“There is a high risk that providers would not achieve meaningful use to qualify for the ARRA incentives in 2011 and 2012 if they wait until late 2010 to implement certified electronic health records (EHR) systems and technologies,” said Mark Leavitt, M.D., chairman of the Certification Commission for healthcare information technology (CCHIT).

Now is the time to act.

Publication of HHS criteria is expected by the end of 2009 with final rules on meaningful use expected in the spring of 2010. If physicians delay the purchase and implementation of EHR software until all details are finalized, they leave a short period of time to become fully proficient with the functionality required to collect the incentives as well as limited time to migrate patient information from paper to electronic format. EHR implementation and usability will not happen overnight.

Avoid the mandated push towards EHR. With each passing day, the pressure to use EHR grows and staff frustrations and stress levels will rise. Physicians that make the investment now can take advantage of a slow adoption approach, as well as achieve a high level of comfort before the necessary deadlines. Healthcare providers convert at their desired pace with minimal disruption to their current practice while learning how to appropriately achieve meaningful use over a longer period of time.

Healthcare DPS offers practices a seamless transition to EHR use with a CCHIT certified EHR software that integrates the features of Practice Management and Electronic Health Records. For information regarding electronic health records, please contact 877-423-7702 or www.healthcaredps.com

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