So timely: I recently got a call about new blood test results, including high levels on a lipid panel (first…
Morning Headlines 7/3/17
Nuance Healthcare: Impacted Customer Update
In Nuance’s most recent cyberattack update, the company says that its Emdat eScription RH service is being brought back online.
Department of Veterans Affairs IT Project In Danger of ‘Catastrophic Failure’
A $543 million project to implement real-time location service tracking software across VA medical facilities to help track medical equipment has been setback by a slew of previously undisclosed problems, including failed operational tests and questions over whether VA WiFi networks can adequately support the new tracking equipment.
Day 4: Princeton Community Hospital diligently rebuilds network after cyberattack
Princeton Community Hospital (WV) continues to manually rebuild its network following a cyberattack that forced clinicians back to paper. The hospital’s IT department is installing new hard drives across all of its computer and reports that “fifty-three new computers have been installed throughout the hospital offering clean access to Meditech.”
Patients are losing patience, and they’re speaking out
The Boston Globe reports on patient satisfaction amid the tendency of practices to double book provider schedules, sometimes leaving patients waiting an hour past their scheduled appointment.
Re: Patients are losing patience. No kidding! It’s everywhere. I recently waited 2 hours to see my Dr. The explanations are always the same…visits turned out more complex than anticipated, walk-in appts, late patients. These are all management issues. They book back-to-back 15 minute visits with no room for slip. It’s not unlike the airlines deliberately over-booking flights.
80% of this is completely avoidable. The first step is to stop pretending that you can complete a visit in 15 minutes and have time for charting, bathroom break, etc. Book 5-10 minutes slack between every visit. It may seem costly, but practices have no choice. it’s a basic management issue.