http://www.hospitalbuyer.com News for Healthcare Procurement Decision Makers en-us 2008-11-25T16:06:37Z http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/434923098/ For the next few weeks, we’re going to rethink our coverage and rebuild the site. And we’d like your input. We plan to add features, expand coverage and build new products to help buyers and sellers navigate the healthcare supply chain. But we want to make sure we add things that are of value to you, [...] 2008-10-28T13:17:26-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/materials-management/hospitalbuyer-undergoing-surgery-2865/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/415408095/ Data collected from CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis can alter decision-making by clinicians regarding those patients who are suspected of having appendicitis. A research study evaluating such was recently published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The study was completed at the University of Washington Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The research team examined [...] 2008-10-08T21:52:57-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/emergency/ct-scans-alter-er-decision-making-about-appendicitis-2862/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/415314940/ Eclipsys Corporation announced that the acquisition (pdf) of MediNotes was finalized. MediNotes is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, expanding the portfolio of tools to support the healthcare system. MediNotes provides information solutions used in the clinical practice setting. This includes an electronic medical record (EMR) system, as well as a web-based practice [...] 2008-10-08T02:37:17-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/industry-market/mergers-acquisitions/medinotes-purchase-completed-by-eclipsys-2861/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/414221204/ InterradMedical, Incorporated received marketing clearance from U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the organization’s SecureAcath PICC. The new device is a catheter that incorporates a subcutaneous securing system. The SecureAcath incorporates a small anchor that is attached to subcutaneous tissue for catheter positioning. The anchor is placed just under the skin to maintain the position of [...] 2008-10-07T18:30:14-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/surgery/catheter-for-subcutaneous-implantation-cleared-2860/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/414044340/ The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) announced the most recently certified electronic health record (EHR) systems designed for office-based physicians. This is the first series of systems that were approved considering the new criteria for 2008. The overall criteria were revised to ensure security, functionality, and interoperability. A complete description of the updated criteria [...] 2008-10-07T14:34:30-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/materials-management/it-software/cchit-announces-newly-certified-ehrs-2857/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/414035773/ The American Medical News (AMN) recently posted an article detailing the dire situation within the United States transplantation system. Just over one year ago, almost 100,000 people were on list to receive organ transplant. Many of those individuals die while waiting for an organ. The current procurement system is simply unable to keep up with [...] 2008-10-07T14:21:23-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/industry-market/people/us-organ-donations-fail-to-meet-need-2858/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/414112250/ A new collaboration for the online world of healthcare was announced with the completion of a merger agreement between Revolution Health Network and Waterfront Media. RevolutionHealth.com will be rolled into the Everyday Health Network from Waterfront. The combined resources will create the largest online healthcare community, creating some significant competition for WebMD. Preliminary projections unveiled suggest [...] 2008-10-06T04:50:59-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/industry-market/mergers-acquisitions/revolution-and-waterfront-plan-to-merge-2859/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/409346034/ Cepheid Incorporated received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for new rapid diagnostic tests, the Xpert MRSA/SA Blood Culture (BC) test. This system assesses patients for the presence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA). These tests are completed with the company’s GeneXpert system. The test is indicated for blood culture specimen bottles [...] 2008-10-01T22:06:47-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/health-issues/diagnostic/one-hour-tests-from-cepheid-approved-2854/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/409370693/ Microsoft Corporation’s Amalga system has been implemented at two more institutions, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Institute of Translational Health Sciences. Specific tools planned for use at both facilities include the data aggregation and integration software, the news was posted by Health Data Management. Seattle Children’s expects that this tool will grant [...] 2008-10-01T07:37:38-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/industry-market/contract-awards/amalga-wins-more-contracts-2855/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/409457614/ In addition to the recent FDA approval, Verax Biomedical, Incorporated received the CE mark for its Platelet PGD Test. The diagnostic system is utilized to detect bacterial contaminants in either tissue or blood cells. Such contamination is the prime cause of mortality in patients who received platelet transfusion. The Platelet PGD Test is a disposable, single [...] 2008-09-30T20:10:23-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/hematology-oncology/bacterial-detection-test-from-verax-cleared-for-market-2856/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/407891737/ The Health and Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) sent a letter to Congress (pdf) in response to the recent Health-e Information Technology Act, proposed by Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA). One of the concerns cited with the legislation is the suggestion that the federal government oversee efforts for an open source health information technology system. HIMSS [...] 2008-09-30T18:14:49-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/general-management-administration/legal-legislative/himss-responds-to-proposed-legislation-2852/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/408316394/ A speech recognition application from Royal Philips Electronics will be integrated into the Amalga hospital information system from Microsoft, as well as the Amalga radiology information system/ picture archiving and communication system. These systems are currently sold outside of the U.S. The SpeechMagic application from Philips will be integrated with the Microsoft healthcare system. Integration of [...] 2008-09-30T14:47:47-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/materials-management/philips-speech-application-integrated-with-microsoft-system-2853/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/407521704/ The patient statement business for GE Healthcare Information Technology was purchased by Emdeon, according to a press release from the company. The GE business acquired includes bulk printing and mailing services. GE’s existing business currently serves more than 400 clients, including physician groups and hospitals. Services provided include mailing of claims, appointment reminders, invoices, and statements. [...] 