Healthcare IT stocks are up and the HITECH Act is providing billions for EMR and healthcare IT. Health Information Exchanges (HIE) and Regional Extension Centers are mushrooming. If the US is in a recession, then the healthcate IT vertical market ain't participating.
The marketplace for Electronic Health Records and its sequel, consumer Personal Health Records (PHR) is a gathering storm, ready to engulf 310 million patient/consumers and their healthcare providers and staff. Throw in EDI and insurance payers, and you have one wildly interdependent healthcare delivery system. Healthcare IT service providers that offer smooth transition to EMR will be seen as trusted advisors.
And don't forget about Personal Health Records. Each patient will have access to their PHR "anywhere, anytime, on demand". Patient control and instant collaboration from many physicians can hasten and heal...fast and more efficiently.
Stay tuned.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
HITECH Overview and the Requirement of Doctors to use Electronic Medical Records
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has been passed. Physicians are required to move from paper based medical charts to computerization. Sorry, docs.
The cost of incentives is estimated to be $19 billion in increased Medicare and Medicaid payments. Probably a moving target.
The Act includes a portion known as HITECH (Healthcare Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health to encourage electronic medical records (EMR). The incentive portion starts in 2011: a physician who is a "meaningful user" of EMR is eligible to receive additional payments under the Medicare program that can extend over five years. The penalty portion starts in 2015, when physicians who are not meaningful EHR users will begin to see declines in their Medicare payments. The incentive payment schedule is as follows for encouraging EMR adoption:
2011 $18,000
2012 $12,000
2013 $ 8,000
2014 $ 4,000
2015 $ 2,000
The loger you wait, the more you lose out. Thinking of retiring or selling your practice, missing out on the whole need to participate in the HITECH program and the change to EMR? Consider this: buy a EMR in 2011 and have a fully implemented EMR in place, adding 20% to your sell price!
Under the penalty provisions, physicians who are not meaningful EHR users in 2015 will see a 1% reduction in their fee schedule amount. The reduction increases to 2% in 2016, and 3% in 2017 and each subsequent year.
As for “meaningful use”, this simply means that the EMR system must be certified by the CCHIT organization or a qualified private validation firm. The EMR must pass inspection, like your care to be recognized. EMR vendors have been paying about $30,000 for the stamp of approval. That’s an expensive stamp.
There are HUNDREDS of EMR systems and resellers to chose from. Expect phone calls.
If HHS finds that by 2017, the proportion of physicians who are meaningful EHR users is less than 75%, HHS may continue to scale back payments by 1% a year (but may not reduce payments below 95%). There will be some exceptions based on socioeconomic and geographical considerations.
To be a "meaningful EHR user", the physician must satisfy three criteria: e-Prescribing, exchanging information and sending measured/requested data to HHS.
HHS will designate the way in which a physician is recognized as a meaningful user (through attestation, submission of claims with codes indicating that a patient encounter was documented using certified EHR technology, survey responses, submission of quality reports, or other means).
The Act also authorizes state Medicaid programs to provide additional payments to physicians, at least 30% of whose patient volume is services to Medicaid beneficiaries.
In addition to HITECH, $2 billion is available as to ONCHIT Coordinator, Dr. David Blumenthal for implementation of the programs, including grants to states to establish loan programs for physicians seeking to acquire certified EHR systems., Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and Regional Extension Centers (RECs).
Keep checking back with the gang at MyEMRchoice. The HITECH Act has all the markings of a policy that can change quicker than the weather in Texas.
The cost of incentives is estimated to be $19 billion in increased Medicare and Medicaid payments. Probably a moving target.
The Act includes a portion known as HITECH (Healthcare Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health to encourage electronic medical records (EMR). The incentive portion starts in 2011: a physician who is a "meaningful user" of EMR is eligible to receive additional payments under the Medicare program that can extend over five years. The penalty portion starts in 2015, when physicians who are not meaningful EHR users will begin to see declines in their Medicare payments. The incentive payment schedule is as follows for encouraging EMR adoption:
2011 $18,000
2012 $12,000
2013 $ 8,000
2014 $ 4,000
2015 $ 2,000
The loger you wait, the more you lose out. Thinking of retiring or selling your practice, missing out on the whole need to participate in the HITECH program and the change to EMR? Consider this: buy a EMR in 2011 and have a fully implemented EMR in place, adding 20% to your sell price!
