Stimulus Central

This briefing is not a substitute for all of the assorted facts and nuances within the guidelines of the stimulus and various incentives: stay informed about the stimulus bill and bylaws. What is imperative is to implement a certified EMR as soon as possible: a delay in beginning the process increases the risk that a practice will not demonstrate effective "meaningful use" of an EHR system, thereby missing the incentive period starting in 2011.

PlatinumEMR is CCHIT certified and HIPAA compliant, which means that you can maintain data confidentiality; share information with other systems to work together and provide better care. The CCHIT certifies EMRs by determining specific criteria for HIT systems, and whether they truly meet all such criteria for interoperability.

Those demonstrating meaningful use of an EMR receive financial incentives under the HITECH provisions of ARRA legislation. Within the HITECH provision of the ARRA, a certified EMR is that which meets specific technology standards outlined in legislation according to CCHIT standardization whereby: the EMR must include electronic prescribing; "connected in a matter that provides . for the exchange of electronic health information," in accordance with applicable law and standards, "to improve the quality of health care, such as promotion of health coordination"; and be able to "submit information . on clinical quality measures." Therefore, an EMR must be CCHIT certified based upon the following:

There are additionally HIT and HIE funding opportunities: a physician may be able to benefit from the pool of $13 Billion in grants made available through ARRA. Hospitals and hospital-owned practices are eligible to receive stimulus incentives if they can demonstrate "meaningful use." (Hospital employed physicians such as pathologists, emergency room physicians and anesthesiologists are not eligible). However, some hospitals are able to receive grants or loans to further EMR adoption as part of the $13 Billion in grants through ARRA.