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May 2009 — Healthcare and Technology 
Technological advances within healthcare are plentiful, but with the associated high costs, tapping into the benefits of those advances can be out of reach for many. Thankfully, mobile technology has become more and more accessible for a relatively low buy-in. According to the Manhattan Research 2009 Taking the Pulse v9.0 report, smartphone/PDA adoption among U.S. physicians has reached 64%. This survey also found that Epocrates® remains the most used drug reference. What challenges have you faced in incorporating technology into your practice? Go to “Your Voice” below to give us your feedback on how technology affects your practice. Also in this issue: |
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Test your knowledge! What’s this in the axilla? Brought to you by Epocrates Online, featuring at-a-glance disease overviews, detailed diagnostic and treatment recommendations, and national medical society guidelines. |
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Buy a Bundle, Save a Bundle! Purchase Epocrates Essentials with a new iPod® touch for as low as $329. The iPod touch packs a wealth of features into a sleek design and responds to touch and movement. With Epocrates Essentials, you'll be able to use your iPod touch to access premium integrated clinical features. Please note, offer is not currently available with the iPhone.
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Q: Dr. M. writes, “What is the basis for your drug information content?” A: Epocrates Rx is a proprietary database developed by clinical pharmacists and physicians from academic backgrounds and institutions. To provide our users with the most accurate and clinically relevant drug information, our medical information editors commonly review information sources ranging from prescribing information and the FDA to specialty references, clinical guidelines and consensus documents, high quality review articles, primary literature, and other established resources to develop monographs that reflect current clinical practice. We also maintain a Senior Clinical Board of specialist physicians whom the medical editors may consult regarding specific clinical practices or controversies. To learn more about Epocrates Rx and other reference content, visit http://www.epocrates.com/company/content/index.html. This month’s answer provided by: Joshua L. Conrad, Pharm.D. – Epocrates’ Managing Editor, Medical Information |
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BREAKING NEWS - SWINE FLU: How to Stay Current The swine flu outbreak provides a test of the nation’s health communications infrastructure. Timely messages to clinicians, hospitals, labs, and the public are flowing through multiple media channels. Here are ways clinicians can stay in touch with the latest updates:
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Electronic Health Records in Hospitals: Paper Still Rules What percent of U.S. hospitals have electronic medical records in all clinical departments? Fewer than 2%, according to a recent survey of 3049 hospitals published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Beyond medical records, electronic lab results were accessible in most hospitals (77%), as were radiology reports (78%) and images (69%). 1 in 5 had computerized order entry for diagnostic tests; 1 in 6 had drug order entry systems. Hospitals cited high initial and maintenance costs as key barriers. The ARRA stimulus bill includes $19 billion to promote the use of health information technology (HIT), including payments to doctors and hospitals that implement electronic health records (EHRs) in the next few years and penalties for slow adopters who wait until 2015. Exactly what qualifies as “meaningful use” of a “certified” EHR awaits further definition. The bill’s HIT components, collectively called HITECH, are intended to improve both quality and efficiency of care by promoting secure electronic health record use for every person in the United States by 2014. We recently shared DocAlert messages that highlight ways consumers are sharing personal health information electronically with physicians. An American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session 2009 presentation reported improved systolic blood pressure when patients shared home BP readings with an electronic feedback and reminder system. IBM teamed up with Google Health on software to move data from remote personal medical devices into personal health records (PHRs); the information can be exchanged with doctors and other healthcare services in real-time. Update often to stay current on medical news and advances in healthcare communications technology. Raptiva Withdrawn From Market due to PML Risk |
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Update! Epocrates Essentials for the iPhone Introducing Epocrates Essentials for the iPhone, v2. Created especially for the iPhone OS, the latest version of Epocrates Essentials includes a few new features that allow you to:
Already have Epocrates Essentials for iPhone? To get your FREE update, go to the App Store on your device and tap on the “Update” button. Select the Epocrates app and tap on “free,” then “install.” Select the Epocrates app again and select "more", then "updates," and then "get updates." Interested in purchasing Epocrates Essentials?
Atrial Fibrillation Mobile Resource Center The Atrial Fibrillation Mobile Resource Center is now available as a FREE download. You’ll receive the most important and current clinical news and research on atrial fibrillation. The articles are carefully selected and commented upon by Contributing Editor Douglas P. Zipes, MD, Distinguished Professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Mobile Resource Centers are also available for many other diseases/conditions such as Leukemia, IBS & Chronic Constipation, Allergy & Asthma, Diabetes, and Infection Management.Mobile Resources Centers are available on Windows Mobile (Pocket PC) and Palm OS. Upcoming Meetings — Meet the Epocrates Team! Medical Library Association – May 15-20 – Honolulu, HI Updates at a Glance
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Healthcare & the Economy “I have been a nurse for over 30 years and currently work as a family nurse practitioner in the Fast track area in a local rural hospital. Our census is very high. I often see people that have been ill for weeks and I ask, "Why didn't you see your doctor?" Their answers are, I couldn't afford the co-pay, I have no insurance, or I just lost my job and/or insurance. In the ER, you don't have to pay up front and we cannot refuse anyone care. I am so thankful everyday for the Walmart and Target $4 drug programs, I am forced to prescribe from them and recommend them all the time. Without them, I know my patients would go without or only take a few days of the medications. I know people are skipping meds or taking them every other day to conserve. It's very concerning. All doctors should look at their pt's financial situation and make sure they are ordering meds that the pt. can afford. Often people are too proud to announce to their doctor that they can't afford a medication.” We love to hear from our members about Epocrates products, or any other topics. This month, we’d love to know how technology has affected your practice. Please let us know at youropinion@epocrates.com. We’ll select a few customer comments to feature in next month’s newsletter. All customers featured in the newsletter will receive a free one-year subscription to the premium product of your choice. |
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Epocrates, Inc., 1100 Park Place, Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94403 | www.epocrates.com |