BC Advantage Magazine - 2009 Issue 11
EHR With Change Comes Opportunity
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Article Overview
This article provides a high-level discussion of the 2009 federal stimulus-era push toward health information technology, with emphasis on EHR adoption, interoperability, meaningful use, and certification. It is aimed at readers in medical practice administration, billing, consulting, and health IT who want to understand the policy landscape and the operational implications for physician offices and related vendors.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers understand why EHR-related policy changes were important for adoption planning, vendor selection, workflow readiness, and alignment with reimbursement-related incentives and penalties.
Article Sections
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Introduction to the ARRA and health IT opportunity
Introduces the stimulus-era legislation and frames the broader health information technology environment. Sets up the main issues that follow.
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HITECH Act
Discusses the health IT funding provision within the stimulus package and the general incentive and penalty structure. Focuses on the policy context surrounding EHR adoption.
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Will Any EHR System Work for Physicians? What is Interoperability?
Explores the challenge of connecting systems across vendors and practice settings. Emphasizes implementation planning and vendor evaluation considerations.
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Meaningful Use
Summarizes the federal concept used to define qualifying EHR use for incentive purposes. Describes the broader categories of requirements involved.
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Certified EHR
Reviews the certification discussion and the role of industry organizations in supporting certification of health IT products. Notes the policy and governance context.
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EHR vs. EMR - They Are Not the Same
Compares the two record concepts using industry definitions and a plain-language explanation. Clarifies how the article distinguishes the two terms.
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EHR/EMR Adoption Rate Low - Failure Rate High
Addresses adoption barriers, implementation challenges, and concerns reported by physicians. Discusses the practical impact of usability, workflow, and cost issues.
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Pinpointing the Opportunity
Concludes with the business and operational opportunities for practices and support services. Highlights the need for education, implementation support, and alignment with reputable organizations.
What You Will Learn
- The main federal health IT themes discussed in the 2009 stimulus-era policy environment
- How EHR adoption, interoperability, meaningful use, and certification were framed for physician practices
- Why implementation planning and vendor selection were presented as important considerations
- How the article distinguishes between EHR and EMR at a general level
- What kinds of professionals and organizations the article suggests should pay attention to these changes
Who Should Read This
- Physician practices
- Practice managers
- Billing companies and billing consultants
- Health IT professionals
- Medical office administrators
- Vendor and implementation teams
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