Web portals offer providers and payers an opportunity to build stronger relationships with their customers. But how much functionality is enough? Does allowing patients to schedule appointments satisfy their needs for interactivity or should lab results also be available behind a password-protected shield? These and other portal-related questions are tackled in Gateway to Success.
HIMSS 2006 was a feast for the senses in San Diego. Explore one of the world’s largest healthcare IT shows in our comprehensive coverage, including issues facing physicians and nurses, along with trends such as pay-for performance. We conclude the wrap with a look at New Orleans and the city’s fitness to accommodate HIMSS 2007 after its battering by Hurricane Katrina.
On a housekeeping note, you’ll see the issue starts off with a new section called Spotlight. The section will consist of stories formerly included in the News & Trends section. However, we think that their quality deserved more attention from a design point of view. The other two sections of what had been News & Trends — On Record and Industry Watch — can be found later in the issue.
Also, this issue marks the return of our Washington Word section, designed to give you insight into the most important legislation affecting the adoption and use of healthcare IT. Acts of the president and Congress can have a huge impact on the industry, so we’ll be keeping a closer eye on this aspect of healthcare.
Enjoy the issue!