Under the penalty provisions, physicians who are not meaningful EHR users in 2015 will see a 1% reduction in their fee schedule amount. The reduction increases to 2% in 2016, and 3% in 2017 and each subsequent year.
As for “meaningful use”, this simply means that the EMR system must be certified by the CCHIT organization or a qualified private validation firm. The EMR must pass inspection, like your care to be recognized. EMR vendors have been paying about $30,000 for the stamp of approval. That’s an expensive stamp.
There are HUNDREDS of EMR systems and resellers to chose from. Expect phone calls.
If HHS finds that by 2017, the proportion of physicians who are meaningful EHR users is less than 75%, HHS may continue to scale back payments by 1% a year (but may not reduce payments below 95%). There will be some exceptions based on socioeconomic and geographical considerations.
To be a "meaningful EHR user", the physician must satisfy three criteria: e-Prescribing, exchanging information and sending measured/requested data to HHS.
HHS will designate the way in which a physician is recognized as a meaningful user (through attestation, submission of claims with codes indicating that a patient encounter was documented using certified EHR technology, survey responses, submission of quality reports, or other means).
The Act also authorizes state Medicaid programs to provide additional payments to physicians, at least 30% of whose patient volume is services to Medicaid beneficiaries.
In addition to HITECH, $2 billion is available as to ONCHIT Coordinator, Dr. David Blumenthal for implementation of the programs, including grants to states to establish loan programs for physicians seeking to acquire certified EHR systems., Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and Regional Extension Centers (RECs).
Keep checking back with the gang at MyEMRchoice. The HITECH Act has all the markings of a policy that can change quicker than the weather in Texas.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Everything You Need to Know About EMR Adoption in 1 Minute
A baseball player has his entire career summarized on a baseball card. We will attempt to do the same thing here for Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Personal Health Records (PHR).
The HITECH Act calls for physicians to move from paper medical charts to EMR by 2014. Financial incentives and data management are at keys of this initiative, not the desire of most doctors. EMR is not a question of if or when.
EMR system adoption is a process, not just a product. EMR vendors once numbered in the hundreds. Massive consolidation is occuring. A EMR must show "meaningful use" as defined by CCHIT which itself may be replaced with private certification organizations.
Technology: Medical practices will have the opportunity to select either a traditional client/server EMR configuration, a web based model (ASP or SaaS) or a downloadable application streamed right to a tablet PC or iPad type device. OCR and voice features can offer patient convenience and physician efficiencies.
Estimation of the cost for a EMR system is just that-an estimate. Pricing varies wider and more often than the weather in Texas.
Successful EMR adoption and its use consists of scanning your current paper records, EMR selection and choices, compliance with time lines, secured financing, patient-physician communication portals and offering patients access to their complete Personal Health Records.
(vist the Glossar at My EMR Choice for definitions)
The HITECH Act calls for physicians to move from paper medical charts to EMR by 2014. Financial incentives and data management are at keys of this initiative, not the desire of most doctors. EMR is not a question of if or when.
EMR system adoption is a process, not just a product. EMR vendors once numbered in the hundreds. Massive consolidation is occuring. A EMR must show "meaningful use" as defined by CCHIT which itself may be replaced with private certification organizations.
Technology: Medical practices will have the opportunity to select either a traditional client/server EMR configuration, a web based model (ASP or SaaS) or a downloadable application streamed right to a tablet PC or iPad type device. OCR and voice features can offer patient convenience and physician efficiencies.
Estimation of the cost for a EMR system is just that-an estimate. Pricing varies wider and more often than the weather in Texas.
Successful EMR adoption and its use consists of scanning your current paper records, EMR selection and choices, compliance with time lines, secured financing, patient-physician communication portals and offering patients access to their complete Personal Health Records.
(vist the Glossar at My EMR Choice for definitions)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Next for your Mobil device: Your own Personal Health Record
So what's the next hot app for your mobile device? The answer: Your complete Personal Health Record, or PHR. And this information will be secure and available by you "Anytime, Anywhere and On-Demand".
Doctors must move your medical records from paper to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) by law and in a short timeframe. This EMR will serve to populate your PHR data.
