3 Ways to Maximize Meaningful Use Incentives with EHR Systems - By: Michael.Young

Beginning in 2011, hospitals that are able to meet 19 requirements of the first stage of the Meaningful Use Rule will be able to receive incentive payments provided by Medicare and Medicaid. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, healthcare providers are able to qualify for incentive payments when they have successfully demonstrated Meaningful Use of healthcare information technology, particularly electronic health records. Three key ways for hospitals to maximize these Meaningful Use incentives include:

Work on the Basics

Understanding the basics of Meaningful Use is one of the most important ways to take advantage of incentives for your practice. Assess the formula in the regulation and calculate your maximum reimbursement based on this formula. Hospitals, depending on eligibility under the Medicare fee-for-service, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid programs, should calculate the maximum amount of incentive payment based on the formulas outlined in the final rule and set that maximum amount as a goal.

Form a Steering Committee

One of the smartest ways to maximize Meaningful Use incentives is to form a steering committee comprised of representatives from all clinical and administrative departments. The purpose of this committee is to ensure that all hospital representatives come together to problem-solve issues related to efficient and Meaningful Use of its electronic health record (EHR) system. The steering committee should meet monthly to discuss any changes in workflow or technology that are necessary to achieve this goal.

Work Closely with Your Vendor

Another key way to maximize Meaningful Use incentives is to work closely with your contracted vendor partners regularly to ensure that your EHR is working efficiently and to resolve any IT issues. Ideally, hospital leaders should meet with vendors quarterly and as necessary in the interim.

Because vendors typically make implementation recommendations based on previous successes, it is advisable to adhere to your vendor’s suggestions. This will allow your facility to deploy your EHR system more quickly, without having to configure a system from scratch.

e-MDs: A Leading Vendor in the Industry

If you need more information about EHR systems and how they may improve the quality of health care for your practice, contact e-MDs, a leader in electronic medical records software provision. e-MDs will help you understand how to use your new EHR system in compliance with the standards and provisions of the new Meaningful Use Rule.

e-MDs offers a host of affordable, certified EHR solutions for physicians and facilities looking to modernize or enhance their services with the latest electronic health records technology. e-MDs is committed to providing affordable and integrated EHR and Practice Management Software solutions, including clinical, financial and document management modules designed to automate medical practice processes and chart management – delivering the clinical tools needed to succeed in today’s health care environment.

Additional information about the services and benefits an EHR system has to offer can be found by contacting a representative at 1.888.344.9836 or sales@e-mds.com, or visiting them online at http://www.e-mds.com.

About the Author

Heather Preston meaningful use- e-MDs certified EHR for meaningful use.

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