Why I read HISTalk (and you should too!)

1. A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit.
2. Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity.

I have long been a fan of HIStalk – the must widely read blog for the HIT industry. I have had the pleasure to meet Tim in person, and since I am swore to secrecy on his identity, I can only say that meeting him in person has only made reading his material that much more enjoyable. Not only is HISTalk a highly informative roundtable, but the blistering sarcasm peels back the hype (folly, vice, and stupidity as well) with caustic clarity.

The most widely read blog entry I have personally written has to do with the “Software FreeDumb: Adware within Healthcare” which exposes the frailties of the Practice Fusion business model built around giving away software by selling ads. Mr HISTalk’s satirical expose pushes their business model to its natural conclusion and is reproduced in full regalia:

Practice Fusion Shocks Industry with Free EMR Announcement

(SAN FRANCISCO, California) San Francisco startup Practice Fusion announced its intention this week to provide free electronic medical records to physicians, a move that technology advocates are applauding as providing a long-overdue boost for improved safety and efficiency.

The company announced a partnership with Vivid Entertainment Group of Los Angeles, a top adult film producer, to subsidize software costs through sponsored pornography advertisements that will display alongside patient information on the screens of physician users.

According to Vivid spokesperson Savanna Samson, the company will make its exclusive library of content available to Practice Fusion’s users at discounted rates, along with that of its industry partners. Provocative advertising messages featuring audio and video will be presented frequently as users interact with the electronic medical record.

The company believes that “more than enough” physicians will sign up for the optional service to offset their underwriting costs of the project.