CCHIT and its Certification Criteria

What is CCHIT?

CCHIT was founded in 2004 by three industry associations (HIMSS, AHIMA and the Alliance) and is an independent non-profit private sector initiative that certifies EMR / EHR software solutions based on a specified set of parameters. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of robust, interoperable health information technology by creating a credible and efficient product certification process.

Why CCHIT Certification?

There are hundreds of EMR software solutions on the market, each differing in feature functionality, and it is easy for providers to get lost in the cacophony of vendors especially, considering that Providers are not IT experts and often find it difficult to properly assess and select an EMR solution that will best meet their current and foreseeable needs. You will also be frustrated and confused by EHR industry claims. Perhaps you are ready to invest in and implement an EHR, but find it difficult to judge product suitability, quality, interoperability and data portability, and security. The CCHIT Certified® designation sets the bar for EHR products. CCHIT's certification program has the potential to reduce buying risk for purchasers while opening up the flow of HIT incentives from payers and purchasers.

CCHIT certification was intended to reduce the risks of physician investment in EMR / EHR products, while achieving the following:

  1. Facilitate interoperability of EMR products with the emerging national health information network, sometimes called RHIOs
  2. Enhance availability of EMR adoption incentives
  3. Ensure that EMR products protect the privacy of personal health information
CCHIT EHR / EMR Certification Criteria

The main category of certification deals with products designed to be used in physician offices and clinics and commonly referred to as Ambulatory EMR. CCHIT certified EMR products were required to demonstrate compliance with 116 criteria in 2006. Another 96 criteria were added in 2007 and in 2008, 19 new criteria were added to the certification requirements focusing on the following:

  1. Additional electronic prescribing features including access to the patient's medication history, formulary, and eligibility.
  2. Better and safer medication dosing, adjusted for patient weight and other factors.
  3. Better ability to prevent adverse reactions due to drug interactions or allergies.
  4. Use of standard formats to exchange basic patient information for continuity of care.
  5. Enhanced ability to view X-rays and other diagnostic images.
  6. Better management of patient consents and authorizations.
  7. Increased use of standard formats when receiving and storing laboratory results.
Choosing CCHIT Certified EMR / EHR Solutions

An EMR is certified for three years, but if a product is significantly reengineered or re-architected before the end of the three-year period, it must be recertified. Minor updates usually do not need re-certification.

See the latest certified products, CCHIT Certified 08 Ambulatory EHR
CCHIT certification for a Provider Practice

EMR is a long-term investment and providers must be careful in choosing the right solution. Most practices have very limited time and resources to evaluate every detail of every product of interest.

CCHIT certification can help with the evaluation and selection process by narrowing down the initial set of solutions because CCHIT certification assures implementation of basic functionality. This should allow a Practice to focus more upon performing due diligence about a companies’ track records in meeting individual practice’s special needs, ease of use, implementation success, financial viability, and after-sales service and support, and financial stability of the EMR vendor.

PMP can help unravel the mystery and guide you towards making a rational and wise decision on which EHR to implement. So why not contact us today for a FREE DEMO of an EMR for your specific specialty by simply completing our FREE Demonstration Form.