For the Love of Caffeine but maybe not for your heart..

I thought I was seeing things at first! No smoke, no nicotine, just break and inhale for those who can't seem to get enough from coffee.
You don't actually light SurgeStix, that's too 1990, instead you bend them (like a glow stick) until you hear a snap. This will send the caffeine solution flowing into the filter-looking end. Wait five seconds for the "filter" to absorb the solution. You will notice a slight temperature increase as the solution reacts with the harmless chemicals in the "filter" which causes the caffeine to vaporize. Then, take a drag. Each "puff" will suck roughly 18mg of caffeine into your lungs (and right into your bloodstream!) With about 10 "tokes" per SurgeStix, you'll get 180mg of caffeine in just a few breaths. That's more caffeine than a really strong cup of coffee just by breathing. Ouch.
SurgeStix are only slightly habit forming and do not contain Nicotine.



And if that isn't enough, you can try some caffeine soap, and no, you do not eat it or wash your mouth with soap, it is delivered through the skin.


Or there's some lip balm...the description from the page is very funny!
Developed by an Alaskan Police Officer, who needed both quality lip balm for the cold and the ability to stay awake during long shifts, Spazzstick is the world's only caffeinated lip balm. Spazzstick is made in a vast underground volcano lair by the busy hands of industrious worker trolls in a beautiful little Eskimo Village called Kaktovik, AK, by the inventor of Spazzstick and his hordes of worker trolls in a vast underground volcano lair.

Once I looked at the original page, Think Geek had even more caffeine products listed, for those who can't get enough caffeine with their morning coffee. For the prices here, coffee is a lot cheaper. BD

http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/

Read More

The Surgical Da Vinci Code

This site also allows a patient to search, locate and email a physician who performs surgery with the Da Vinci robot. They cost over a million to purchase, but over time this can be a huge savings as most patient recovery times are at least cut in half from the normal recovery time. I found both USC and UCLA equipped here as well as a couple other hospitals from the MD listing. The link below has patients speaking about their procedures as well as videos showing selected portions of the surgery. In the left hand column of this site, there are permanent links to procedures done at various hospitals via OR live, and many of these procedures are done via the DaVinci system. I sure wish the DaVinci could have been around a few years ago when I had my surgeries! This has to be where the play station practice comes in handy for quick and fast manipulation of the hands. BD



http://www.davincisurgery.com/surgery/index.aspx



Imagine major surgery performed through the smallest of incisions. Imagine having the benefits of a definitive treatment but with the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal daily activities – as well as the potential for better clinical outcomes.



With the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons and hospitals are re-writing accepted standards for surgical care. da Vinci is changing the experience of surgery.



Learn more about the urologic, gynecologic, cardiothoracic and general surgery procedures performed today with the da Vinci Surgical System. With da Vinci, both patient and physician are realizing these unprecedented benefits.



It is important to know that surgery with da Vinci does not place a robot at the controls; your surgeon is controlling every aspect of the surgery with the assistance of the da Vinci robotic platform.





If you care to watch a procedure, here's a link to You Tube, narrated by the surgical team.  It does a good job on describing the entire set up and procedure.  It is over an hour long.



http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6390446192795481593&q=da+vinci+pediatric

Read More

The Digital Life: How To Go Paperless

This is a great article that talks about "being mobile" and the devices that can help you do this today.  In the medical arena, it's almost impossible for a physican not to be mobile from time to time...BD

In this issue of "The Digital Life," let's talk about some of the technologies and solutions that will allow you to rid your life of paper-based data. From smartphones to UMPC's, you have a lot of choices. Which ones will fit you best?

After backing up your data, the next move in your quest for a paper-free life is deciding which devices will best serve you. Thankfully, "convergence" has come a long way since the days of monochrome PDA's. Convergence is the idea that multiple technologies will eventually "converge" in one or a few devices - MP3 player, video player, photo camera, video camera, email client, document editing, TV, banking, and games, just to name a few.

A new-comer to the convergence game, the Ultra Mobile PC is a sort of hybrid, with a questionable market. The UMPC was introduced with tremendous fanfare and hype (rivalling the hype surrounding the Apple iPhone) as the "Origami" platform from Microsoft. Placed somewhere between a Tablet PC and a PDA, the UMPC is too big to fit into your pocket, but too small to be a practical everyday computing platform.