We know that currently a PHR application sounds about exciting as watching paint dry. PHR does not have the same appeal as many of the apps available today. But really, what is more important than the life application that is your medical record? Consider:
PHR will allow for faster, accurate communication between you and your doctor. The free flow of information will benefit patients, physicians and caretakers of those with conditions. In addition, forget the redundant paperwork that accompanies every visit to a new physician. Just hand back the paperwork and hand over your PHR. Done and done. Now THAT's consumer satisfaction.
Who among us much cared about cell phones and ATM cards until they were available, but what would you do without them today?
We would like to hear your thoughts on PHR. Please send comments through http://www.myEMRchoice.com
Doctors must move your medical records from paper to Electronic Medical Records (EMR) by law and in a short timeframe. This EMR will serve to populate your PHR data.
We know that currently a PHR application sounds about exciting as watching paint dry. PHR does not have the same appeal as many of the apps available today. But really, what is more important than the life application that is your medical record? Consider:
PHR will allow for faster, accurate communication between you and your doctor. The free flow of information will benefit patients, physicians and caretakers of those with conditions. In addition, forget the redundant paperwork that accompanies every visit to a new physician. Just hand back the paperwork and hand over your PHR. Done and done. Now THAT's consumer satisfaction.
Who among us much cared about cell phones and ATM cards until they were available, but what would you do without them today?
We would like to hear your thoughts on PHR. Please send comments through http://www.myEMRchoice.com
Monday, April 26, 2010
Why Shop for Electronic Medical Records in 2010?
Why should you shop for and evaluate EMR systems in 2010?
1. EMR Software Stimulus. Up to $44,000+ in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement payments for adopting a "meaningfull use" a certified electronic medical records software system by 2014. Meaningful use is a certification by CCHIT, with an option to have a private certification.
2. Electronic Prescribing (eRx). With bonuses of 2% on allowable Medicare Part B charges in 2009 and 2010 and penalties beginning in 2012, your practice will save by adopting an EMR with electronic prescribing.
3.EMR Software Tax Deductions. The US tax code Section 179 deduction. This means that the write-off amount is approx $250,000 with a bonus 50% depreciation.
4. Benefits of Electronic Medical Records. The HITECH incentives, substantially reduced initial capital expense with a Off-Premise(web-based) EMR system and the efficiency cost savings are acheivable.
5. Retiring by 2014? Then get a low cost EMR system in place NOW and add 10% to your practice sale price by offering a fully computerized EMR system and trained staff.
1. EMR Software Stimulus. Up to $44,000+ in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement payments for adopting a "meaningfull use" a certified electronic medical records software system by 2014. Meaningful use is a certification by CCHIT, with an option to have a private certification.
2. Electronic Prescribing (eRx). With bonuses of 2% on allowable Medicare Part B charges in 2009 and 2010 and penalties beginning in 2012, your practice will save by adopting an EMR with electronic prescribing.
3.EMR Software Tax Deductions. The US tax code Section 179 deduction. This means that the write-off amount is approx $250,000 with a bonus 50% depreciation.
4. Benefits of Electronic Medical Records. The HITECH incentives, substantially reduced initial capital expense with a Off-Premise(web-based) EMR system and the efficiency cost savings are acheivable.
5. Retiring by 2014? Then get a low cost EMR system in place NOW and add 10% to your practice sale price by offering a fully computerized EMR system and trained staff.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Will Patient PHR be populated by EMR?
As Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) become more accepted and widely used by physicians to replace paper charts, the rise of Personal Health Records (PHR) is the next hot "killer app".
Patient PHR, soon to be available "Anytime, Anywhere, On Demand" will be best served if the data contained is being provided by a physicians EMR system. This will keep consistent, up to date data for docs and pconsumers alike. Other benefits of current PHR includes the ability for patients and doctors to have a meaningful exchange of information. That is, some things should be noted in a Medical Record that are not, and some information in a patients record is note disclosed to the patient.
In addition, patients will be able to monitor the medication and conditions of loved ones who need assistence. Insurance companies can have a true reading of a consumer to provide the best coverage. Any all of that redundant paperwork for new enrollments will go away.
Initially, the basic data contained in a patients PHR include Conditions, Allergies, Medications, Procedures, Immunizations and Test results.
Patient PHR, soon to be available "Anytime, Anywhere, On Demand" will be best served if the data contained is being provided by a physicians EMR system. This will keep consistent, up to date data for docs and pconsumers alike. Other benefits of current PHR includes the ability for patients and doctors to have a meaningful exchange of information. That is, some things should be noted in a Medical Record that are not, and some information in a patients record is note disclosed to the patient.
