hfm: February 2011

Cover Story

HFM_Feb_Cover

From Promise to Reality: Achieving the Value of an EHR

Providers of all sizes can reap both tangible and intangible benefits from an EHR investment.

By Beverly Bell, Kelly Thornton

Features

Adopting a Data-Driven Approach to Underpayment RecoveryBy Dave Hennigan, Sager Chowlera

Making Informed Capital Investment Decisions for Clinical Technology

CFOs should incorporate data-based analyses in determining whether to support purchases of clinical equipment and whether to redeploy existing equipment.

By Brian Poplin

Meaningful Abuse: The Rush Towward EHR Implementation

An examination of the problems several hospitals have encountered in the rush to implement EHRs could help other organizations avoid similar challenges.

By Elise Ames, Vince Ciotti, Barry Mathis

Bottom-Line Booster: Extending Medical Equipment Life Without Compromising CareBy Dale Hockel, Robert Hughes

Leveraging Healthcare IT to Improve Operational Performance

The use of technology to automate clinical workflows at The Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pa., has reduced hospital-acquired MRSA infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections and enhanced documentation of preexisting ulcers.

By John Glaser, Ray Hess

Web Extra: 7 Keys to Improving Clinical Performance by Automating Workflows

Can EHRs and HIEs Get Along with HIPAA Security Requirements

By Christine Sarrico, Jim Hauenstein

The Physician Value Index: A Tool for Effective Physician IntegrationBy Jay Reddy

Focus Areas

Accounting

Valuing Goodwill: Not-for-Profits Prepare for Annual Impairment Testing

Accounting standards for valuing goodwill and intangible assets are becoming more rigorous for not-for-profit organizations

By Christian Heuer, Mary Ann Travers

Technology

The Brave, New World of HIEs

A study of health information exchanges that have been deployed across the United States quantifies the potential value that can be gained from HIEs and the obstacles providers could face.

By Jason Hess

Columns

From the Chair

Investing in Technology that Saves Lives

Although payment structures often don't reflect the value of life-saving technologies such as stroke telemedicine, HFMA Chair Debi Kuchka-Craig tells why these technologies can be a wise investment now.

By Deborah Kuchka-Craig, FHFMA

From the President

The Drive for Value in Health Care

Health system changes require that providers undertand and achieve value--higher quality at lower cost.

By Richard L. Clarke, DHA, FHFMA

From the Editor

Leading by Listening

Leaders often need to hone their ability to listen and respond, as this story about a college professor illustrates.

By Robert Fromberg, Editor-in-Chief

Eye on Washington

Fiscal Proposals Have Far-Reaching Implications for Providers

By Chad Mulvany