| Physicians and administrators across the country | | | | Secure Mail, etc.) |
| are preparing to make investments in electronic | | | | > While the certification process has not been |
| medical records software. The priority for many | | | | defined, current certifications may offer |
| right now is ensuring that the software they | | | | reassurance that the software will be capable. |
| select will be Meaningful Use compliant, as required | | | | One of the most notable & trusted |
| by ONC for the ARRA funds. | | | | certification bodies for the EMR world is CCHIT, |
| Unfortunately, the Final Rule defining "Meaningful | | | | so you may want to consider this in your |
| Use" has not been released. In light of this, there | | | | comparison studies. |
| are a few considerations as you review EMR | | | | > Finally, while the incentive is significant, the |
| software ratings and compare features. | | | | highest priority has to be to improve patient care. |
| > Many vendors are offering guarantees that | | | | EMR software can help you do this, but it will take |
| their software will be ready to help you meet | | | | careful planning and workflow design to be sure it |
| Meaningful Use. Review the small print but this | | | | is actually meaningful for you. When you evaluate |
| might helpful in allowing you to proceed now | | | | solutions, consider how your team will work with |
| instead of waiting. | | | | each vendor; they will be your partner in this |
| > Don't rely on the EMR software to get you | | | | project. |
| to compliance. While the vendors tout "Meaningful | | | | Use the free form on ChartZoom as a starting |
| Use" compliance, there will be some necessary | | | | point. ChartZoom can help you compare EMR |
| workflow changes (CPOE, etc), interfaces (quality | | | | software providers that serve your area and |
| reporting, etc), and axillary products (Web Portal, | | | | have solutions that meet your needs. |