Physicians need to consider both software and hardware – including the physical layout and equipment in their clinics.

myMediConnect, from MediConnect Global, is a robust online Personal Health Record (PHR). Once a user uploads their health information, they have easy access to it from anywhere, including iPhones and iPads. The innovative interface makes it easy for users to quickly access personal medical information, including medical conditions and vaccination records.

FreeDOM EMR and Practice Management by Health Data Services (www.freedommd.com ) is a complete solution specifically designed for small medical practices. It is a combination of a robust EHR and practice management system. There is no upfront cost to try the system and it is easy to learn.

Practice Fusion Electronic Health Record System (www.practicefusion.com ) is a free  web-based solution that can be activated quickly and has features to aid in the daily workflow of a medical practice. The free version includes all programs necessary to assist the staff and physicians in the daily operation of running their practice.

Communication and collaboration between physicians ensures patients receive the best care possible, but protecting patient privacy and maintaining HIPAA compliance often hinders how doctors can communicate.

A recent poll by the Physicians Consulting Network revealed that 27% of physicians own an iPad or similar device. With that in mind, many vendors are launching iPad applications geared towards physicians.

For doctors who are not ready to make the conversion to a full electronic medical record system yet or are having a hard time deciding which one, there is a solution: ChartLogic’s Paperless Office.

Using an electronic prescription service is a way to streamline operations, saving both time and paper. EPrescribe Deluxe by Allscripts is an easy to use Web-based electronic prescription service so there is no software to download or new hardware required.

Julie Shimer will retire from Welch Allyn at the end of 2012, allowing time for a successor to be named and a smooth transition over the course of the next several months.

A group of states and vendors focused on eliminating the barriers to sharing electronic health records (EHRs) have issued a set of technical specifications to standardize connections between healthcare providers, health information exchanges (HIEs) and other data-sharing partners.

CureMD Healthcare, a provider of web-based EMR, PM, Portal and Revenue Cycle Management recently launched “Smart Cloud,” which  offers an all-in-one solution that includes  software, hosting, training, support, maintenance, updates, security and business continuity without the cost and responsibility of in-practice maintenance, backup and support.

MedData, Inc., a leading provider of medical billing services, said it has acquired Data Management, Inc. (DMI), a provider of physician billing services to pathologists and emergency departments based in Peoria, Ill.

A new instructional guide from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT helps healthcare professionals understand the role of privacy and security in Meaningful Use, reports Fierce Health IT.

The State Health Information Exchange Program plans on establishing standards for health information exchanges soon, reports Computer World.

The Carolina eHealth Alliance connects 11 civilian emergency rooms in the Charleston area, reports the Post and Courier.

According to Government Health IT, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published the names and addresses of Medicare providers who have achieved Meaningful Use and received the incentive payment.