ASCRS Hot Topics – Femtosecond Lasers and EMR
Posted on 
April 4, 2011 in 
Surgeons by 
Keith Humes
Rosemont Media at the 2011 ASCRS
Femtosecond Lasers for Cataract Surgery
One of the hottest topics at this year’s ASCRS was the use of femtosecond lasers to increase safety and precision in cataract surgery. While the femtosecond laser first gained FDA approval for refractive surgery, the growing interest centers on the administration’s expanded approval of the bladeless technology in cataract procedures, and the future development of injectable intraocular implants.
Stay tuned to the Rosemont Review for more information on the use of femtosecond lasers from industry leaders, along with firsthand experience with the bladeless technology provided by The Eye Institute of Utah, and Dr. Robert Cionni.
Electronic Medical Records vs. Electronic Health Records
Another hot topic at ASCRS 2011 was electronic medical records (EMR), and electronic health records (EHR). According to the original definition established by the National Alliance for Health Information and Technology (NAHIT), an EHR is an EMR with interoperability, or integration across an individual’s complete list of healthcare providers.
Despite the overwhelming number of EMR and EHR companies vying for ophthalmologist’s attention at this year’s ASCRS, Lori Abel Meyerhoffer, MD, OD, JD, offers an in-depth look at some of the risks associated with EMRs in the latest issue of ASCRS Eyeworld and the Ophthalmology Business insert.
In “EMR – Friend or Foe,” Dr. Meyerhoffer provides a legal perspective concerning the possible risks ophthalmologic practices must consider in contrast to the many incentives and widespread support appearing in industry journals. While she warns that EMRs present potential legal pitfalls, she admits, “As a physician, whether you like EMR or not, you have to accept that it is here to stay.”
Read the full article in the upcoming April 2011 online edition of Ophthalmology Business, which can be found at ASCRS Eyeworld.
