“Any hospital that doesn’t have meaningful use of IT by 2015 will see a cut in reimbursements.” Ouch. That’s a sobering statement. Now here’s an even bigger eye opener: only 3.5% of the $2.5 TRILLION now spent on healthcare is allocated to IT. This number, well let’s be honest, both of these numbers will grow substantially in the upcoming years. There are multiple companies that offer platforms to propel hospitals and yes, small practices into the ring of the future. Healthcare IT is a barreling freight train that shows no signs of slowing. Arming yourself with knowledge to choose the best fit software for your practice, making sure they offer setup and ongoing support, will save headaches and $$ down the road. Cerner, Allscripts and GE offer such software. But due diligence is key, you’re marrying into a system where you must trust and love the in-laws. Next dropoff: Health Insurance companies as we currently enjoy will no longer be aboard. Well Mr. Patterson of Cerner, that’s a totally separate blog.
There is always something admirable about going against the grain, and Microsoft is hoping it pays off…literally. Recognizing that tablets are here to stay in a big way, Microsoft’s Windows 8 is catering to the trend. Let’s face it, social media has definitely found its way to the workplace, camouflaged within tablets and smartphones. Perhaps not so great for productivity between the 9:00-5:00 time frame, but consider the opportunity to utilize this device for a little work from home. After 5:00. That is the basis of Windows 8, to connect the mobile device to the workplace computer. So perhaps if employees check their email from home on a weekend, the opportunity is there to tap into work and complete a task rather than allowing it to sit in the inbox until Monday. An Employer’s dream or nightmare? Windows is rolling the dice and betting on 8.
Under the Affordable Care Act, in 2014, insurers will be prohibited from denying coverage to any American with a pre-existing condition. The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) program is currently providing insurance to nearly 50,000 people with high-risk pre-existing conditions nationwide. The program is available in 50 states and the District of Columbia and open to U.S. citizens and people who reside in the U.S. legally (regardless of income) who have been without insurance coverage for at least six months, and have a pre-existing condition, or have been denied health insurance coverage because of a health condition. Enrollment in PCIP has seen a nearly 400 percent increase from November 2010 to November 2011. PCIP enrollment is anticipated to trend upwards of 50,000 enrollees within the coming month.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in a chicken in every pot and a roof over every head. The National Mortgage Statement Pact will be landing upon our economy within the next year, whereby $25 billion, yes B as in Billion, will be allocated to all 50 states based on financial relief needs of homeowners struggling to make mortgage payments. For example, Kansas is estimated to receive $50 million, while California is projected to receive $10 BILLION. My main concern lies in the outcome: is this a solution or an enabling mistake? Unemployment is still a major concern and the last time I checked, companies weren’t eagerly turning on the help wanted sign. And if these homeowners are struggling to afford their mortgage payment then, what have we seen to make us believe they will be earning sufficient money 1-3 years from now? In contrast, couldn’t we have taken the $25 Billion, pumped it into SBA to create more loans for small businesses and work to create jobs? Call me crazy, but wouldn’t this huge sum of money be more beneficial to a broader audience?
We all new the Mega-Sized Clearance Sale in Real Estate couldn’t last, but do opportunities for deals still exist? It sounds as though a thriving housing market is still a small beacon on the horizon. And casting a dark sky on this beacon is shadow inventory, homes that are on the balance sheets of banks but haven’t made it to market. All this Europe debt crisis and Congress talk is a great excuse for a lackluster market, but just like everything else, isn’t it truly all relative? Think about it, in 2008 we sold our homes in an overpriced market, and moved into our new home, which we purchased in an overpriced market. On the flip side of the coin, the deal you negotiate on the buy side in today’s market is lessened by what you had to give up on your sell side. Therefore, today’s depressed market coupled with the historic low interest rates is actually filled with blue sky: a first time homebuyer’s dream come true. Or if you are looking for a little challenge, you could snatch up one of these good deals, rent it for a minimum of 2 to 3 years (the time to which some “experts” are saying the housing market will start to wake up) then sell the appreciated home. Thanks Uncle Sam. 
It used to be years ago in the health industry, when a doctor mentioned tablets she or he was referring to a prescription. Fast forward to 2012, a different type of tablet is monopolizing the healthcare industry and the late Steve Jobs is who we have to thank. The number of hospitals and practices that are utilizing tablets such as iPads is growing rapidly. The easibility of use and convenience of size are just two of many factors for the rise in usage. There are numerous apps available to streamline practice management, patient encounters as well as e-prescribing possibilities. Although technology outdates itself the day it comes to market, jump on the technology runaway train now and hang on. Enhanced workflows and thus increased productivity are a nice side-effect of this prescribed tablet. Oh, and your patient will appreciate the enhanced visit.