Source: The Digital Life: How To Go Paperless | IntoMobile

Read More

Uninsured patient billed more than $12,000 for broken rib

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/30/BUG1LOTC6T75.DTL

He learned how costly this can be after fracturing a rib in a relatively minor motorcycle accident and subsequently being hit with a bill for more than $12,000 from San Francisco General Hospital.
"There's no way I could pay something like that," Palmer, 32, told me. "I'm not a bum, but I'm not making a lot of money right now. How is anyone supposed to pay a bill like that?"
Shortly afterward, he said, a clerical staffer approached with discharge papers for Palmer to sign.
"She asked how I intended to pay for everything," Palmer said. "I told her I didn't have any insurance. She looked at me and then asked if there was anyone I could sue."

Read More

Happy Doctors Day - May 30th is National Doctors' Day

Happy Doctors Day from Ducknet Services....also recognized today by the American Medical Association....BD 

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) joins with patients, family, friends and colleagues on National Doctors' Day in expressing gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the nation's 900,000 physicians.

In the United States, March 30 has come to be known as a day when Americans can gratefully remember physicians and express appreciation for their continuing commitment to exceptional medical care.

Source: AMA (Comm) AMA celebrates National Doctors' Day

Read More

Basics of Pharma Sales Rep Watching

This is a rather humorous take on the number of big pharma reps in the field, sometimes even giving us, the patient, a little competition for a few minutes of time with the MD. BD



To amuse myself, I carefully observed these reps in their natural habitat. It was an exhilarating experience that I urge everyone to try. The beauty of it is, you don't need any expensive equipment like binoculars. You are immersed in the same habitat as your prey -- you can even engage them in conversation.

http://pharmamkting.blogspot.com/2007/03/basics-of-sales-rep-watching.html

Read More

Cutera Aesthetic Systems receives FDA approval - skincare

BRISBANE, Calif., March 28, 2007 — Cutera, Inc.® (Nasdaq: CUTR), a leading provider of laser and other light-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide, today announced FDA clearance for its new laser, Pearl, with proprietary YSGG technology. Pearl is cleared for the treatment of wrinkles and represents the first application of the 2790 nm wavelength for cosmetic dermatology.

During treatment, Pearl removes a portion of the epidermis with a controlled thermal effect. The thermal effect creates a natural protective dressing on the skin to minimize downtime during the restorative process.

Source: Cutera - News

Read More

Health insurance options dwindle for self-employed - Los Angeles Times

 

A major source of health insurance for people who work for themselves is disappearing, casting thousands of contractors, freelancers and solo practitioners into the ranks of the uninsured with little hope of obtaining new coverage.
Health plans offered by professional associations were once havens for millions of people who couldn't get coverage anywhere else. But as medical costs have soared, groups representing professions as varied as law and golf have been forced to stop offering the benefit or been dropped by insurers.
More than 8,000 people with coverage through the California Assn. of Realtors could be next if Blue Shield of California succeeds with its plan to cancel the group's health coverage.
"It's a real stab in the heart," said Marcy Garber, 62, an Encino real estate agent whose history of breast cancer makes her an almost-certain reject if she seeks similar coverage on her own.

Source: Health insurance options dwindle for self-employed - Los Angeles Times

Read More

Your face is your password

This could have some real use in a medical scenario to automatically sign individuals in and out of their computer and software programs...would be a time saver and especially beneficial for those who do not have real good typing skills. BD
Your face is your password with Bioscrypt's VisionAccess 3D DeskCam - Engadget: "Being touted in what sounds like patent-speak as the 'world's first 3D face recognition camera for use in authenticating individuals accessing a computer,' security firm Bioscrypt Inc's upcoming VisionAccess 3D DeskCam promises to enable sub-second logins to applications, networks, and websites with just a quick glance at your ugly mug. The webcam-looking device (which we assume can also be used as an, um, webcam) looks for 40,000 identification points to verify authenticity, and is said to be capable of not just accounting for facial hair (or the lack thereof), but actually distinguishing between identical twins. "

