Q. Is there a cost associated with membership in the RI REC or enrollment in the EHR Adoption Program?
There is no cost to join the RI REC or to enroll in the EHR Adoption Program for eligible PCPs. The EHR Adoption Program is for eligible PCPs, but all other providers can join the RI REC for free and participate in our other REC programs. We look forward to serving all healthcare provider populations.
Q. What is an Eligible PCP?
Eligible PCPs meet the following criteria:
- Provider Credentials of MD, DO, NP, PA, or CNMW
- Provider Specialties of Adolescent Medicine, Family Practice, General Practice, Internal Medicine, OB, GYN, Geriatrics, or Pediatrics
- Organization Type of Private Practice location of 10 or fewer providers, Community Health Center, Public Hospital, or other setting that serves underserved populations.
Q. How do I sign up for the program?
It's simple. Enrollment happens in three seamless steps. You can learn more about these steps on our Enrollment page. If you are an eligible PCP, you are prompted to complete a membership form for the RI REC if you are not logged in currently. You then continue on to complete the program enrollment form. When you submit your form, the REC Provider Agreement appears for you to sign and submit.
Q. Will I be assigned to work with someone?
Yes. Your practice is assigned a Relationship Manager who will provide guidance through each step of the EHR adoption and optimization process to meet the requirements for meaningful use.
Q. How long is the process?
The length of time it takes providers to integrate an EHR into their practice varies based on the level of readiness and size of the practice.
Time and effort invested in initial assessment and planning activities greatly influence the success of your implementation.
Q. What is needed from me as a physician or other staff in my practice?
Success is linked to strong leadership, communication and planning. Take the time needed to set your goals and put a business plan in place. Ask staff what they think and engage them in the process. Recognize that EHR implementation will take extra effort from everyone. Assess how your organization can provide internal support.
The REC is here to help you be successful.
Q. What is meaningful use?
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published an official definition for meaningful use.
Achieving meaningful use, and being a meaningful user of health IT involves:
- A focus on electronically capturing health information in a standardized, coded format
- Use of clinical data to track and manage key conditions
- Coordination of care by communicating data findings across your organization
- Use of clinical quality measures and public health information in EHR-produced reports
Setting up your practice to implement an EHR with these goals in mind will bring your success sooner; it also can lead to more satisfied patients and more satisfied staff.
Q. How do I know if I will qualify for federal incentives?
The EHR Adoption Program offers members a free cost benefit calculator specific to Rhode Island providers. By entering some simple information about your practice into the calculator, you can see if you qualify for incentives. In addition, you will see what other financial benefits you may achieve by implementing an EHR.
Visit the Funding & Incentives section to learn more about stimulus funds.