Before 2009 ended, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed the definition of “meaningful use” for electronic health record (EHR) technology and outlined the provisions for EHR incentive program qualifications.

The initial proposal defines standards to ensure an accurate and secure exchange of health information across a variety of EHR systems, as well as formats for clinical summaries and prescriptions, and terms to describe clinical problems, procedures and tests.

The regulations are a foundation for improving quality, efficiency, and safety through meaningful use of electronic health record technology.

“These regulations are closely linked,” said Charlene Frizzera, CMS acting administrator.  “CMS’s proposed regulation would define and specify how to demonstrate ‘meaningful use’ of EHR technology, which is a prerequisite for receiving the Medicare incentive payments.  Our rule also outlines the proposed payment methodologies for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs.  ONC’s regulation sets forth the standards and specifications that will enhance the interoperability, functionality, utility and security of health information technology.”

The incentives are scheduled to take begin October 1, 2011. Experts say providers should not waste time because there is a shortage of experts available to help. Healthcare DPS is fully versed in Electronic Health Record technology and has the software and ability to assist healthcare professionals in meeting the necessary requirements to collect incentives.

For more information, please contact 877-423-7701 or visit www.healthcaredps.com.

To read the full Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program document, click the following link http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2009-31217_PI.pdf

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RHIOs which are Regional Health Information Organizations were created to facilitate the sharing of patient information among health care providers at the point of care within a community. The overall goal is to achieve dramatic improvements in healthcare in terms of safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equity through the use of electronic health records.

The key factor that has hindered many physicians from switching from paper-based records to electronic format is the financial barrier. However, through government support, RHIOs all over the area are receiving grants to aid qualifying community physicians with EHR implementation. With the significant monetary assistance available, the barrier to adoption is removed. Physicians can easily adopt more efficient workflows and improve their practices as well as provide increased quality care to all patients.

For more information about available grants at participating RHIOs, please contact Healthcare DPS at 877-423-7701.

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With the passage of Obama’s stimulus package, physicians gain additional incentive in the form of US government funding. The funding is designed to accelerate Electronic Health Record (EHR) use, ultimately increasing the quality of patient care by reducing cost, enhancing revenue, and optimizing efficiency. In order to begin receiving the incentive payment being offered by the government, healthcare professionals must implement a certified electronic health record system. One particularly enticing incentive in the stimulus package is the 2% Medicare reimbursement which is available to all providers who use an e-Prescription software such as E-Prescribe.

Healthcare DPS offers a CCHIT Certified® EHR solution that includes e-Prescription thus allowing its clients to take advantage of the 2% Medicare reimbursement. Aside from the cost savings, the benefits of using e-Prescription include: creating prescriptions quickly and easily, improving patient safety, reducing adverse drug interactions and ensuring correct dosages.

In addition to e-Prescription, the Healthcare DPS EHR solution includes many other features including: Document Management, Drug Interaction Alerts, e-Labs, e-Radiology, Encounter Notes & Template Creation, Patient Charts, Disease Management, Care Plans, Continuing Care Documents, Patient Portals & Handouts, and Remote Access.              

All of these great features are incorporated into a user-friendly system that has the functionality and flexibility to suite the way your practice works best; the application adapts to your current workflow and integrates into existing practice management and billing software. The easy-to-use features increase efficiency allowing workers to focus on more personalized patient care rather than tedious paperwork.

The Healthcare DPS EHR system meets your practice’s expectations of being an affordable and simple transition to paperless records, ultimately saving time and money, and providing enhanced patient care. For details regarding Electronic Health Records, please visit: http://www.healthcaredps.com/practice-management-and-ehr.html

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