New features for eClinicalWorks app
Westborough, Mass.-based eClinicalWorks Inc. has introduced several new capabilities in version 6.7 of its integrated physician practice management/electronic medical records software. New features include "click-thru" technology to enable a physician to import documentation from a patient's previous visits into a new progress note, according to the vendor. The upgraded version also features a Web-based medical summary screen and enables users to search for specialists based on whether they accept a patient's insurance.

FDA OKs Guidant monitoring systemGuidant Corporation has announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of the Latitude Communicator, and secure data storage system. Patients and physicians now have the ability to conduct wireless, automatic device data uploads from the comfort and convenience of the patient's home. The Latitude Communicator wirelessly reads implantable device information at times specified by the patient's physician. The Communicator transmits the data to a secure Internet server where the physician can then access this medical information anytime, from anywhere. In addition to wireless, automatic device data uploads, the Communicator enables Latitude Active Monitoring of the Renewal 3RF CRT-D device. Latitude Active Monitoring is a daily confirmation of the patient's device status, providing confidence and assurance that the device is operating properly. "This wireless system is designed to improve patient compliance independent of patient effort and gives me the ability to more closely monitor my patients without increasing my work," said Dr. Bruce Wilkoff, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

Krames provides on-demand Info Rx
The Krames On-Demand electronic, patient education system is now available with Krames Information Therapy functionality. This new capability provides caregivers another option for dispensing and documenting patient education efforts in addition to printing and dispensing at the point of care. Clinicians will now have the ability to e-mail patients links to pick up the content at a password protected Web site allowing patients to review the content on their personal computers whenever they want.This application combines the best in patient education content, coded to MeSH, CPT, and ICD-9 codes, with a turnkey delivery and tracking mechanism that allows practitioners to execute and monitor their information therapy initiatives.

VantageMed expands practice management
VantageMed Corporation announced the expansion of its suite of medical practice management solutions with the launch of its new Medical Helper practice management software. VantageMed designed Medical Helper to address the needs of small medical practices using powerful, reliable Windows-based technology with prices starting at less than $1,500. Standard features include electronic claims billing, patient statements, appointment scheduling, payment reconciliation and collection capabilities.

Philips releases new digital dictation tool
Royal Philips Electronics has released its new dictation and scalable company-wide transcription software, SpeechExec. As the next generation of the widely-used SpeechMike Executive solution, SpeechExec incorporates the advanced requirements of professional digital dictation users. The highly innovative software completes Philips' one-stop speech processing offering. SpeechExec processes dictation voice files from recording to archiving and can be easily configured according to each user's preferences. Workflow and file management software facilitates the efficient sharing and archiving of dictations. As a company-wide solution, SpeechExec can be installed on a local network or accessed via the Internet. Dictation sound files are automatically transferred via a company network, sent by e-mail or uploaded onto an FTP server, depending on each user's preferences. As a network installation, SpeechExec can be centrally installed, eliminating time-consuming software administration on individual PCs. The new licensing policy supports dongle-based copy protection as well as site licenses. File encryption allows only authorized persons to access dictated information, a feature that complies with the regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

DP Solutions offers EDI translation tool
DP Solutions has announced the release of the Mediverge EDI Translation System. Mediverge is a software and services combination package that takes non-standard healthcare formats, such as the HCFA1500, UB92 and NSF, and translates them into HIPAA-compliant EDI transactions. DP Solutions' Healthcare Project Team, with the unique combination of healthcare experience with technical expertise, integrates and customizes the software to work within clients' existing systems. Mediverge is integrated within an organization's existing healthcare IT infrastructure, eliminating expensive translator implementations. This solution gives healthcare organizations an accurate and efficient method for translating their non-standard document and processes into HIPAA-compliant transactions.

Socket unveils RFID tool for mobile devicesSocket Communications has announced the availability of the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card Series 6. Designed for Pocket PCs or other mobile devices running Windows Mobile software, the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card is an industry first, and combines both RFID and bar code technology within the same CF housing, enabling users to scan bar codes and read/write to high frequency (13.56MHz) RFID tags with a single, affordable mobile device. Dual functionality is supported by SocketScan keyboard wedge software, which sends the RFID tag and/or bar code data to any Windows application as virtual keystrokes. The product is ideally suited for data collection implementations requiring both technologies, or for companies seeking ways to future-proof solutions with a migration path from bar codes to RFID.