Read More

OneNote Calendar

This is one fabulous add on for anyone using One Note. Thanks to the folks at Gotta Be Mobile for the post! This is one great tool and I am using it myself to track my notebooks! This is a great addition


http://www.gottabemobile.com/CommentView.aspx?guid=64267EEA-DF5A-463F-9FB9-D44594BCE7B4

For physicians, what a great addition to the One Note Soap Kit.

http://ducknetweb.blogspot.com/2007/03/ablet-factory-one-note-toolkit.html



Download here:
http://www.josheinstein.com/download/onenotecal/publish.htm

Read More

Today's Robotics Update

The video narrated in Japanese is truly worth a watch with images showing as the hand is being moved with responses from the brain. There are a few additional videos on the site showing similar technologies being used, including controlling the keyboard of a computer by thoughts...BD



http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/gadgets-you-can-control-with-your-brain

Read More

Microsoft Live Labs: Deepfish

I have watched this in action and the browsing is so far ahead of what we have today..will be anxious for Deepfish to be released...BD
Microsoft Live Labs: Deepfish

he Deepfish Technology Preview enhances existing mobile browsing technologies by displaying content in a view that is closer to the desktop experience. Our zoom-able interface and cue map allow you to quickly access the information you care about over the web without ever losing track of where you are.

Note : Deepfish is currently only available by invite only to a small number of beta users. Please visit http://labs.live.com/deepfish page to keep informed of future updates and availability.

Read More

Bill Clinton Backs Electronic Health Records -

Bill Clinton speaks out about the importance of blogs and electronic medical records...BD 

Blogs can play an important role in the media as the traditional media tries to cover an increasingly complex world with growing competitive pressures and fewer resources, Clinton said.

"Because they don't have to put out a newspaper or even put together a whole evening news show, these blog sites typically deal with one, or at most two, subjects a day, so they can do research and get the facts," Clinton said. "Technology needs to keep pushing this process of the public debate so that there will always be alternative channels."

Source: Bill Clinton Backs Electronic Health Records - Yahoo! News

Read More

Corporate Sloppiness Is the Real Culprit for Data Loss, Not Vilified Hackers

Good article about security...also this brings to mind Windows Server 2003 and Windows Mobile...many mobile devices can now be wiped remotely by the IT department...visit the Microsoft site to find out more...BD 

Expect to see the 2 billionth personal record compromised by year's end, according to recent research from the University of Washington. But don't blame it on rogue hackers; sorry to say, it's your own fault, Corporate America.

Researchers at the university in Seattle estimate that electronic records—those containing Social Security or credit card numbers, academic grades or medical history—are bleeding out of North American organizations at the rate of 6 million a month so far in 2007—up some 200,000 a month from last year.

Excluding the exceptional 2003 incident that involved 1.6 billion records stolen from information aggregator Acxiom, hackers have been responsible for only about 550—31 percent—of confirmed breaches between 1980 and 2006.

The majority, 60 percent, of incidents of compromised records were attributed to organizational mismanagement. That includes missing or stolen hardware, administrative errors, insider abuse or theft or accidental posting of sensitive information online.

Source: Corporate Sloppiness Is the Real Culprit for Data Loss, Not Vilified Hackers

Read More

Got Voice - Retrieve cell phone messages from the web

This is truly a lifesaver.  Sometimes I don't remember where I left my cell phone and other times when I am at the computer, this makes it very convenient to check my voice mail messages.  This is web based and free.  Once you set up an account, you can also download desktop software to work with the program if your security settings allow.  BD

GotVoice is the only service which effortlessly integrates with all major mobile and landline networks for sending and receiving voice messages, or instantly updating personalized voicemail greetings. Without requiring either you or the phone networks to change anything, GotVoice is the quickest, easiest and most powerful voice message service and it's 100% FREE! There are no hidden call forwarding fees, you don't need a new number and there is no software to install.

