FAQ guides for health care IT

Check out these FAQ guides for information and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about health care IT. Each guide includes detailed answers, as well as links to related articles, tips and terms.

• FAQ: How can virtualized storage be used for medical images?
  Virtual storage technology can ease the burden medical images place on data centers. This FAQ address the hardware, software and management issues that virtual storage presents.
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• FAQ: How do telestroke services improve stroke treatment?
  Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Applying telemedicine technology to stroke treatment increases the odds of patients getting the treatment they need in time.
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• FAQ: Why aren't patients using PHR services?
  Personal health records could help patients track medical history, prescriptions and more. Yet most patients have never heard of them, let alone use them. Find out why in this FAQ.
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• FAQ: How should providers handle ICD-10 implementation?
  The transition to ICD-10 is catching many health care providers off guard. This FAQ provides an implementation timeline and lists key points to discuss with software vendors.
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• FAQ: How are regional extension centers helping physicians?
  Regional extension centers have been given grants to help small health care providers adopt EHR systems. This FAQ offers a look at the REC program -- and why some fear it may fail.
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• FAQ: What are the EHR software certification bodies?
  Six organizations have received ONC authorization to certify EHR software. This FAQ takes a closer look at these EHR certification bodies and the other services they offer.
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• FAQ: How can cloud services be used in health care?
  Cloud services let health care providers move storage, data processing and other systems onto the Internet, provided that security and data ownership concerns are addressed.
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• FAQ: What is health data archiving?
  Data archiving lets health care providers store patient records for years, as state and federal laws require. This FAQ addresses types of storage, outsourcing and other concerns.
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• FAQ: How do I qualify for the EHR Incentive Program?
  The first step toward participating in the federal EHR Incentive Program is making sure your organization qualifies. Here's what hospitals and eligible providers need to know.
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• FAQ: How is server virtualization technology used in health care?
  Server virtualization technology helps organizations cut maintenance and administration costs while improving performance. But health care providers must keep a few things in mind.
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• FAQ: How will the transition to ICD-10 codes affect health IT?
  As of Oct. 1, 2013, U.S. health care providers must use ICD-10 codes when submitting medical claims. This FAQ addresses what the transition means and how providers can prepare.
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• FAQ: What is telemedicine technology, and how can it save money?
  Telemedicine technology, which ranges from remote patient monitoring to teleconferencing, has been slow to catch on in the U.S. It could save billions. Find out how in this FAQ.
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• FAQ: How will the National Broadband Plan affect health IT?
  The FCC’s National Broadband Plan aims to bring high-speed Internet to all Americans and sets lofty goals for promoting EHR technology and data exchange. Read more in this FAQ.
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• FAQ: What is health information exchange?
  Through health information exchange, national standards govern the sharing of data. Disparate locations and EHR systems no longer pose challenges. But HIE remains a work in progress.
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• FAQ: Which federal agencies administer the HITECH Act?
  The HITECH Act sets many goals for the adoption of EHR technology. This FAQ explains which federal agencies and committees oversee meaningful use, standards and other health IT policies.
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• How does meaningful use affect health care IT?
  Meaningful use requirements for electronic health records systems aim to improve the quality of health care and reduce costs. But as this FAQ shows, achieving meaningful use is not easy.
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• What is a personal health records service?
  Personal health records give patients and doctors better access to important medical information than paper files do. This FAQ covers questions commonly asked about PHR services.
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• FAQ: Who is responsible for health IT certification?
  The Joint Commission and CCHIT oversee health IT certification now, but the HITECH Act set the stage for some big changes. This FAQ looks at what’s happened -- and what’s next.
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• FAQ: How does PACS technology affect health care IT?
  PACS technology, health care providers store digital images from medical devices. The switch from film processing comes with up-front costs but is worth it in the long run.
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• FAQ: What is EHR technology, and why is it important?
  Electronic health record systems, implemented properly, make it easy for hospitals, providers, regional agencies and patients to share data. This FAQ covers the basics of EHR technology
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