Lots of questions; answers coming
We know that by being a meaningful user of an EHR you can get $44,000 from Medicare (OR more than this if your practice is largely medicaid). We know what an EMR has to do and what use you should make of it to get this money. This information is posted on this web site.
What we don't know is how you're going to demonstrate that you're a meaningful user. Watch this message board because sometime in December this information will be available and we'll pass it on to you then.
Reid
Our experience with eRx made us appreciate the power of the tool, but cautious for full EHR. Some 20-25% of our BC/BS patients are not recognized by our software and come through as medical assistance. BC/BS says no other docs have this problem and the software vendor says the problem is not on their end. Frustrating as tiered information is lost and no one is accountable or willing to accept responsibility.
My concern is if I convinced my group to try EHR and we had major unresolvable issues, it would be a tremendous waste of effort, time and resources. My understanding is we have until October 2012 to apply for for the $44K from Medicare. If something so simple as eRx cannot function properly, the potential pitfalls for EHR are 10 fold.
If I was a solo provider I would have had EHR a couple of years ago, but I have four other docs who are not as enthusiastic for various reasons. That said, despite our eRx glitch, none want to go back to pad and paper.
The conversion of a greater number of docs to eRx will ultimately get more on board with the concept of EHR IMO.
Using an EHR? No
Disclosure: None
I appreciate the comment regarding one step at a time. We need to recognize different approaches when trying to get providers involved with eRx and EMR use. Personally, I was glad to do it all at once - get the pain overwith at one time (albeit over a six month period). Others won't be willing to do that. I would just caution that taking it stepwise at this juncture will forfeit the chance for federal funding. Also, I would do some research to try to get an eRx platform that will be able to transition into EMR's rather than having to start all over when the time comes to transition into an EMR.
Using an EHR? Yes - eClinicalWorks
Disclosure: Owner/practicing partner of Aquidneck Medical Associates, Inc. Contracted as the Case Management Physician Advisor at Newport Hospital (a Lifespan affiliate) and as an advisor for BCBS of RI to help facilitate HIT integration in community practices
After experiencing the challenges of implementing E-Rx I believe the focus should be on getting more private practice docs familiar with E-Rx before full EHR.
Many EHRs include E-Rx, but doctors will better appreciate the power of EHR by first experiencing the advantages of E-Rx software. Once doctors have had the opportunity to adapt to E-Rx and see the advantages of the technology they will be more receptive to considering the conversion to full EHR.
One step at a time...for most of us.
Using an EHR? No
Disclosure: None
Meaningful use is outlined by CMS at this site: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3564&intNumPerPage=10&checkDate=&checkKey=&srchType=1&numDays=3500&srchOpt=0&srchData=&keywordType=All&chkNewsType=6&intPage=&showAll=&pYear=&year=&desc=&cboOrder=date
Using an EHR? Yes - eClinicalWorks
Disclosure: Owner/practicing partner of Aquidneck Medical Associates, Inc. Contracted as the Case Management Physician Advisor at Newport Hospital (a Lifespan affiliate) and as an advisor for BCBS of RI to help facilitate HIT integration in community practices