 

http://www.gotvoice.com/

del.icio.us tags: GotVoice

Read More

New Genetic Pap Smear Can Easily Diagnose Hidden Sexually Transmitted Diseases

 

The APTIMA COMBO 2 Assay is a second generation nucleic acid amplification test that uses target capture for in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of rRNA from CT and GC. The assay uses a family of Gen-Probe’s proven technologies including target capture (TC), Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) and Dual Kinetic Assay (DKA). This is the same family of technologies used to screen the nation’s blood supply.)

Now that the FDA has cleared this test to be combined with the pap smear it is possible that millions of women could be screening with one test for these hidden dangers.

For extensive information on STD’s from the CDC read here.

Source: New Genetic Pap Smear Can Easily Diagnose Hidden Sexually Transmitted Diseases » docinthemachine

Read More

MEG Scanners Are Mega Powerful -

While other types of brain scans detail the geography of the brain or detect blood flow, the MEG scanners track the magnetic signals that neurons throw off as they communicate. "You can look at how the networks of the brain are talking to each other in real time," said Greg Simpson, director of the Dynamic Neuroimaging Laboratory at the University of California at San Francisco.While the technology has existed for decades, improved computing power and hardware have recently increased interest in the scanners. There are an estimated 100 MEG scanners around the world -- at a potential cost of $2 million each -- and their numbers are growing.

http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2007/01/72277

Read More

Docs Improve Stethoscope Skills Using IPods

 

After demonstrating last year that medical students greatly improved their stethoscope skills by listening repeatedly to heart sounds on their iPods, lead investigator Michael Barrett, M.D., clinical associate professor of medicine and cardiologist at Temple University School of Medicine and Hospital, set out to test the technique on practicing physicians.
During a single 90-minute session, 149 general internists listened 400 times to five common heart murmurs including aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation and innocent systolic murmur. Previous studies have found the average rate of correct heart sound identification in physicians is 40 percent. After the session, the average improved to 80 percent.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=66120&nfid=rssfeeds

Read More

UMPC As a Navigation Device...

Good article on how the device can be your travel companion as well. Be sure to get a car power charger so it is always ready. BD

http://franksworld.com/blog/archive/2007/03/28/4516.aspx
On the way up to Vancouver, I made sure we stopped and picked up a power inverter. With the power issue resolved, navigation was a breeze and the UMPC was a delight to use, with the exception of how hot the thing got.
I'll blog more about it and how I'm using it, but for now, I am content to play with my new toy. ;)

Read More

State Grant Awarded To Study Broadband Access Among Pennsylvania Physicians And Hospitals

 We could easily use a study like this in California as well...BD

State Grant Awarded To Study Broadband Access Among Pennsylvania Physicians And Hospitals

A proposal by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to use broadband network technologies to improve health care in the Keystone State has received a $300,000 grant from the Broadband Outreach & Aggregation Fund through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to fund a study that will measure broadband access in doctor offices and other health care settings. 

Dr. Piasio adds that a 2006 Society survey indicated that approximately 7,500 Pennsylvania physicians either have no Internet access or only dial-up access.

"Today, there is great momentum in Pennsylvania to improve health care through the use of electronic communications," said Rhett Hintze, Managing Director of The Affinity Group. "After this study is completed, we believe that we can put together an accurate plan to encourage more doctor offices to use broadband, much like we have seen through our efforts with the public schools in Pennsylvania."

Read More

Hospitals, clinics, Wake to track uninsured patients

Interesting move for the hospitals in Texas, might catch on in other areas as well...BD

Eight clinics, health systems and county agencies are teaming up to keep Wake County's uninsured patients out of emergency rooms and lighten the financial burden on the hospitals that are straining to care for them.

Through the CapitalCare Collaborative, they're working to connect patients with nonprofit and county organizations that can provide care more cost-effectively than emergency rooms can.

The program also will consolidate uninsured patients' financial -- and some medical -- data in one location online, which the groups expect will save time and money by helping them better coordinate care.

Hospitals, clinics, Wake to track uninsured patients
Another related story, website lets consumers shop hospitals as well. BD

A new Web site launched by the Texas Hospital Association in Austin will allow health care consumers to view and compare prices on inpatient hospital services at Texas hospitals.

The Web site, Texas PricePoint (www.txpricepoint.org), includes charge data on the most common inpatient services, links to data and general information on all Texas hospitals.

