Healthcare IT News - October 2007 - (Page 16)

16 Healthcare IT News ■ October 2007 newS www.HealthcareITNews.com Edwards calls for universal health coverage By dIaNa MaNos, Senior Editor GroB Continued from page 15 – Presidential hopeful and former Senator John Edwards (D-n.C.) said last month that mandated universal healthcare is the one issue he will not bend on when it comes to his healthcare platform. At a briefing sponsored by the Federation of American Hospitals and Families USA, Edwards said healthcare is a top priority for washington him and noted he was one of the first candidates to develop a plan for healthcare reform. Edwards said mandated universal coverage is the only way to ensure that most Americans will be covered. This could be paid for by eliminating tax cuts on the wealthy, using new technologies such as electronic medical records to improve care and reduce errors, and having one provider take medical responsibility for a patient’s care. As to how coverage should be provided, he wants to leave that up to the American people, allowing them to choose between private and federally run plans. Edwards argued his plan is not what his opponents would call “a back-door method to a single payer,” but rather an opportunity for Americans to choose the direc- tion of U.S. healthcare reform. This, he said, is preferable over decisions made in “policy shops,” removed from the real world. Edwards said his plan would also allow Americans to retain the coverage they have now and would allow them to take their coverage to any geographic location and from job to job. ■ More at healthcareITNews.com e Connect: edwards 1007 ● exam in 2002, I wanted to gain a better understanding of the credential. now, I use CPHIMS with my name professionally because it conveys that I view the credential as important.” Hickman, who is also the immediate past chairman of the HIMSS board of directors and a former member of the CPHIMS Technical Committee, said, “While not a requirement for hiring, the CPHIMS credential is definitely a preference.” Escher concurs: “If I am hiring or promoting someone for an information services leadership position, it does make a difference.” For those providing products and services to healthcare organizations, having CPHIMS-credentialed staff communicates they employ professionals who are well qualified to understand and address the needs of their clients. uPdated exaM The CPHIMS Technical Committee of HIMSS, in concert with Applied Measurement Professionals and HIMSS staff, recently completed a job analysis – a systematic study of a job to determine the knowledge, skills and abilities required for successful performance. The result? A revised outline of the CPHIMS exam content that more accurately reflects today’s professional practice. The committee also reviewed each question in the exam for clarity, alignment with the new content outline, and appropriateness within the context of an international audience. Thus, a new version of the exam, supported by updated study aids, will debut in 2008. The new content outline of the CPHIMS exam also supports an enhanced global perspective, providing a common platform and understanding. By expanding the credential internationally, greater opportunities are being created for professionals not only to enhance their own potential, but to bring a standardized and validated set of skills and knowledge to improving health outcomes and operational efficiencies around the world. ■ More at healthcareITNews.com e Connect: Grob 1007 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ● Matthew Grob, CPhIMs, has served the healthcare IT industry for more than 20 years and is currently a director with rsM McGladrey, an international professional services firm, where he leads the healthcare Information Technology Consulting Practice. he has been an active member and volunteer with hIMss for many years and is the current chairman of the CPhIMs Technical Committee. email: matthew.grob@rsmi.com. e ● Connect: elsevIer 1007 http://www.HealthcareITNews.com http://www.HealthcareITNews.com http://www.healthcareitnews.com/story.cms?id=7835 http://www.HealthcareITNews.com http://www.healthcareitnews.com/story.cms?id=7832 http://www.ClinicalDecisionsupport.com http://www.ClinicalDecisionsupport.com http://www.healthcareitnews.com/eConnect.cms?id=7896

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Healthcare IT News - October 2007 Contents Global Harmony Telegrowth New Rules Keeping Tabs What's Free? PHR of Its Own Intelligent Closing Practice Management Paper Tiger

Healthcare IT News - October 2007

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