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Welcome to 2010! Nuesoft has made its resolutions and one of them is to participate whole-heartedly in social media.  In keeping with that resolution, we aim to bring you the most up-to-date information and case studies demonstrating how social media has worked in the healthcare industry. As the online world moves full steam ahead you may find it difficult to navigate, and we hope to assist you with a few tips to grow your practice.

In full force for about the last three years, social media has revolutionized the way that consumers interact and gather opinions on various topics. Not being involved in some way is not an option. The last thing you want is for the conversation to happen, and your practice not be mentioned. Consumers trust the online opinions of others who appear to be “just like me”.

As you embark on your social media journey, begin by listening. You’ll hear what consumers are saying and can find out what questions they have for doctors and about doctors. You’ll also encounter other health practitioners;’ discussions of relevant topics, like technology, research results, pharmaceutical news, best practices, and more.

By inserting yourself into these conversations – be it on Twitter, blogs or elsewhere online – you can name drop your practice and brush up on the latest industry dialogue about topics important to you. Eventually, after earning trust in the various online communities, you will begin to see growth in your patient base and gain referrals from your virtual peers. A great post by Neil Versel on Medscape Today explains some of the main reasons doctors are turning to online platforms and lists some of the pitfalls associated with participating.

Moreover, social media is inexpensive. You don’t have to go buy special software or hire a specialist (although you can). Rather, sign up in under a minute and start learning what your customers (patients) are saying. This year make an effort to be more involved in the online world. It could be just the medicine your practice was looking for!

Be sure to check back with us throughout the year as we post more tips and strategies for making the move into social media for your practice.

Earlier this week marked the opening of the 60-day window for public comment about the HHS’ “meaningful use” rules.  Input from practitioners and other stakeholders will help to refine the final version, which is expected to be completed in Spring of 2010.

Since the Health Information Technology Policy Committee’s July 2009 meeting, many practitioners have been feeling uneasy about moving forward with what could potentially be a large financial and human resource investment without more definite and final criteria defining meaningful use. The December 2009 updates do not significantly change the committee’s earlier direction. Variations are minor, and include the ability to implement drug-drug/drug-allergy checks, e-prescribe and check insurance availability electronically.

While the clarifications are much welcomed, many providers (and some in the health information technology community) see a long road ahead in achieving meaningful use. The first step will be adoption, and providers are reticent to adopt unless they see the potential for a better workflow and improved outcomes for their patients.

End users: now’s the time to weigh in. You can accept the government’s initial effort and be subservient to the criteria, whether they are realistic or within reach. Or, make sure that the seeds are planted now for you to eventually cultivate technologies that remove complexity, are user friendly and have the greatest impact on patient care.