2008-09-30T04:49:41-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/industry-market/mergers-acquisitions/ge-statement-business-acquired-2850/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/407497349/ A study published in the Journal of Digital Imaging notes that radiologists frequently lack access to clinical information for patients that have undergone imaging. This information may be relevant to the diagnostic process for those responsible for interpretation of studies. The trial completed was a multi-center venture, including eight institutions across the U.S. Data was collected [...] 2008-09-29T20:58:41-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/radiology/radiologists-note-lacking-of-key-information-2849/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/407532487/ Quebec-based CryoCath announced completion of a merger agreement with Medtronic whereby the Canadian company will be purchased. A wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic will purchase the outstanding company shares to the tune of $380 million. The deal was already approved by the CryoCath Board of Directors. It is expected to close before the end of [...] 2008-09-29T03:54:52-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/cardiology/medtronic-to-acquire-cryocath-2851/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/405701864/ Clinical Lab Products notes that Roche plans to utilized the QuickVue rapid flu test for the 2008-2009 FluStar surveillance program. The brand Influenza A+B will be employed in more than 400 doctor offices across the country. This test provides diagnostic information as to whether or not patients are infected with influenza within ten minutes or less. [...] 2008-09-26T11:56:25-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/health-issues/diagnostic/quickvue-test-selected-by-roche-2848/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/390979676/ The PAS-Port Proximal Anastomosis System from Cardica received marketing clearance from the Food and Drug Administration. The system is indicated for use during cardiac bypass surgery; it was already approved for use in both Europe and Japan. The PAS-Port supports creation of anastomosis between the aorta and vein graft during coronary artery bypass grafting. Surgeons can [...] 2008-09-12T22:48:13-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/cardiology/anastomosis-system-for-cardiac-bypass-introduced-after-clearance-2841/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/391283542/ The Dynaplasty Annuloplasty Band DR and Annuloplasty Ring DR, both manufactured by MiCardia Corporation, were approved for marketing by the Food and Drug Administration. Patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation, congestive heart failure, and mitral valve regurgitation are eligible for treatment with this system, as reported by Medical News Today. The MiCardia Dynaplasty technology is a reduced [...] 2008-09-12T18:51:12-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/cardiology/new-annuloplasty-devices-from-micardia-approved-2846/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/391185968/ Color-coding stool with a moderate cathartic preparation can improve assessment of primary 3D CT colongraphy. An additional benefit of such is a decrease in patient discomfort sometimes experienced during preparation to undergo exams. The findings were reported in the current issue of the journal Radiology. Researchers in Seoul considered benefits of a newly designed technique [...] 2008-09-12T11:13:24-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/materials-management/it-software/colonoscopy-interpretation-improved-with-color-coding-2842/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/390941800/ Recent data published in the American Journal of Roentgenology indicates the utility of 3T MRI to diagnose patients with focal epilepsy. The method can both characterize and detect structural brain abnormalities in these patients. The research team from Oregon Health and Science University compared the utility of 3T and 1.5T MRI in a retrospective study of [...] 2008-09-11T21:22:19-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/psychiatry-neurology/3t-mri-improves-diagnosis-of-focal-epilepsy-2839/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/390921259/ A study posted in the current issues of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology describes the diagnostic advantages of the Cellvizio imaging system to diagnostic malignancy of the bile ducts. This means to examine allows consideration of tissue at the cellular level. A team from the Technical University of Munich recruited fourteen patients for their trial. They [...] 2008-09-11T20:16:06-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/health-issues/diagnostic/imaging-system-improves-diagnosis-of-bile-duct-cancer-2836/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/389263946/ The American Hospital Association (AHA) issued new guidelines suggesting that all hospitals across the country implement a universal color-coding system for patient wristbands. This is one step to improving the safety of patients and has already been implemented in some states, such as Ohio. Ohio’s adoption of a universal standard was published last year on HospitalBuyer. [...] 2008-09-10T23:13:11-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/health-issues/quality-safety-errors/aha-urges-standardization-of-wrist-bands-2835/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/389209918/ General Electric Healthcare announced the launch of a new ultrasound system, the Logiq E9, that incorporates technology similar to that used for GPS. An additional feature of the system is the ability to fuse images from other modalities into one unified image. The new system is primarily intended for use in vascular and radiology applications. The [...] 2008-09-10T21:09:53-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/health-issues/diagnostic/new-ge-ultrasound-offers-gps-2834/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/388931266/ The Essentris Perinatal system of CliniComp Internationl will be deployed at a number of Tenet hospitals (pdf) in labor and delivery units. Three different modules are included in the software: maternal charting, fetal surveillance, and neonatal ICU management. St. Mary’s Medical Center in Florida deployed the system as part of a pilot. The pilot included a [...] 2008-09-10T06:58:22-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/materials-management/it-software/essentris-wins-contract-with-tenet-2833/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink http://feeds.watershed-publishing.com/~r/HospitalBuyer/~3/388302052/ Roche Medical Diagnostics announced FDA approval of a new diagnostic assay (pdf) that quantifies the viral road of Hepatitis B. The COBAS TaqMan is the first test available that determines the amount of circulating Hepatitis B virus DNA in the blood. The diagnostic assay utilizes automated PCR technology completed in real-time from Roche and is intended [...] 2008-09-09T22:12:45-05:00 http://www.hospitalbuyer.com/medical-specialties/hematology-oncology/hep-b-viral-load-test-cleared-2827/?camp=rssfeed&src=hb&type=textlink