Briefly noted

Misys' Center for Community Health Leadership has presented Greater New Haven, CT with EHR software worth up to $3 million to help local health organizations build a data-sharing network. Intel and other technology companies will assist New Haven and future grant recipients in installing and operating their Misys-donated systems.

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) are offering free audio and video webcasts on the National Provider Identifier. There are two webcasts available, one for large groups and the other for small ones. CMS estimates that only about 60 percent of healthcare providers have obtained their NPI, says WEDI, although the deadline is May 23. For more information on the webcasts, go to www.wedi.org/npioi/public/articles/dis_viewArticle.cfm?ID=585.

STI Computer Services of King of Prussia, PA, is offering its ChartMaker EHR to members of the Medical Society of New Jersey for $199 per month. "After 18 months, MSNJ members may cancel the software license, continue with the monthly program, or purchase the software," according to STI.

Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia will give an additional 350 physicians access to electronic prescribing software from Dallas-based Zix Corp. The insurer originally offered 500 doctors a one-year subscription in September 2005. To date, 265 physicians are writing prescriptions as a result of the pilot.