MDNews - Central New York

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FROM THE PUBLISHER  +++ +++ TT HANK YOU FOR reading the July/August issue of MD News. In this issue, we examine the advances in technology and con- nectivity in Central New York. These advances mean exciting improvements in record access and retrieval for physicians and improved patient care. Our cover story features HealtheConnections, the regional health information organiza- tion (RHIO) of Central New York. One of 12 RHIOs in the state, HealtheConnections is a nonprofi t organization formed by the Health Advancement Collaborative of Central New York. HealtheConnections is actively working to build an information highway through which participat- ing health care providers can access and share patient health records online. Each RHIO will serve as a building block for the Nationwide Health Information Network, which, when complete, will provide universal and secure access to electronic health records (EHRs). Executive Director Rob Hack and his team have already connected the four Syracuse area hospitals and Laboratory Alliance of Central New York and are now looking to connect 15 more hospitals — within the 11-county footprint they serve — by July 2011. The ultimate goal is to achieve EHR access across the entire continuum of care. Our special feature highlights Crouse Radiology Associates Medical Imaging (CRA) and how state-of-the-art technology can enhance convenience for patients and physicians. As one of the largest diagnostic imaging practices in New York, CRA boasts 29 physicians who see patients at multiple locations to improve convenience. The use of a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) allows CRA physicians to more effi ciently review fi les and helps facilitate timely specialty consults. PACS also allows team members to view images remotely and discuss diagnosis and treatment recommendations while the patient is still in the offi ce. This also provides rapid turnaround time, which pleases referring physicians, as well as the patient population. CEO Mary Ann Drumm, CRA physicians and the dedicated information technology team are committed to placing technology at the forefront of the practice and better serving physician and patient needs. In our technology Q&A, we sat down with Jeffrey Cring, Director of Information Technology for Crouse Hospital, and David Wormuth, M.D., who share their perspectives on HealtheConnections. From an information technology perspective, it seems that little additional technology is necessary for hospitals or practice groups to share data. Once physicians are aware of the information exchange, it is expected that most will view it as a valuable tool in streamlining the patient record process, eliminating redundancy and improving patient outcomes. Also in this issue, Jerry Hoffman, Executive Vice President of the Onondaga County Medical Society, takes a look at local physicians whose children are following in their footsteps. Recent SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine graduates Katie Carlberg, Marisa Mendel and Tally Vercillo were interviewed for the piece. The interviews are interesting from both human interest and professional standpoints. It is nice to see that despite some professional headwinds, children of physicians can channel the family love for helping their fellow man. May it continue. Once again, I would like to thank all who come together to create our magazine. Here at MD News, we are dedicated to delivering an engaging reader experience — one with real, local relevance. In each issue, we highlight distinguished physicians and provide updates on the latest medical studies and research fi ndings, pointers for managing your practice and a unique look at what is happening in the local medical fi eld. Please continue to contact us with nominations for cover stories, current news within your organization and feedback on articles. We are here to serve the physician community and the health care fi eld. Enjoy your issue of MD News, Richard Keene P U B L I SHE R 4 | Central New York MD NEWS  MDNEWS.COM (315) 446-8331 T rkeene@mdnews.com 211 Guilford Road Syracuse, NY 13224 USA CENTRAL NEW YORK Publisher: Richard Keene Managing Editor: Shannon Bova Contributing Writers: Mark Dengler, Gerald N. Hoffman Photographer: Chuck Wainwright ____________________________________ Chief Executive Offi cer and Executive Editor: David McDonald Chief Financial Offi cer: Tony Young Chief Operating Offi cer: Ann Farmer Founder: Robert J. Brennan Chief Sales Offi cer: Jason Provonsha Chief Creative Offi cer: J. Kevin Tugman Chief Marketing Offi cer: Jason Skinner _____________________________________ Market Development Managers: Joanna Nash, Betsy Skiles Creative Services: Travis Knight, Maggie Neff, Michael Simmons, David Smith Financial Services: Christy Burlingham, Doug Condra, Lori Elliott ________________________________________ MD News is published by True North Custom Media 735 Broad Street, Suite 708 Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 266-3234 | truenorthcustom.com Although every precaution is taken to en sure ac cu ra cy of published materials, MD News cannot be held re spon sible for opin ions expressed or facts sup plied by its au thors. Copyright 2011, True North Custom Media. All rights re served. Re pro duc tion in whole or in part with out written per mis sion is pro hib it ed. POST MAS TER: Please send no tic es on Form 3579 to 735 Broad Street, Suite 708, Chattanooga, TN 37402. Advertise in MD News For more information on ad ver tis ing in the MD News Central New York edi tion, call Publisher Richard Keene at (315) 446-8331 or e-mail rkeene@mdnews.com. Contact Information Send press releases and all other in for ma tion related to this local edi tion of MD News to rkeene@mdnews.com. 05-820

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