In addition, patients will be able to monitor the medication and conditions of loved ones who need assistence. Insurance companies can have a true reading of a consumer to provide the best coverage. Any all of that redundant paperwork for new enrollments will go away.
Initially, the basic data contained in a patients PHR include Conditions, Allergies, Medications, Procedures, Immunizations and Test results.
Monday, April 5, 2010
EMR and PHR must share six data points:
Regardless of the components called for in "meaningful use" Electronic Health Records #EHR, a paperless charting system should seamlessly update, import and export patient-friendly Personal Health Record data, including:
Condition
Allergies
Medications
Procedures
Immunizations
Test Results
These 6 datasets should be readily available to the patient/doctor "anywhere, anytime, on-demand".
Consumers ping Facebook and Twitter all day long, but what is more important than your own Personal Health Record information?
Condition
Allergies
Medications
Procedures
Immunizations
Test Results
These 6 datasets should be readily available to the patient/doctor "anywhere, anytime, on-demand".
Consumers ping Facebook and Twitter all day long, but what is more important than your own Personal Health Record information?
Friday, April 2, 2010
Will the iPad Storm to the Front of the EMR Crowd?
The long awaited and hyped availability of the Apple's iPad is sure to raise eyebrows of those moving from paper based to of Electronic Medical Records. Although it does not run on a open system, the iPad may have doctors considering giving up comfort for style.
Ideally, a EMR solution served up on a ASP model and being delivered to the physician on the slick iPad device seems like one sexy solution. But those who elect this solution to EMR adoption may have to consider if they want to be all in with team Apple. Consider:
Currently, the EMR system has to run quickly on Apple's proprietary OS and wireless carrier. What if a EMR system is designed on a not-so-Apple-user friendly platrorm? Many EMR systems offer Flash generated video clips and links for information and education. Flash will not play ball with Apple. 75% of all web videos use flash. Also, your options for web browsers boils down to one: Safari.
What if Dr. iPad decides to migrate to non-Apple options in the future? You can't take your locally stored information with you. And, developing new EMR applications to run on your new iPad will be as simple as...breaking into Fort Knox.
Will the iPad generate enough curb appeal to convince docs to go all in with the new device? Or will physicians be charmed by a platfrom that does not play well with others? The answer at this writing seems to be a crystal clear 50-50.
Ideally, a EMR solution served up on a ASP model and being delivered to the physician on the slick iPad device seems like one sexy solution. But those who elect this solution to EMR adoption may have to consider if they want to be all in with team Apple. Consider:
Currently, the EMR system has to run quickly on Apple's proprietary OS and wireless carrier. What if a EMR system is designed on a not-so-Apple-user friendly platrorm? Many EMR systems offer Flash generated video clips and links for information and education. Flash will not play ball with Apple. 75% of all web videos use flash. Also, your options for web browsers boils down to one: Safari.
What if Dr. iPad decides to migrate to non-Apple options in the future? You can't take your locally stored information with you. And, developing new EMR applications to run on your new iPad will be as simple as...breaking into Fort Knox.
Will the iPad generate enough curb appeal to convince docs to go all in with the new device? Or will physicians be charmed by a platfrom that does not play well with others? The answer at this writing seems to be a crystal clear 50-50.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Diabetes, Healthcare Reform and Electronic Medical Records
The vote for US healthcare reform has created thousands of visits to My EMR Choice.com. When reviewing the comments and concerns of our visitors, we see a consistent theme: Does the healthcare overhaul seek fortune, fame or truth?
Every policy regarding healthcare (or any) changes requires representation to deliver on it's promise. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) can serve this purpose for healthcare in its intended form.
The healthcare measure, ARRA and the HITECH Act looks like a solution in search or a strategy.
Though well intentioned, the healthcare reform bill still faces many obstacles and constitutional challenges.
We have seen many deliberations and heard many justifications on healthcare from elected and appointed officials. Perhaps the most significant and realistic concerns will be heard from the 300 million Americans and one million physicians whos medical health records will soon be available and under scrutiny.
http://www.myemrchoice.com/
Every policy regarding healthcare (or any) changes requires representation to deliver on it's promise. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) can serve this purpose for healthcare in its intended form.
The healthcare measure, ARRA and the HITECH Act looks like a solution in search or a strategy.
