Survey: Healthcare organizations' security not up to HITECH standards

Molly Merrill, Associate Editor at Healthcare IT News

CHICAGO – Healthcare organizations aren't prepared to meet privacy and security standards associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to a new survey.

The survey of 196 healthcare information technology and security professionals, conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and sponsored by Symantec Corp., a Mountain View, Calif.-based developer of security, storage and systems management solutions, indicated healthcare organizations aren't using available security technologies to keep patient data safe. Reasons given include stretched budgets and lack of a chief security officer (CSO) or chief information security officer (CISO).

Approximately 60 percent of respondents said their organization spends 3 percent or less of their organization's IT budget on information security. This is consistent to the level of spending identified in the 2008 HIMSS study. And fewer than half of the respondents said their organization has a formally designated CISO or CSO. [Continue Reading]

MGMA: Many Physician Groups Not Yet Ready To Invest in EHRs

From iHealthBeat.org

Many physician group practices are likely to delay electronic health record adoption because of logistical and financial concerns, experts said this week at the Medical Group Management Association's annual convention, Healthcare IT News reports.

MGMA represents 22,500 medical group administrators and managers from across the country.

Robert Tennant, senior policy adviser for MGMA, said most of the physician practices MGMA represents will not qualify by 2011 for incentive payments under the federal economic stimulus package.

Under the stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate "meaningful use" of EHRs will qualify for incentive payments through Medicare and Medicaid. However, the federal government has yet to issue a final definition for meaningful use.

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LC3000 Non-powered Mobile Computer Cart

The NorthPort LC3000 is an incredible mobile point-of-care laptop computing cart offering quality engineered features, all while maintaining an affordable price point. Starting at $1,350, the cart is packed with features found in much more expensive healthcare laptop carts.

System Benefits

Easily adjusted for use while sitting or standing, adjusting from 30” to 46”.

Footprint of only 16” x 18” combines with dual-wheel, low-friction, 360° swivel casters allowing the LC3000 to be moved easily with minimal effort.

Can house full sized keyboards and even the largest widescreen laptops, such as the Acer, Dell and many others.

Work surface has raised drip edge tray to keep items from rolling off cart.

Antimicrobial paint finish helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

Separate transformer storage.
Locking laptop compartment.

Light weight at less than 60 pounds.