The HITECH Act (Healthcare Information Technology) is slowly being implemented into our healthcare environment. Physicians are gradually transitioning over to electronic records and putting the paperwork behind impart due to encouragement of the 2009 Act. There are several different facets to the benefits of EHR (electronic health records): security issues, efficiency, patient access to health records, alleviated complications with prescriptions and the list goes on. One other headed benefit for practitioners and others involved is the financial paybacks. The HITECH essentially takes place over the next several years and involves the government allocating almost 20 Billion dollars to providers that demonstrate certain EHR standards referred to as “meaningful use.” What exactly is this use and who’s receiving the payments?
The twenty billion is divided and to be dispersed in different entities: Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, renovation of health IT systems, research on health IT; the largest portion towards the integration of EHR for healthcare professionals. Compliancy or “meaningful use” is complex and constantly evolving, but some of the general objectives are stated clearly. The obvious basics of electronic data are to improve quality, care coordination, engage patients and their families and ensure privacy and security. The data software minimums include and not limited to electronic record, storage, management and retrieval of: clinical laboratory test results, drug/allergy checks, active diagnosis, e-prescribing, record demographics, reminders for patients preventative follow-ups, insurance eligibility and several additional objectives. Refer to www.cms.gov for further information regarding meaningful use summary requirements and updates.
While there are a multitude of positive reasons for the HITECH stimulus, there’s also complications and controversy as well. The EHR requirements are being portrayed as an obligatory certification. There are organizations that evaluate EHR product, but none that are an actual extension of the federal government. There’s a lot great software programs that comply with confidential HIPPA standards and cater to different practitioners needs. So our next discussion, can one or a few dominating company’s accurately set the standards and testing to certify EHR product.
Join us soon again for our next blog “Private organization’s form to certify EHR’s”
Author: Meredith Crown Smith