Though well intentioned, the healthcare reform bill still faces many obstacles and constitutional challenges.
We have seen many deliberations and heard many justifications on healthcare from elected and appointed officials. Perhaps the most significant and realistic concerns will be heard from the 300 million Americans and one million physicians whos medical health records will soon be available and under scrutiny.
http://www.myemrchoice.com/
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
MyEMRChoice.com Delivers Vision for Complete EMR/PHR Adoption
As required by the HITECH Act, all physicians in the US will be moving from paper based to Electronic Medical Records Systems by 2014. Soon, patient will be asking for "anytime, anywhere" access to their Personal Health Records (PHR).
MyEMRChoice.com has identified and assembled a model for this initiative including interoperability among EMR vendors, physicians, patients, pharma companies, billing services, HW and patient Personal Health Records.
The model includes "signature advantages" designed to offer patients savings on prescriptions while decreasing costs for Health Information Technology providers delivered on proven, cutting edge mobile delivery technologies.
MyEMRChoice.com has identified and assembled a model for this initiative including interoperability among EMR vendors, physicians, patients, pharma companies, billing services, HW and patient Personal Health Records.
The model includes "signature advantages" designed to offer patients savings on prescriptions while decreasing costs for Health Information Technology providers delivered on proven, cutting edge mobile delivery technologies.
Monday, March 8, 2010
List of the "Meaningful Use EMR" Requirements
The following is a overview of how a Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system must demonstrate "meaningful use". The components of the successful EMR include:
1. Computerized Physician Order Enrty (CPOE)
2. Drug-Drug, Drug-Allergy, Drug Formulary Checks
3. Maintain Up to date Problem List
4. Generate & Transmit e-Prescriptions
5. Maintain Active Medication and Allergy List
6. Record Patient Demographica
7. Record and Chart patient Vital Signs
8. Document Smoking Status
9. Record Clinical Lab Test Results
10. List Patient Specific Conditions
11. List Ambulatory Quality Measures to CMS/HHS
12. Pateint Reminders
13. Clinical Decision Support Rules
14. Patient Insurance Eligibility via electronic connectivity
15. e-Rx (meds filed electronically)
16. Patient Access to Personal Health Records (PHR, 3 parts)
17. Electronic Data Exchange
18. Medical Reconciliation
19. Summary of Care per care & referal
20. Immunization Registration
21. Show that data is secured
22. Provide reports on syndromic surveillance
For a complete list of requirments, definitions and components, visit http://www.myemrchoice.com/
1. Computerized Physician Order Enrty (CPOE)
2. Drug-Drug, Drug-Allergy, Drug Formulary Checks
3. Maintain Up to date Problem List
4. Generate & Transmit e-Prescriptions
5. Maintain Active Medication and Allergy List
6. Record Patient Demographica
7. Record and Chart patient Vital Signs
8. Document Smoking Status
9. Record Clinical Lab Test Results
10. List Patient Specific Conditions
11. List Ambulatory Quality Measures to CMS/HHS
12. Pateint Reminders
13. Clinical Decision Support Rules
14. Patient Insurance Eligibility via electronic connectivity
15. e-Rx (meds filed electronically)
16. Patient Access to Personal Health Records (PHR, 3 parts)
17. Electronic Data Exchange
18. Medical Reconciliation
19. Summary of Care per care & referal
20. Immunization Registration
21. Show that data is secured
22. Provide reports on syndromic surveillance
For a complete list of requirments, definitions and components, visit http://www.myemrchoice.com/
Monday, February 22, 2010
My EMR Choice.com delivers on vision for complete HIT interoperability, patient savings
My EMR Choice.com has researched and assembled a model for complete EMR adoption which provides total interoperability and real time patient medical information.
Working with providers of EMR, EHR, PHR, scanning services, phara, financing and billing, the "anywhere, anytime" access to this connectivity can be delivered on a proven, cutting edge mobile technology.
Health Information Technology vendors and Pharmas will realize increased sales and decreased costs, while patient can benefit from savings on prescriptions and the benefits off having access to their medical information.
Working with providers of EMR, EHR, PHR, scanning services, phara, financing and billing, the "anywhere, anytime" access to this connectivity can be delivered on a proven, cutting edge mobile technology.
Health Information Technology vendors and Pharmas will realize increased sales and decreased costs, while patient can benefit from savings on prescriptions and the benefits off having access to their medical information.
