Healthcare IT News For VARs — February 14, 2014
In the news this week, a study shows about two-thirds of physicians would not buy the same EHR system again, and a study shows reported healthcare data breaches have increased by 300 percent since 2005. Also, DARPA is looking for researchers from universities, government, and private industry to propose how to build a mechanism and add data mining to ongoing research into the biology of cancer and signal pathways for cancer cells.
Study Shows Depth Of Physician Dissatisfaction With EHR Systems
A study reveals about two-thirds of physicians would not purchase their current EHR (electronic health records) system again, citing poor functionality and high cost. Of those surveyed for the study — which was commissioned by Medical Economics and administered by the MPI Group — about 45 percent of respondents had paid more than $100,000 for and EHR and about 77 percent of the largest practices spent nearly $200,000. The study also found 70 percent of physicians say EHR systems have not been worth it.
EHR Market Expected To Grow To $17 Billion By 2017
A forecast by GlobalData anticipates growth in the EHR market, with EHR peer group value, which was $10.6 billion in 2012, to grow to $17 billion by 2017. The group projects the growth will occur due healthcare providers complying with federal requirements.
Healthcare Has Largest Share Of Data Breaches
The Washington Post reports that healthcare is the most vulnerable industry to data breaches. In the article, the Washington Post cites Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) that states data breaches at healthcare organizations accounted for 43 percent of all attacks in 2013. The publication does point out that other industries — like retail — do not have federal regulations that require reporting of breaches, so data might not provide an accurate comparison. The Washington Post conducted an investigation in 2012 that revealed the number is increasing, however, and noted the ITRC has data that shows, since 2005, the number of reported breaches has increased by about 300 percent.
Pressure On Healthcare Business Associates To Prevent Data Breaches
GovInfoSecurity reports the healthcare industry is under increased pressure to prevent data breaches — and so are its business associates. Cloud services providers, solutions providers, and other businesses that handle patients protected health information are responsible for HIPAA compliance, and are subject to breach investigations and Office for Civil Rights compliance audits. Federal penalties for non-compliance can be assessed.
Pentagon Data Mining Project Seeks Researchers
The Pentagon has begun bioinformatics to “track research into the biology of cancer and signal pathways for cancer cells.” A Military Times article reports the project, “Big Mechanism” includes managing, mining, and interpreting data. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is looking for researchers from universities, government, and private industry to propose how to build the mechanism and add data mining to ongoing research.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Healthcare IT Resource Center.