Richardson's Washable Keyboard and Mouse

LaFox, Ill.-based Richardson Electronics has released the ScrollSeal Washable mouse and the SpillSeal protected keyboard, in an effort to reduce bacterial cross-contamination in healthcare facilities.

According to Richardson, both devices have the look and feel of normal peripherals, yet can be fully washed under running tap water or immersed in antibacterial solutions for complete disinfection.

Both the keyboard and mouse have been tested to IP66 and NEMA 4X standards and can be utilized in operating rooms and other healthcare facilities, contends Richardson. Each is available in a wired or wireless version, and features plug-and-play installation with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP.

CareMedic Updates Compliance

CareMedic Systems Inc. recently made available the eighth version of VerifyAR Compliance Checking. According to CareMedic, the solution helps hospitals remain compliant prior to providing and billing for medical services.

CareMedic, a St Petersburg, Fla.-based financial management company servicing hospitals and providers, states that the product has been updated to support the new National Provider Identifier (NPI).

Enhancements to Version 8 include multiple updates to the Advanced Beneficiary Notification (ABN) form and the Compliance Checking administrator, says CareMedic.

Siemens Manages its Image

Siemens Medical Solutions recently launched a new cardiology image management and reporting solution, syngo Dynamics version 6.

According to Siemens, the solution delivers data transfer between Siemens' Sensis XP, a cardiology and electrophysiology recording solution, and syngo Dynamics. The solution improves the efficiency of clinical procedures related to cardiology, vascular and other medical disciplines, says the company.

Version 6 of syngo Dynamics continues the evolution of Siemens ACUSON KinetDx, an image management and reporting solution for the echocardiography laboratory, says Siemens.

Henry Schein Goes 6.0

Melville, N.Y.-based Henry Schein Medical Systems, the medical software division of Henry Schein Inc., recently released MicroMD PM 6.0, a windows-based client/server practice management system.

According to Henry Schein Medical Systems, enhancements in version 6.0 include:

Identity and Access Management
Referral Tracking
Co-pay Tracking
Collection by Sequence
Enhanced Reporting
User Interface Facelift

Kodak Updates its Dashboard

Eastman Kodak Company, based in Rochester, N.Y., recently released an updated version of its Kodak Carestream Digital Dashboard software.

According to Kodak, the digital dashboard feature allows system administrators to monitor equipment performance, storage utilization and user volumes for picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), as well as check patient's vital statistics.

The software supports users of Kodak Carestream PACS and Kodak Carestream Information Management Solutions, says the company.

Ingenix Launches e-Billing Solution

Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Ingenix has launched an e-billing solution designed to offer integrated bill editing to workers' compensation healthcare providers, payers and state program administrators.

According to Ingenix, its technology facilitates the access and exchange of financial and clinical data, directly and in batches. Ingenix contends the software also edits incoming medical bills, and processes electronic attachments from multiple practice management and document management solutions.

Through a strategic partnership between Ingenix and Clarksville, Va.-based Red Oak EDI Solutions (ROES), workers' compensation healthcare providers, payers and state administrators may also integrate submission of the First and Subsequent Reports of Injury in the e-billing process to determine claim status and coverage, eliminating the need for multiple data streams, says Ingenix.

Extelligence Intelligence

Wakefield, Mass.-based Picis Inc. recently released CareSuite Extelligence OR version 3.0, a business intelligence (BI) solution that analyzes and manages the business performance of the operating room (OR).

Extelligence OR version 3.0 integrates with CareSuite OR Manager, Picis' operating room management system, allowing end-users to directly access and interpret recorded data during the surgical continuum, says Picis.

According to Picis, Extelligence OR features include:

Low total cost of ownership
Out-of-the-box integration
Enhanced best practice report library

McKesson Examines Inventory

McKesson Specialty, a division of San Francisco based McKesson Corporation, recently launched OncoIMS, a Web-based inventory management solution designed to help oncology practices manage medication inventory levels and streamline manual inventory processes.

Gabrail Cancer Center in Canton, Ohio, and Matthews Hematology Oncology in Matthews, N.C., are two of the pilot practices implementing the solution, followed by a general release in June.

According to McKesson, OncoIMS's key features include capturing lost charges; tracking inventory items — including partial vials — to facilitate patient and practice reimbursement; linking inventory items according to regimens to assist with practice standardization; automated inventory ordering; and backing up data to ensure disaster recovery.

Philips Sends a Memo

Royal Philips Electronics, headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, recently launched an updated version of its Digital Pocket Memo.

According to Phillips, enhanced features of the handheld digital recorder include:

An ergonomically updated screen.
Automatically uploaded dictation to a local area network (LAN) without the need for a PC connection.
Automatically encrypted dictation in real time.
Two levels of security: a PIN and a personal user keyword.
Encryption technology to ensure that dictation is compliant with current confidentiality and security standards.
A USB chargeable battery.
Upgraded DSS (Digital Speech Standard files) and SpeechExec Pro software.

Intergy Knows its Community

Tampa, Fla.-based Sage Software will begin offering a new version of its Intergy by Sage solution, targeting the needs of community health centers.

Based on Sage Software's flagship Intergy product line, the new solution will include features to help manage sliding fee schedules, UDS, and behavioral health management.

Combined with other Sage Software products, the new offering will provide community health centers with the ability to manage funds, control budgets, and monitor accountability, according to the company. The solution is integrated with the Sage's Intergy EHR, practice management and electronic data interchange tools, and Sage Software's financial offerings.

SSI Enhances ClickOn

The SSI Group, a healthcare electronic data interchange (EDI) company located in Mobile, Ala., has implemented a recent enhancement to its Web-based application, ClickON Net Eligibility. The enhancement notifies users when content between request data from the provider and response data from the payer differ.

The company claims that utilizing this type of technology results in cost saving of about 80 percent on the front end, when compared to typical manual processes.

SSI is the industry's first organization to achieve CAQH Committee on Operating Rules for Information Exchange (CORE) Phase I rules certification seals, as both a clearinghouse and software vendor.

Merge Fuses RIS/PACS MX

Milwaukee, Wis.-based Merge Healthcare has released Fusion RIS/PACS MX, an imaging informatics solution.

According to Merge, Fusion RIS/PACS MX combines the functionalities of a RIS (radiology information system) and a PACS (picture archiving and communication system), resulting in a solution that gives single-desktop access to all information required for reading and reporting on an exam.

Merge claims that client ROI analysis showed the following improvements: