EHR bonus, health reform provisions will take center stage

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand the policy and practice-management issues that may influence revenue, compliance, and workflow in physician offices during the transition to EHR-based incentives and reform-related payment changes.

Article Sections

1. Health reform and EHR expectations for 2011

   Introduces the article’s outlook for major policy and technology developments expected to affect physician practices in 2011.

2. Prediction: Health reform will not be repealed

   Discusses the political and legislative outlook for the reform law and why repeal is expected to remain unlikely.

3. Prediction: A minority of practices will meet the stage 1 meaningful use requirements

   Covers the expected pace of EHR adoption and participation in early federal incentive opportunities, along with implementation timing concerns.

4. Prediction: Health reform means big new opportunities for primary care

   Summarizes the reform-related revenue opportunities expected to affect primary care practices and related workflow planning.

5. Prediction: Even practices that get EHR bonuses may face compliance hassles

   Addresses anticipated oversight, disclosure, and audit-related concerns associated with EHR incentive participation.

6. Prediction: Physician consolidation into larger groups and hospitals will continue

   Reviews the ongoing trend toward practice consolidation and its impact on physician organizations.

7. Prediction: Some smaller practices will boost revenue to build a lasting foundation for independent growth

   Explores how some smaller practices may use reform-related opportunities and technology adoption to strengthen independence and long-term sustainability.