CCHIT-certified EHR and EMR Solutions

"In the United States, one-quarter of office-based physicians reported using fully or partially electronic medical record systems (EMR) in 2005.[2] However, less 10% of these physicians actually have a "complete EMR system", with all four basic functions deemed minimally necessary for a full EMR: computerized orders for prescriptions, computerized orders for tests, reporting of test results, and physician notes "

We provide both web based EMR software and client-server based EMR software CCHIT certified Software solutions.

How Important is CCHIT Certification to Physicians in the Electronic Medical Records (EMR / EHR) Selection Process?

Does it have to be CCHIT certified?
Yes, if you want to receive the Stimulus Incentives.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009, specifically provides $17.2 billion in financial incentives designed to facilitate the widespread implementation of “certified” Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems into physician practices and hospitals. Physicians, facilities, and other providers will receive money through Medicare or Medicaid programs for their “meaningful use” of EHRs.

ARRA states that “The National Director, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, shall keep or recognize a program or programs for the voluntary certification of health information technology as being in compliance with applicable certification criteria adopted under this subtitle.”

Is CCHIT the Certification Agency for EHR/EMR

Even though CCHIT or Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology has not been explicitly mentioned under ARRA, it is widely believed that CCHIT will be named as the certification program. CCHIT has been federally recognized since 2006 and has been operationally successful and sustainable with high levels of market acceptance.

CCHIT Criteria vs. HITSC Criteria
CCHIT Criteria vs. HITSC Criteria

Click here to read all about CCHIT

Is CCHIT certification sufficient to ensure success?

CCHIT certification is only one of the selection criteria. In addition to insisting on CCHIT certification, a Practice would do well to create a checklist of features that are important to it. This list should include:

  1. Does it support the specific requirements of the specialty?
  2. Does the vendor have the reputation of providing outstanding customer support?
  3. Are there any references of the same size practice, specialty, and type in the local market who can vouch for the ease of use of the selected product?
  4. Does it help monitor potential adverse drug reactions?
  5. Does the EMR interface with the Practice Management or Billing software? You should also find out if you need an integrated system with a common database.

These are only a few of the foundational questions, as there are many non-functional requirements that need to be addressed to ensure successful implementation of an EMR/EHR solution. These requirements are focused around people (commitment, volunteers, etc.), capital (cost, ROI, initial cost vs. annual costs), technology (server-based vs. ASP, tablets or laptops, etc.) and organization (stakeholders, selection and implementation leaders).

 

PMP can help unravel the mystery and guide you towards making a rational and wise decision on which EHR/EMR 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.