How Long Will Electronic Medical Records be Fashionable?
Will the push for Electronic Medical Records be the 2010 version of the global warming hysteria of just 3 years ago?
When Congress passed the Stimulus package in 2009 ($787 Billion, $20 Billion and counting for Health Information Technology), an aggressive plan was enacted to move physicians from paper to computerized medicine. Town Hall meetings served as convenient cover for policymakers to claim that patients and physicians (you remember then, don’t you?) were consulted for advise on healthcare initiatives.
US Healthcare costs $2.5 TRILLION in the United States. That’s about 18% of the total GDP as told us by attending such town hall meetings. Estimates hold that 20% of this cost is waste related to inefficiencies and redundancy. Perhaps the cost of healthcare would not be marketed as so objectionable if the other 82% of the GDP was stripped of its compounding, confusing and almost indescribable waste. I am already apologizing to my six year old for the fiscal mess that lies ahead for her generation.
As healthcare policymakers sought to control US medical data with Health Information Technology (HIT) the scope of the healthcare reform project and its many moving parts became evident. Enter, Regional Health Information Exchanges (HIE). HIE’s serve as a smaller, controlled environments for completing HIT initiatives and pinpoint trends. Does this sound familiar? Consider:
In 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger cited the need to address global warming proclaiming “We cannot wait for the US government to to get its act together on the environment”. Formed was the Western Climate Initiative coalition to beat the Fed to the punch. Since this project has fallen off the front pages, many business members have decided to focus on…business. Now, just substitute the word “healthcare” for “environment” and history repeats itself.
Corporations and business define strategies then estimate timelines. HIT policy seems to have decided to flip that around. Anyone care to predict an outcome? The HIT intentions are admirable and run by good people. But to do something for the sake of “doing something” is rarely advisable. It is wise to anticipate rather than react whenever possible.
Not too long ago, US healthcare, the finest in the world, was made up of the three P’s: patients, physicians and payers. Sadly, this has been replaced by another group of P’s, policymakers, pundits and product pushers.
When Congress passed the Stimulus package in 2009 ($787 Billion, $20 Billion and counting for Health Information Technology), an aggressive plan was enacted to move physicians from paper to computerized medicine. Town Hall meetings served as convenient cover for policymakers to claim that patients and physicians (you remember then, don’t you?) were consulted for advise on healthcare initiatives.
US Healthcare costs $2.5 TRILLION in the United States. That’s about 18% of the total GDP as told us by attending such town hall meetings. Estimates hold that 20% of this cost is waste related to inefficiencies and redundancy. Perhaps the cost of healthcare would not be marketed as so objectionable if the other 82% of the GDP was stripped of its compounding, confusing and almost indescribable waste. I am already apologizing to my six year old for the fiscal mess that lies ahead for her generation.
As healthcare policymakers sought to control US medical data with Health Information Technology (HIT) the scope of the healthcare reform project and its many moving parts became evident. Enter, Regional Health Information Exchanges (HIE). HIE’s serve as a smaller, controlled environments for completing HIT initiatives and pinpoint trends. Does this sound familiar? Consider:
In 2007, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger cited the need to address global warming proclaiming “We cannot wait for the US government to to get its act together on the environment”. Formed was the Western Climate Initiative coalition to beat the Fed to the punch. Since this project has fallen off the front pages, many business members have decided to focus on…business. Now, just substitute the word “healthcare” for “environment” and history repeats itself.
Corporations and business define strategies then estimate timelines. HIT policy seems to have decided to flip that around. Anyone care to predict an outcome? The HIT intentions are admirable and run by good people. But to do something for the sake of “doing something” is rarely advisable. It is wise to anticipate rather than react whenever possible.
Not too long ago, US healthcare, the finest in the world, was made up of the three P’s: patients, physicians and payers. Sadly, this has been replaced by another group of P’s, policymakers, pundits and product pushers.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
"Super" EMR's to Address Disease Management?
As the adoption of Electronic Medical Records heats up, it is good advise to consider that EMR and EHR adoption is a process, not a simple software product. "Meaningful Use" and its criteria is a evolving work in progress. EMR providers and physician users should anticipate, not merely react to future EMR functionality.
Three applications come to mind that a EMR system should offer or have planned: Personal Health Records (PHR), Disease Management and Preventative care. Throw in "enhanced e-Prescribing" functionality so the drug companies can keep patients compliant and refilling those meds!
