Perot on the Prowl: Observations on Press Release Arithmetic
Prowl (proul) v. 1. To roam stealthily, with predatory intent, as in search of prey or plunder 2. Actively looking for somethin HISTalk just recorded its 1.5 millionth hit. Besides the snarky commentary, HISTalk (and the lovely new addition of HERTalk) has continued to gain readership with its dead pan commentary that is always dead-on. […]
Dude! The $100M VistA Open Source Opportunity
Dude (dyūd) n. Used to express approval, satisfaction, or congratulations. In informal speech, many young people use the word “dude” freely. “Dude” may also be used alone in a sentence, serving as an exclamation; denoting a feeling of surprise, happiness, disappointment, amazement or anger, among other emotions.[1] The word might als
GCPR Redux – The Call For Government EHR Unification
Unification (yū’nə-fĭ-kā’shən) n. To bring or come together into a united whole To combine and adapt in order to attain a particular effect: While on my VistA kick (here and here), I need to respond to several important errors of understanding in the recent press release hailed with a “Bravo!” from Fred Trotter. I also […]
Microcapitation: A Case Study
Case Study (kās stŭd’ē) n. A detailed analysis of a person or group, especially as a model of medical, psychiatric, psychological, or social phenomena. An exemplary or cautionary model; an instructive example I have received a couple of off-line questions regarding the concept of micro-capitation, and having responding publicly to one, I sought perm
The Future of VistA: Community versus Congressionally Mandated Leadership
Future (fyū’chər) n. The indefinite time yet to come Something that will happen in time to come A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development I appreciate Fred’s comments regarding my recent posting. Fred appropriately challenged me for describing some of the problems but not more
Act III: VistA Will Find a Way
VistA (vĭs’tə) n. Abbreviation for “Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture” The integrated electronic health record that powers the largest health delivery organization in the United States (who still achieves the best clinical health outcomes of any care delivery organization in the US). The catalyst that allowed
Common Sense: Thomas Paine 2.0?
Common Sense (kŏm’ən sĕns) n. Sound judgment not based on specialized knowledge; native good judgment. The ability to make sensible decisions A pamphlet written in America by Englishman Thomas Paine, published on January 10, 1776. It called for American independence and a union of the American colonies, and as propaganda, it influenced colonists to
Statewide Telemedicine Network: A Modern Anachronism
Anachronism (ə-năk’rə-nĭz‘əm) n. The representation of someone as existing or something as happening in other than chronological, proper, or historical order. One that is out of its proper or chronological order, especially a person or practice that belongs to an earlier time: I continue to read with interest articles describing new telemedi
Cease and Desist? How about Understand and Resist!
Desist (dĭ-sĭst‘) v. 1. To cease doing something; forbear. 2. To abandon, break off, discontinue, give up, leave off, quit, relinquish, remit, or stop. I have been following health care consumerism for several years now. Particularly, the “Direct Access” or “Direct To Consumer” laboratory testing market. While analytic lab tes
Whatcha Want? Consumerism in Healthcare
Want (wŏnt) v. 1. To desire greatly; wish for; have an inclination towards 2. To request the presence or assistance of 3. To seek with intent to capture An interesting study was released today in the McKinsey Quarterly under the moniker, “What Consumers Want in Health Care“. The central theme of the publication was the […]