For the first time in history, Congress has implemented a program that
allocates grants and funding as well penalties to help physicians and
hospitals transition to automated processes in an effort to improve the
quality and safety of all health care delivered in the US.
With this
economic stimulus bill, over $19 billion is available to
physicians and hospitals who implement an EHR system by 2011.
There are two incentive payment programs outlined under the HITECH ACT - one
through Medicare and another from Medicaid.
Since providers can only submit
for payment of an incentive bonus from one of the programs, each practice
will need to analyze its public payer mix to determine where it stands to
benefit most.
Both require that a provider prove "meaningful use" of an EHR product to
qualify for the incentives, as well.
Whether you need to select and implement an EHR solution or make sure your
current system meets the requirements and timeline necessary to receive the
stimulus incentive, we have the products, services, and expertise to help.
In order to qualify for incentive payments, physicians and hospitals must demonstrate “meaningful use” of a certified EHR technology.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be defining
“meaningful use” in greater detail during 2009.
While the
act does not specify what certification will mean, it is believed in the
industry that the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information
Technology (CCHIT) will be the certifying body.
Your EHR should provide features that enable electronic prescribing and the
ability to exchange information electronically.
At present, we know that this means your EHR system should be connected and supports
electronic exchange of health information with other health systems.
Furthermore your EHR must be able to perform electronic data interchange of clinical
information with applicable networks and report on quality measures.
Additionally, you may receive $ 6,000-$8,000 annually for e-prescribing and
compliance with the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI).
