HITsm
— Tom Sullivan (@GovHITeditor) September 28, 2012
Topics Two: 59% of IT execs say staff shortages harm earning of MU incentives. What is long-term impact if feds HIT education lag demand?
T2: Our employees closely listen to clinicians on the front lines. W/o enough clinicians, this loop of communication would stagnate. #HITsm
— Omnicell (@Omnicell) September 28, 2012
T2: I wonder if lack of IT staff who understand clinical apps is due to newness of tech. that students have not had time to learn#HITsm
— Mallory Savoie (@MalloryKSavoie) September 28, 2012
A2: I have to ask…who is considered “educated” in the world of HIT? Those with Experience? Degrees? Certifications? #HITsm
— Evony Reyes-Dossier (@EvonyDossier) September 28, 2012
T2:The tech world in general seems perpetually short of trained staff and that hasn’t slowed down innovation #HITsm
— Jeffrey Tingle (@jptingle) September 28, 2012
A2: I suppose that is why we are there – they do need support for making the dates. #HITsm
— Melissa Cole(@MelissaColeHTR) September 28, 2012
Topic Three: What would you ask Obama or Romney about HealthIT, reform law, or healthcare in general during the Oct. 3 debate?
T3: I’d ask how ACA will lead to more personalized care. If it doesn’t, what would? #hitsm
— Leonard Kish (@leonardkish) September 28, 2012
I’d like to hear Romney address which parts of Obamacare he’d like to include in the “replace” part of his Rip and Replace plan. #HITsm
— EMR, EHR and HIT(@ehrandhit) September 28, 2012
T3:Would ask if they have a PHR. Also, what apps are they using to manage their personal health? Going for the personal angle 🙂 #HITsm
— Jon Mertz (@jonmertz) September 28, 2012
t3: What’s the difference between Obamacare and Romney care? Really? #HITsm
— Perminova (@PerminovaCardio) September 28, 2012
A3: How will you ensure that my kids kids will live longer than their parents? #hitsm
— Tony Curcio (@Tony_Curcio) September 28, 2012
Topic Four: Health IT projects: Which ones are you postponing until after the election?
T4: We aren’t putting anything off until after the election and look forward to helping hospitals reap the benefits of automation.#HITsm
— Omnicell (@Omnicell) September 28, 2012
T4: Not seeing any slowdown in the mhealth startup scene.Talk about a bubble. #HITsm
— Jeffrey Tingle (@jptingle) September 28, 2012
T4: Despite rhetoric, I doubt much would change about #HIT or ACA no matter which way it goes. #HITsm
— Leonard Kish (@leonardkish) September 28, 2012
T4: I’ve head some states might delay HIX, but not much else about delays. #HITsm
— Keith W. Boone (@motorcycle_guy) September 28, 2012