"The consumer's role in managing his or her own health care is changing," says THA President and CEO Dan Stultz. "People need reliable information so that they can make educated choices. For that reason, Texas hospitals are committed to making hospital charges and quality information more transparent and accessible."
http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2007/03/26/daily9.html

Read More

JOHNS HOPKINS HOUSING AND TESTING ONLY 256-SLICE CT SCANNER IN NORTH AMERICA

 

Johns Hopkins Medicine has installed for three months of initial safety and clinical testing a 256-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner, believed to be the world’s most advanced CT imaging software and machinery. 

The new 2-metric-ton device - the first of its kind in North America and only the second outside of Japan, where its manufacturer is based - has four times the detector coverage of its immediate predecessor, the 64-CT.  It can measure subtle changes in blood flow or minute blockages forming in blood vessels no bigger than the average width of a toothpick (1.5 millimeters) in the heart and brain. 

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2007/03_26b_07.html

Picture from Medgadget
http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2007/03/aquilion_beta_2.html

Read More

Blue Cross Of California Improperly Canceled Health Insurance Policies, State Investigation Finds

 

Blue Cross of California improperly canceled individual health insurance policies after some members became pregnant or sought medical treatment for chronic conditions, an investigation by the California Department of Managed Health Care has concluded, the Los Angeles Times reports. [click link for full article]

Source: Blue Cross Of California Improperly Canceled Health Insurance Policies, State Investigation Finds

Read More

Israeli device transmits heart data directly to doctors

Israeli scientists have developed a portable electrocardiograph machine that can transmit highly detailed data on heart activity to physicians by mobile phone.
The CardioSen'C is considered an advance in portable heart-monitoring devices because it uses many more electrodes to measure heart activity and is equipped to communicate the results instantaneously to a cardiologist.
SHL, the Israeli company behind the CardioSen'C, says its machine can dramatically reduce deaths from heart attacks through early diagnosis of patients who might otherwise hesitate before calling a doctor or rushing to a hospital to be monitored.

http://www.israel21c.org/bin/en.jsp?enDispWho=Articles%5El1597&enPage=BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=object&enVersion=0&enZone=Health

Read More

Epocrates

Updated information from Epocrates...good PDA quick reference as well as free pc version for subscribers...BD



ACC And Epocrates Deliver Customized Mobile Software To ACC Members

A record number of cardiologists will be reaching for their mobile devices to access the latest clinical information thanks to the American College of Cardiology (ACC). At the ACC Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans, all association members and users of Cardiosource, the College's clinical cardiovascular portal, received a complimentary subscription to Epocrates®-ACC Essentials for Cardiology, a mobile-based clinical application.

For the second consecutive year, the ACC and Epocrates Inc., a California-based medical software company, are partnering to deliver a comprehensive set of cardiology applications to ACC members. The specialized product combines Epocrates Essentials premium drug, disease and diagnostics guide, with relevant cardiology applications including cardiac calculations and an obesity tool.

www.epocrates.com

Read More

Using a single thumb - fly in and out of your Zoomspace

http://www.mobilitysite.com/2007/03/using_a_single_thumb_fly_in_and_out_of_y.php
Nice new capabilities for Windows Mobile phones...BD
Using a single thumb, you fly in and out of your Zoomspace -- two
simple taps gets you directly to any Tile. Through some clever
engineering, we constantly refresh your Tiles in the background, so
they're always fresh, available, and ready to be Zoomed.

Read More

New Treatment For Canker Sores

New Treatment For Canker Sores
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070323104734.htm
Licorice has been used for over 4000 years as a healing agent. The medicinal capabilities of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza) extract (GX) have been established by long-term clinical use and, most recently, by scientific research. GX has been identified to have anti-inflammatory, soothing, and coating abilities and provides proven, rapid relief for canker sores.

Read More

NiliMEDIX Insulin Pumps

http://www.nilimedix.com/
Insulin pumps deliver insulin the way a healthy pancreas does allowing freedom in daily activities and improving the quality of life of their users.  FDA approval pending.
  
