HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (HIT)

White Paper

Looming federal legislation and new regulations can make budgeting for Health Information and Technology (HIT) a landscape filled with great horizons or landmines. Sometimes, both occur simultaneously. However, making a commitment to HIT is no longer dispensable – it is essential.

“Correctly linking patients to their health data is a vital step in achieving quality health care,” stated the Rand Corporation’s Richard Hillestad in 2008.

A triad of business, clinical and technical issues faces the industry with the common goal of interoperability. The ever-growing demand for transparency and efficiency in health care services from the public and tighter reimbursements from payers adds additional challenges.

Regarding HIT, the Medical Leadership Institute of the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota calls it a means to an end in establishing the three central components of healthcare reform, which are:

• the increase of quality and safety of care
• the decrease of care costs
• improved access to all Americans

Governmental changes, on federal and state levels, are underway. Namely, 2009’s Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) have many, from committed individual physician practices, private and public hospitals and state and federal public health agencies to research institutes and academic health centers, trying to comply with a volunteer program for electronic health records (EHR).

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Steps for Protecting Your Eyesight

As precious as eyesight is, many neglect the tasks to secure its wellbeing. Maintaining healthy eyes, unlike keeping up tight abs or cellulite free thighs, is not a strenuous task.

Regular eye exams

If one already wears corrective lenses, an annual ophthalmologist appointment assures clear vision and early detection of possible problems. This is especially important for anyone with diabetes, high pressure, or a family history of eye disease – like cataracts and glaucoma.

Others, without vision issues, should see an eye doctor once a decade from their teens until the late 30s or early 40s when less flexibility begins with the eyes’ lenses. Unless a problem arises, an appointment every two years is sufficient.

Children, before the age of five, should receive their first exam. This gives the corrective treatments for serious conditions, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus where the eyes are misaligned, the greatest chance of success.

Healthy eating

Stave off macular degeneration through a diet rich with vitamins A and C, lutein, and omega-3 along with minerals like selenium and magnesium. Forgo processed and packaged foods for leafy green vegetable like spinach and kale, carrots, peppers and fish such as salmon and tuna. A healthy diet assists with weight control and avoidance of diseases like diabetes, a leading cause of blindness.

Protection comes in many forms

Sunglasses with lenses in the amber-orange and brown range offer 100 percent UV protection. Also, donning a wide-brimmed hat, especially when near water’s reflection is a necessity for blocking harmful sunrays as is applying an SPF around your eyes.

Keep a pair of inexpensive clear plastic eye protection glasses handy for any DYI home project. A flying piece of plaster, splat of paint or a wayward nail can permanently ruin one’s eyesight.

Take a break

Hours spent focused on a computer screen keeps eyes from blinking, and letting oil glands, along the eyelid, properly lubricate the eye. Periodically, break concentration and rest the eyes.

Eyesight is a gift with strings attached. Preserving it guarantees a lifetime of beautiful sights.