| This is it: the grand sweep, the big change, the | | | | systems based on 475 criteria, including |
| revolution! Electronic medical records (EMR) are | | | | functionality, interoperability and security. |
| here to stay. The government has made a | | | | "Meaningful use" will also be defined by HHS and |
| resolute decision that EMR are the wave of the | | | | indicators show that e-prescribing, electronic |
| future and that future is now. Below is an | | | | exchange of medical records and interoperability |
| overview of the incentives, penalties, guidelines | | | | of systems will be determining criteria. |
| and a discussion of interoperability. | | | | For many grappling with the concept of |
| Incentives and Penalties In an effort to incentivize | | | | incorporating EMR into their practices, the question |
| the switch to EMR the HITECH Act (section of | | | | of interoperability is key. No one wants to spend |
| the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) | | | | money on software that is not going to be |
| allocates funds for Medicare to offer incentive | | | | compatible with the health systems they work |
| reimbursement to those participating physicians | | | | with regularly and require payment from. |
| who make the switch sooner rather than later. | | | | Unfortunately, the technology at this stage is not |
| Specifically, Medicare participants who adopt | | | | refined enough to answer the burning question of: |
| "approved" EMR in the following years may | | | | will this system cooperate with the others I work |
| receive the following incentive compensation | | | | with? |
| through 2016: Year 2011: $48,400, Year 2012: | | | | Getting Started The best answer available at this |
| $48,400, Year 2013: $42,900, Year 2014: 38,500. | | | | time for physicians searching for EMR right now is |
| Whereas, Medicare participants who do not adopt | | | | to look at a company offering the right product |
| EMR by 2015 will be penalized by reduction in their | | | | for your practice with the right amount of |
| Medicare reimbursement by 1% for every year | | | | personal services and support. With the right |
| they do not switch to EMR. | | | | team on board to help with the EMR transition |
| Guidelines The HITECH Act sets forth criteria EMR | | | | and management thereafter, including appropriate |
| must meet to qualify for reimbursement by | | | | tech support, interoperability will not be an issue. |
| Medicare, specifically, the EMR must be certified | | | | Currently, the market is somewhat flooded with |
| and the EMR must provide a "meaningful use". At | | | | software companies offering EMR. My advice, |
| the present time, definitions for "certified" and | | | | work with a full service company that offers |
| "meaningful use" are being refined and will be | | | | assistance or provides hardware, has an easy to |
| promulgated by the Department of Health and | | | | use EMR system and offers IT support. |
| Human Services (HHS). In the meantime, it is likely | | | | If you would like referrals to billing companies |
| that for EMR certification will be based partly on | | | | offering EMR or companies that offer EMR |
| the Certification Commission for Health | | | | systems, please do not hesitate to ask. I also |
| Information Technology (CCHIT) guidelines. CCHIT | | | | recommend attending information seminars at |
| is a private organization that certifies EMR | | | | local Medical Society meetings. |