Molly Merrill

Physicians started to cautiously enter the social media space beginning around 2005 – most blogging anonymously – but today doctors are beginning to embrace the technology as a way to make a difference in patient education.

When it comes to using social media, fear of violating HIPAA rules is top of mind for physicians, but experts say if they can adhere to privacy regulations, the technology’s benefits are far reaching.

As the need for certified electronic health record specialists grows, it is important that healthcare organizations are able to recognize whether potential candidates are EHR-ready, says one consultant.

"Hospitals are missing their opportunity" to boost patient engagement online, says one expert, who notes that a successful Web project requires a hybrid of marketing expertise and technology.

Natural disasters are hitting the U.S. and abroad more often, it seems. In an attempt to connect after disasters hit, family, friends, rescuers, relief agencies, healthcare workers and others have turned to social media – which one expert says is the right tool for the job.

Unified communications (UC), which has become a hot issue among IT leaders and administrators, has recently been bolstered by video – and the "prognosis for its use in healthcare appears to hold promise," says one expert.

The opt-in legislation for Maine's health information exchange was met with "clear opposition" by providers throughout the state, but a revised version that is pending the governor's approval would make it a mandate that providers who are participating in the HIE provide their patients with a separate form to opt-out.

The opt-in legislation for Maine's health information exchange was met with "clear opposition" by providers throughout the state, but a revised version that is pending the governor's approval, would make it a mandate that providers who are participating in the HIE provide their patients with a separate form to opt-out.

At the close of the Health Data Initiative Forum, Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra announced StartUp Health, a strategic initiative designed to improve access to capital, education and resources for health and wellness entrepreneurs.

At the close of the Health Data Initiative Forum held on Thursday, Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra announced StartUp Health, a strategic initiative designed to improve access to capital, education and resources for health and wellness entrepreneurs.