Additional Information here:
http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2007/03/nilimedix_insul.html

Read More

Trials for Bionic Eye Implants

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6368089.stm

US researchers have been given the go-ahead to implant the prototype device in 50 to 75 patients.

The Argus II system uses a spectacle-mounted camera to feed visual information to electrodes in the eye.

Read More

New Interactive Television To Assist Patients And Elderly

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070323104734.htm

Science Daily — Telecommunications engineer at the Public University of Navarre, Alejandro Fanjul Fernández, has designed a pioneering system of telemedicine for interactive digital television. This system enables the monitoring and treatment of and support for both patients and elderly people, from the comfort and convenience of their homes, by means of the television. This is the first tele-assistance system in Spain for interactive digital television and a number of companies and government bodies have expressed interest in marketing the application.

Read More

Employers Increase Use of High-Deductible Health Plans

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/553685?src=mp
Nine percent of U.S. employers in a poll by a health consulting firm said they plan to offer only one health insurance option next year -- a high-deductible policy that may encourage workers to skimp on care.
"Employers can offer these plans, but it takes more than that to get employees to enroll," said Ted Nussbaum, director of health consulting at Watson Wyatt, which advises employers. "In the old model, I (the employee) paid a $10 copay, and that was the end of my responsibility,Tags: Medical Insurance

Read More

Radio-sized device provides home care for heart patients

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/NEWS06/703230345
Karl is one of about 30 patients using home medical monitoring systems provided by the Home Care Services at Saint Francis Hospital.

She is sold on the device, which was installed in her home after she was discharged from a hospital stay. "I think it's terrific," the Poughquag resident said. "This way they can find out more about me than at the office." Karl has congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body's other organs. The clock-radio-sized device is hooked into the home's phone line and transmits the data collected to a computer in the home care offices.

Read More

Aged, Frail and Denied Care by Their Insurers

Story from the New York Times on how insurance companies view paying claims...BD

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/26/business/26care.html?ex=1332561600&en=2df67ad437336bc0&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss




"The bottom line is that insurance companies make money when they don’t pay
claims,” said Mary Beth Senkewicz, who resigned last year as a senior
executive at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
“They’ll do anything to avoid paying, because if they wait long enough,
they know the policyholders will die.”

Read More

Breakthrough VeinViewer Imaging System

http://www.gizmag.com/go/6860/
Last time I had some blood drawn, this sure could have come in handy!
Memphis-based Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has become the first healthcare system in the world to implement the VeinViewer at multiple sites. The health system plans to have nine devices in its seven Memphis area hospital locations. Some are already in place.

"The VeinViewer is a revolutionary technology that will greatly enhance patient care, safety and comfort," said Gary S. Shorb, president and CEO, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. "Making patients more comfortable during the blood drawing process is a major benefit, and it also helps our healthcare professionals work more efficiently."

Technorati : medical

Read More

The First Conception Kit for At-Home-Use

http://www.gizmag.com/go/7028/
We have had home pregnancy testing for a while, so this is the next item on the market, or should I say it should be the first product. BD


Millions of people the world over struggle with fertility issues each yea and until recently have had few options beyond expensive drugs or very expensive, invasive medical procedures. The Conceivex Conception Kit is the first comprehensive reproductive healthcare system designed for couples and was this week granted 510K clearance by the U.S. FDA. The Conception Kit contains fertility prediction tools, semen collectors and the only FDA-cleared home-use cervical cap for conception, which are designed to be used together for up to three months in order to enhance the couple’s chance of becoming pregnant.
Additional Information here:
http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2007/03/the_first_conce.html

Read More

Intel, Wal-Mart to Announce Electronic Medical Record Plan

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/880634/intel_walmart_to_announce_electronic_medical_record_plan/index.html?source=r_health

"The theory is that employers have the economic clout to move the health care providers off the dime to provide data," said Rishel. "That is part of the bold idea. It is also not proven yet. ...You have to get the data from the providers. That is fundamental in getting any personal health records system off the ground."

The proposed project will not replace the need for hospitals and doctors to create their own systems for electronic medical records. But the system under development will seek to link to other proprietary systems, through joint development efforts of health care providers.

Read More