Q. Is there a cost associated with joining the Rhode Island Regional Extension Center (REC)?
There is no cost to enroll in the REC program for providers who meet the Federal standard for "priority" Primary Care Providers. Because our federal grant only funds the program for Priority PCP’s, there will be a fee associated with enrollment for Non-Priority PCPs or Specialists. We look forward to opening the REC to serve those populations soon.
Q. What is a Priority PCP?
Priority 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.
Later this summer, we will open our program to Non-Priority Providers and Specialists. Currently only Priority PCP’s may enroll in the REC program. More details to come on our website.
Q. How do I sign up?
It's simple. Enrollment happens in 3 seamless steps that you can learn more about our Enrollment page. If you are priority PCP and decide to enroll, you will prompted to register or log-in to DocEHRtalk.org if you are not currently logged in. You will then continue on to complete the REC Enrollment form. When you submit your form, the REC Provider Agreement will appear for you to sign and submit. Begin the Enrollment process here.
This process will take about 10- 20 minutes.
Q. Will I be assigned to work with someone?
Yes. Your practice will be assigned a Process Manager who will provide guidance through each step of the EHR adoption process and/or 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 will greatly influence the success of your implementation.
Once you begin using the system, activity levels will stabilize and you will identify additional opportunities to optimize the use of the EHR, which positions your practice for efficiency, productivity and attainment of incentives.
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) has published their official definition for Meaningful Use.
Achieving Meaningful Use, and being a "Meaningful User" of health information technology 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 can also lead to more satisfied patients and more satisfied staff
Q. How do I know if I will qualify for Federal incentives?
The REC is offering members a free cost benefit calculator specific to Rhode Island providers, which is available to all members. By entering some simple information about your practice you can see if you qualify for incentives. In addition, you will see what other financial benefits you may achieve by implementing an EHR.
Learn more about Stimulus funds here!