Earning Your Incentives

The $44,000 incentive payment for providers using Electronic Health Record systems is based on more than simply implementing an EHR. To qualify for payments, eligible providers must demonstrate their ability to utilize key functions of the system.

The meaningful use requirement is comprised of 25 key objectives and respective measurements, which all can be easily, accomplished and reported using NextGen® EHR/EPM software. As an overview of the requirements, your EHR system must:

• Achieve certification- Of over 160 systems; TSI Healthcare's NextGen® EHR version 5.6 is one of only thirteen* to currently possess CCHIT 2011® certification for Cardiovascular Medicine and Child Health, which is designed around the federal requirements.
• Allow you to ePrescribe- The system must be able to electronically communicate with pharmacies and perform drug-drug, drug-allergy, and drug-formulary checks.
• Allow you to share clinical data with other certified EHR systems and patients- Your ability to enhance a patient’s continuity of care is paramount and secure electronic communication with patients is vital. Read the 25 objectives and their respective measures here.
• Allow you to smoothly report on specified clinical quality measures- Documenting your superior standard of care should be simple yet effective.

For more details regarding the requirements and standards, contact us or visit the Health Information Technology page of the Health & Human Services Website here.

*As of 3.5.10

In order to select the best EHR for your practice, we recommend you research each system carefully. TSI Healthcare is committed to serving as your resource during the selection process, guiding you through each step, from software and hardware selection, to implementation and ongoing success. We understand that selection can be a confusing and stressful process, let us be your guide. Contact Us.

To begin your search, consider the following aspects of the EHR:

• Is it CCHIT 2011 Certified®?
• Does it use the latest software standards necessary for interoperability? (Look for the terms HL7, CCR, CCD).
• Does it include ePrescribing and perform drug-drug, drug-allergy, and drug-formulary interactions?
• Does it include an online patient portal for secure communication with patients?
• Can it capture and store discrete data in a structured database
• Does it facilitate the reporting of quality measures (such as PQRI and pay-for-performance programs) through a dedicated report or module?
• Does it incorporate protocols to automatically alert providers when health maintenance tests are due?
• Does it use computerized physician order entry (CPOE) for all order types and incorporate lab/test results into EHR?
• Most importantly, does the vendor have a superior track record in the areas of customer service and support?
  • This final consideration is key to your success. The incentives programs require that physicians re-accredit their utilization abilities at higher levels in 2013 and 2015 to receive further payments. Will your vendor be there by your side years down the road?

After having found a final set of qualified products, contact the vendor and request a customized, in-person product demonstration. Request vendors to show you:

• EHR modules, reports, and tools that will help your staff reach meaningful use
• The ability to capture discrete data for reporting based on an encounter
• Customized templates for your specialty
  • Are there interfaces for your equipment?
• The ability to develop customized templates for your practice's unique workflow while still capturing discrete data
• Few EHR products have truly robust customization capabilities, but it's vital that you select a system that works with your workflow, and not have to adjust your workflow for the system.
• ePrescribing and medication management capabilities
• How they will assist you in developing a plan to reach meaningful use now, in 2013, and 2015?
  • Will this plan include personalized attention beyond just support calls? Will it be achieved through the help of a specific account manager dedicated to your success?
• Their long-term plans to remaining certified
• References of other practices similar to yours using their product

Contact TSI Healthcare to schedule your demonstration.

Prepare Your Staff- For a successful implementation and to achieve meaningful use, your staff will need to work as an efficient team. Every member, from part-time support staff to physicians, plays a key role in the process. TSI Healthcare can assist you with the necessary tools to move the team forward.

• Get staff at all levels involved early in the EHR process
• Encourage organized input, assign responsibilities, quell concerns. Allow the team to obtain a sense of ownership and understand that everyone's role is important
• Suggest that staff attend EHR webinars and online demonstrations to gain a better understanding of the system, its benefits, and how it works
• Select a vendor that offers multiple training types (online, in your practice, or in a classroom), ensuring that each staff member's needs are met
• Choose a system that incorporates the necessary modules and tools that allow staff to participate in an efficient and effective workflow.
  • The goal of EHRs is to improve care and increase efficiency, resulting in easier tasks. For example, automated triggers can alert a a physician assistant or other mid-level provider when a patient is overdue for tests. The provider can immediately send the lab order directly from the EHR, saving the physician time during the visit.

For your staff to become "meaningful users," you should plan about 12-17 months for selection and implementation. Below is the estimated timeline for selection and implementation.

It is important to begin searching for your HIT solution now! All of the aforementioned steps must be taken prior to qualifying for "meaningful use" incentives.

TSI Healthcare is here to guide you during this healthcare information technology momentum. Our staff remains up-to-date with the latest news on “meaningful use” incentives and the Recovery Act. We are here to provide you with the necessary information, tools, and services you need to prosper during this advantageous time. Please view our website for more information on how we can help. For any questions or for more information, please call 800-354-4205 or email stimulus@tsihealthcare.com.