Tight timelines for transition to ICD-10

An article published this week on FierceHealthIT offers recommendations for a smooth ICD-10 transition. With the deadline looming, there is no time for mistakes. St. Luke’s University Health Network is in the process of converting. Officials from St. Luke’s share their experience with FierceHealthIT to help other hospitals execute a successful ICD-10 implementation.

To support HIT professionals in their transition, we launched a LinkedIn group to begin a discussion and share ideas on aggressive strategies for the transition to ICD-10. A streamlined approach is required for hospitals who have delayed their conversion. We encourage you to participate in the discussion. Whether you’re seeking or offering advice for successful ICD-10 strategies, we want to hear from you.

HIMSS — the latest organization to suggest an adjustment to the Stage 2 deadline

Recently, we’ve heard a lot of discussions around the potential delay of the Stage 2 Meaningful Use / MIPS deadline. The Healthcare Informatics Management and Systems Society (HIMSS) is the latest organization to make a case for altering the deadline. However, instead of recommending a delay, they suggested that the government start on time, but offer an extension to eligible providers. They are suggesting that eligible providers and hospitals receive an extra six months to achieve Year 1 of Meaningful Use / MIPS Stage 2. This would provide an extra six months for attestation.

It will be interesting to see how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office for the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) respond to the proposals for delays they are receiving from all sides.

Competition is fierce for health IT staff

With the growing pressures of initiatives like ICD-10 and Meaningful Use / MIPS, hospital IT departments are in desperate need of staff. Unfortunately, available talent is scarce. This puts hospital’s in a tough position given the deadlines approaching in 2014.

An article in Healthcare IT News addresses the shortage and provides recommendations for IT professionals looking to break into the business. There is no question — demand is high. The healthcare industry offers a significant opportunity for IT professionals looking to make the jump. According to the report, interested applicants need to be willing to make some initial sacrifices and possess an eagerness to learn.

EHR Incentive Program drives progress in health IT

An Infographic published by HealthIT.gov illustrates the impacts of EHRs on the healthcare industry. It provides information on adoption, participation, vendors, and overall impacts.