News in brief - Nov. 6, 2006

Misys launches grant program - Minnesota Blues reimburses for online consultations - Geisinger looks to personalized medicine

Misys launches grant program

Misys Healthcare Systems announced that it will donate up to $10 million of information technology to communities that are interested in electronically sharing clinical information. The Raleigh, N.C., provider of electronic medical records software is administering the grant program through its recently-formed Misys Center for Community Health Leadership.

Communities and regional health care organizations, including hospitals, physician offices and home care agencies, must apply for a grant by Dec. 31. More information can be accessed online (www.misyscenter.com).

Minnesota Blues reimburses for online consultations

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is reimbursing for online consultations between physicians and patients. The health plan is paying doctors $30 to $35 per online consultation, including the patient co-payment, said Janice Hennings, a spokeswoman for the health plan.

Geisinger looks to personalized medicine

Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pa., announced Oct. 10 that it signed a multiyear contact under which IBM Corp. will build a data warehouse that will integrate various types of data that the health system will mine to develop best practices, improve care, identify new treatments and deliver more personalized care. Personalized care is a term used to describe care that is tailored to an individual's genetic makeup. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.