decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2009 Issue 5 (May)
Free EMR systems winning over practices, but won't solve compliance and integration challenges
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article discusses how physician practices are evaluating free and low-cost EMR/EHR options in light of federal incentive programs, certification expectations, interoperability needs, and privacy rules. It is relevant to practice administrators, clinicians, health IT buyers, compliance professionals, and vendors who need a broad view of how business models, patient portals, and regulatory changes affect EMR adoption.
Why This Topic Matters
The piece explains why free EMR offerings are attracting attention while also showing that cost savings do not eliminate regulatory, workflow, and integration concerns. It helps readers understand the broader market and compliance context surrounding EHR adoption during a major policy transition.
Article Sections
-
Practice transition to a free EMR system
The opening section describes a physician group’s move away from a costly EMR arrangement and the reasons it sought a different solution. It frames the discussion around practice needs, patient-facing features, and vendor pricing models.
-
Government incentives increase interest
This section explains how federal incentive programs and related policy changes are influencing interest in electronic health records. It also introduces several vendor approaches to offering free or lower-cost systems.
-
Free systems must offer meaningful use
This section focuses on certification, incentive eligibility, and the broader market pressure for qualifying EHR products. It also touches on vendor development plans and concerns about future viability.
-
HIPAA changes could imperil ad model
This section discusses privacy and security issues that may affect advertising-supported EMR products and patient portal features. It addresses how evolving federal requirements could influence vendor business models and practice workflows.
What You Will Learn
- How free EMR and practice management systems are being positioned in the market
- Why federal incentive programs are affecting EHR purchasing decisions
- What kinds of compliance and certification issues may affect free software offerings
- How patient portals and advertising models raise privacy and workflow considerations
- Which broad vendor business models are being used for low-cost or no-cost health IT products
Who Should Read This
- Physician practices considering EMR adoption
- Practice managers and administrators
- Health information technology buyers
- Compliance and privacy professionals
- Health IT vendors and developers
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com