Personal Health Records will be desired by patients so that we can all access our PHR "Anywhere, Anytime, On Demand".
Disease Management (DM) is a module which serves to identify at risk patients, regular reporting of their conditions and changes, patient education/follow up and incentives for compliance and adhering to reporting DM criteria.
Three applications come to mind that a EMR system should offer or have planned: Personal Health Records (PHR), Disease Management and Preventative care. Throw in "enhanced e-Prescribing" functionality so the drug companies can keep patients compliant and refilling those meds!
Personal Health Records will be desired by patients so that we can all access our PHR "Anywhere, Anytime, On Demand".
Disease Management (DM) is a module which serves to identify at risk patients, regular reporting of their conditions and changes, patient education/follow up and incentives for compliance and adhering to reporting DM criteria.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
CMS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The CMS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to Electronic Medical Records:
It used to be that the "3 P's" of healthcare delivery was made up of Patients, Providers and Payers. This trinity seems to have been replaced by Policy makers, Pundits and Product pushers.
It used to be that the "3 P's" of healthcare delivery was made up of Patients, Providers and Payers. This trinity seems to have been replaced by Policy makers, Pundits and Product pushers.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Everything to Register for EMR, HITECH and ARRA
My EMR Choice.com announces its new Physician Assistance Program which will allow medical groups achieve, maintain and comply with current and future requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, HITECH, and the successful shift from paper based medical Records to Electronic Medical Records.
For more information on these and more all encompassing new services, visit http://www.myemrchoice.com/.
For more information on these and more all encompassing new services, visit http://www.myemrchoice.com/.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Making the Countdown to EMR Compliance Easy
So how will the EMR adoption timelines benefit you? To summarize:
The HITECH Act and enacting of "meaningful use" Electronic Medical Records (EMR) calls for physicians to install and become proficient in using a EMR system by 2014, with financial incentives in place to encourage adoption even sooner. The following is an outline for achieving a maximum dollar figure and minimal time expenditure, brought to you by MyEMRChoice.com:
1. January, 2010: Begin EMR selection criteria for a system that fits your needs. MyEMRChoice.com has initiated this step for thousands of visitors to our free site.
2. Spring 2010: See EMR demonstrations and select an EMR System. Plan for install/training in Summer 2010.
3. Fall 2010: Go-live and have staff become proficient in demonstration "meaningful use" of the EMR system.
4. 2011: Stage 1. Receive funds ( $18,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
5. 2012: Receive funds ($12,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
6. 2013: Stage 2: Receive funds ($ 8,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
7. 2014: Receive funds ($ 4,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
8. 2015: Stage 3: Receive funds ($ 2,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
Follow the timeframe above to receive the full $44,000 for EMR compliance and adoption. For each year that you postpone using a EMR system, you will forefit that and the previous years' incentive funds.
With over 300 EMR systems and vendors to choose from, MyEMRChoice.com assists physicians in making a informed, quick and accurate choice of a Electronic Medical Record system.
The HITECH Act and enacting of "meaningful use" Electronic Medical Records (EMR) calls for physicians to install and become proficient in using a EMR system by 2014, with financial incentives in place to encourage adoption even sooner. The following is an outline for achieving a maximum dollar figure and minimal time expenditure, brought to you by MyEMRChoice.com:
1. January, 2010: Begin EMR selection criteria for a system that fits your needs. MyEMRChoice.com has initiated this step for thousands of visitors to our free site.
2. Spring 2010: See EMR demonstrations and select an EMR System. Plan for install/training in Summer 2010.
3. Fall 2010: Go-live and have staff become proficient in demonstration "meaningful use" of the EMR system.
4. 2011: Stage 1. Receive funds ( $18,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
5. 2012: Receive funds ($12,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
6. 2013: Stage 2: Receive funds ($ 8,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
7. 2014: Receive funds ($ 4,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
8. 2015: Stage 3: Receive funds ($ 2,000) for EMR compliance and meaningful use.
Follow the timeframe above to receive the full $44,000 for EMR compliance and adoption. For each year that you postpone using a EMR system, you will forefit that and the previous years' incentive funds.
With over 300 EMR systems and vendors to choose from, MyEMRChoice.com assists physicians in making a informed, quick and accurate choice of a Electronic Medical Record system.
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