The ASTP/ONC has finalized the HTI-4 rule to improve prescription drug cost transparency and streamline healthcare processes by leveraging certified Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This rule introduces a certification criterion for real-time prescription benefit checks, enabling patients and healthcare providers to compare drug prices and find cost-effective alternatives promptly. By facilitating real-time prior authorizations, the rule aims to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, aligning with broader goals of the Department of Health and Human Services. The implications for healthcare professionals include reduced administrative burdens and improved access to necessary medications during patient encounters.

New Rule Boosts Drug Cost Transparency, Streamlines Real-Time Authorizations healthit.gov

Two Florida law firms, Zumpano Patricios PA and LaBovick Law Group, have reported significant data breaches affecting over 282,000 individuals, highlighting urgent cybersecurity concerns in healthcare-related legal practices. ZP Law's breach potentially compromised the health information of nearly 280,000 people, while LaBovick's incident involved the ransomware exfiltration of data from 2,825 individuals. These breaches underline the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in law firms managing sensitive healthcare data, as such vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences for both individuals and the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals must recognize the importance of partnering with law firms that prioritize data security to protect patient information effectively.

Florida Law Firms Hit by Major Data Breaches, 282,100 Affected BankInfoSecurity

Nebraska Medicine experienced operational strain due to a high volume of calls, averaging 2.5 million annually, which hindered critical functions like nurse triage and organ transplant coordination. In response, the organization partnered with ActiumHealth to implement an AI-driven system that automates routine inquiries, enabling the differentiation between basic and complex communication needs. This innovation not only alleviates staff burnout by allowing human agents to concentrate on more urgent matters but also enhances patient access by providing continuous, efficient support. The integration of this technology underscores the potential for AI to improve healthcare operations, significantly impacting both patient care and staff efficiency.

AI Revolutionizes Nebraska Medicine Call Center, Boosting Efficiency and Care Healthcare IT News

Oracle Health, formerly Cerner, has reported significant data breaches affecting health systems in Texas, South Carolina, and California, revealing vulnerabilities in legacy EHR systems. Over 4,000 individuals in Texas and nearly 3,000 in South Carolina had their sensitive information compromised, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical records. Discovered in March, the breach allowed unauthorized access dating back to January, with notifications to affected patients delayed due to an ongoing federal investigation. This incident underscores the critical need for healthcare organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, particularly for outdated systems that may lack robust protections against data breaches.

Oracle Health Data Breach Exposes Thousands, Raises EHR Security Concerns Becker's Hospital Review

The ASTP/ONC has finalized the HTI-4 rule to improve prescription drug cost transparency and streamline healthcare processes by leveraging certified Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This rule introduces a certification criterion for real-time prescription benefit checks, enabling patients and healthcare providers to compare drug prices and find cost-effective alternatives promptly. By facilitating real-time prior authorizations, the rule aims to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, aligning with broader goals of the Department of Health and Human Services. The implications for healthcare professionals include reduced administrative burdens and improved access to necessary medications during patient encounters.

New Rule Boosts Drug Cost Transparency, Streamlines Real-Time Authorizations healthit.gov

Two Florida law firms, Zumpano Patricios PA and LaBovick Law Group, have reported significant data breaches affecting over 282,000 individuals, highlighting urgent cybersecurity concerns in healthcare-related legal practices. ZP Law's breach potentially compromised the health information of nearly 280,000 people, while LaBovick's incident involved the ransomware exfiltration of data from 2,825 individuals. These breaches underline the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in law firms managing sensitive healthcare data, as such vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences for both individuals and the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals must recognize the importance of partnering with law firms that prioritize data security to protect patient information effectively.

Florida Law Firms Hit by Major Data Breaches, 282,100 Affected BankInfoSecurity

Nebraska Medicine experienced operational strain due to a high volume of calls, averaging 2.5 million annually, which hindered critical functions like nurse triage and organ transplant coordination. In response, the organization partnered with ActiumHealth to implement an AI-driven system that automates routine inquiries, enabling the differentiation between basic and complex communication needs. This innovation not only alleviates staff burnout by allowing human agents to concentrate on more urgent matters but also enhances patient access by providing continuous, efficient support. The integration of this technology underscores the potential for AI to improve healthcare operations, significantly impacting both patient care and staff efficiency.

AI Revolutionizes Nebraska Medicine Call Center, Boosting Efficiency and Care Healthcare IT News

Oracle Health, formerly Cerner, has reported significant data breaches affecting health systems in Texas, South Carolina, and California, revealing vulnerabilities in legacy EHR systems. Over 4,000 individuals in Texas and nearly 3,000 in South Carolina had their sensitive information compromised, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical records. Discovered in March, the breach allowed unauthorized access dating back to January, with notifications to affected patients delayed due to an ongoing federal investigation. This incident underscores the critical need for healthcare organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, particularly for outdated systems that may lack robust protections against data breaches.

Oracle Health Data Breach Exposes Thousands, Raises EHR Security Concerns Becker's Hospital Review