The EHR Game Has Yet to be Decided
The promise of technology in healthcare has yet to be realized and it will take a paradigm shift to get us there.
Interoperability: The Hard Way or the Easy Way?
When it comes to interoperability, there is a high road and there is a low road. Right now, we’re forcibly getting the low road.
Bureaucrats Will Never Achieve EHR Interoperability
The kind of EHR interoperability envisioned by vendors and regulators will never be achieved and is not practical for healthcare.
Everyone Wants IT to Work in Healthcare, It’s Up to You
It’s up to physicians to make IT work as it should, assisting in the care of a patient. Don’t rely on vendors and government mandates.
The Importance of Scientific Thinking in Medicine
When it comes to improving diagnosis in healthcare, the importance of scientific thinking must be stressed. It doesn’t take magic.
Of Cognitive Science, Political Correctness, and EHRs
A continuing discussion on philosophical books which will enhance critical thinking and communication skills - in healthcare and in life.
A Defense against the Dark Side of Technology
The study of Semiotics can be used to help us better understand and use technology to its fullest promise, rather than the evils that it may produce.
Thinking Outside the Box, Expanding Critical Thinking
In order to thwart the trend of high-cost care for lower quality and improve our health knowledge, we must broaden our critical thinking abilities
Using an EHR Can Be Ethically Challenging
The inherent flaws in this doctor’s EHR system has created an ethical dilemma, which he says cannot be solved.
Take Control of Your Data Ownership
By continuing to use certain programs, including your EHR, you allow access to your data. Here's some guidance keeping your information private.
HIPAA Could Hurt, Not Help, Data Privacy and Security
HIPAA may actually be harmful as it distracts attention and diverts resources away from those actions that might actually improve privacy and security.
EHR: A Lesson in 'Wants' vs. 'Needs'
After 18 years, the hospital where I see patients is getting an EHR. It's hard for me to see the value for physicians and patients going forward.
Medicine is about Sustainability, HealthIT Not Yet
When you look for guidance on the sustainability of technology, look to the government. No, not HHS, but instead the U.S. Department of Defense.
Physicians: Keep Complaining About EHRs
Without complainers, there is no incentive to rethink the problem and no one to stumble on an alternative.
Physician Procrastination as a Decision-Making Tool
I know it is April, but I finally made a New Year's resolution. I will start being proactive about my procrastination.
To Solve EHR Problems, It's Time to Get 'Real'
Like every computer system, each EHR creates its own virtual reality. The danger stems from mistaking this "virtual" reality for actual "reality."
Flawed Regulations Will Stand if Physicians Sit Out
As the pressure on healthcare organizations increases, physicians need to mobilize, find strength in numbers, and take a stand if they want change.
The Perils of Automating Big Data, or Any Data
Big data can yield big benefits but, when things go wrong, can create big problems that will forever be beyond the ability of people to anticipate.
EHR Problems Mirrored in Other Societal Issues
Believe it or not, EHRs and Los Angeles County's mental health problem have a lot in common.
With EHRs, There's Literacy and Then There's Literacy
The sad fact, when it comes to EHR, is that very few posses the right kind of computer literacy.
Define EHR Interoperability First, Then Solve It
An open letter to Congress about interoperability, including some questions it should ask the vendor community.
Tying EHR Proficiency to Physician Licenses Flawed
Massachusetts' effort to tie license renewal to meaningful use of an EHR is a great way to ease the physician shortage.
Well-Intentioned Physician Mandates Lack Success
Look no further than the recent issue of JAMA for evidence that physician mandates are not beneficial, but paternalistic and coercive.
Fixing What's Wrong with EHRs is Easier Done than Said
The crises of immigration and drought cannot be solved, only mitigated or accommodated. The EHR crisis, on the other hand, has a solution.
People Aren't Perfect and EHRs Can't Change That
Computer systems will never make good deciders and people will never make good robots.
Interoperability Woes a Symptom of a Bigger EHR Ailment
Understanding the current lack of EHR interoperability is difficult. But perhaps Genesis 11 can help clarify the problem.
Texas Ebola Case Highlights Larger EHR Failings
As displayed in Dallas, you can't expect EHRs to interoperate when they can't even intra-operate in their current structure.
A Love-Hate Relationship with EHRs
Anyone that is responsible for patients has had "I told you so" moments. Here are mine when it comes to health IT and EHRs. I hope you take my advice.
AMA's Ideas for EHR Overhaul are Laudable, But Wrong
The American Medical Association's recommendations to boost EHR usability are touchy-feely, but none really get to the heart of what's wrong with systems.
EHR Vendors Have a Thing or Two to Learn from Apple
Apple anticipates that even the best laid plans go awry, so they seek out the failures and fix them using customer support. Why can't EHR vendors do the same?