The HITECH Act has brought a huge rush of EHR vendors into the market. And separating the good from the bad is ultimately found in the details where there’s an…
Category: Information Technology
The Benefits of EHR are Many, but Most Small Practices Miss Out
A recent article in InformationWeek highlighted the slow progress in small and midsize physician practices in expanding the use and realizing the benefits of EHR technology in their offices. A survey…
Successful EHR Implementation: Ten Ways to Improve Your Chances
An EHR system can be a significant investment, and adopting one is certainly one of the most far reaching changes that your medical practice may make. However, even with the…
EHR System Failure – the top 4 reasons installations fail
Prior to the recent surge in EHR installations, the figure most often quoted for an EHR system failure was 20%. It should be noted that figure covered a period when systems were…
HIPAA Compliance: EHR Incentives, Risk Assessment, and Penalties
Financial penalties for HIPAA violations. How real are they? How about a recent $4.3 million civil penalty faced by Cignet Health of Prince George’s County, Maryland; or the also recent…
EHR Installation and Training – keeping up requires focus!
If you thought the selection process for EHR systems was intense, wait till you get to implementation! EHR vendors will drive the implementation process, but you must be prepared to…
An Operational Analysis of Your Medical Practice is a Logical Step in the EHR Selection Process
I’m often surprised by how some medical practices are so casual in their approach to selecting an EHR system. As if the EHR selection process itself is inconsequential. And I’m bordering…
EHR Systems, Meaningful Use Certification, and HITECH Incentives … Where do YOU stand?
On January 5, 2011 a two physician medical group, as announced by eMDs in Austin, TX received $42,500 under the Medicaid HITECH incentive program for meeting the Meaningful Use Criteria…
How do I Maximize the ROI on an EHR System? Hint: “Invest in training”
One of the most important activities during implementation of your EHR selection process. It’s important to pay attention to what the vendor says about the amount of time each staff…
Due Diligence in EHR Selection, can it help you Preserve Physician Productivity?
There are many commentaries, and anecdotal examples, of what happens to EHR Meaningful Use criteria will outweigh the incentive payments that are available. So maybe it’s time to take a…
Who to Follow on Twitter Within Your Medical Specialty
So you have finally created a Twitter account for your medical practice and are ready to take on the world of healthcare social media, but what’s the next step? Creating…
EHR/EMR: Financial & Operational Impact & Consequences
Meaningful Use of EHR and Certification Criteria are set for 2011 & 2012. Will compliance with these Final Rules hinder productivity? Is there a difference in effect between specialists and…
Claim Your EHR Meaningful Use Incentives in the HITECH ACT as Early as May 2011
Eligible Professionals (EP’s) can begin their 90-day period of EHR Meaningful Use as early as January 1, 2011. Here are some things to check as you get ready to claim…
How do the Final Rules on Meaningful Use & Certification Affect Legacy Systems?
You’re trying to decide on which EHR system to choose, and you have to decide what to do about your “Legacy” system – the existing practice management system you use…
Patients Are Searching Your Name
Have you ever wanted to see a movie, but first asked your friends about it? If they’ve seen it and what they thought about it? I often do and what…
Certification Criteria – Finding the Best EHR System?
Two major final rules were released by CMS and the ONC on July 13, 2010. The 864-page “Final Rule” covering EHR Meaningful Use was released by CMS, and the 228-page “Final…
EMR / EHR Meaningful Use Criteria are finalized – now what?
Yesterday, the 864 page document, “Final Rule” covering the Electronic Health Record Incentive Program has been issued by CMS. What does this mean to those hospitals and physicians who are…
Medical Practice Website: The Case Against Physician Nephews
It may be hard to believe or may even bring a smile to your face, but for our smallest medical practice clients one main competitor for our medical practice website design…
Can a REC help you find the best overall EHR? (Part II)
Why should you sign up with your local REC, and who is not eligible for subsidized REC services? In my last post on this topic, we reviewed the basics about RECs (Regional Extension Centers),…
Action on the HITECH Act – even EHR Consultants are weary of waiting!
I’m excited to say that we’ve just been selected as one of the first six Service Providers with a Regional Extension Center (REC), CalHIPSO, identifying our firm as expert EHR consultants,…