Electronic medical records (EMRs) are the wave of the future – and the future is now! So why is the adoption of EMR software taking so much time to implement, even though they are a great way to help reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase revenue? As it turns out, the reasons why this process is taking so long are varied and depend on a number of factors.

When it comes to adopting EMRs, cost is obviously a major consideration for many physicians and healthcare facilities. Many doctors are waiting to take advantage of the funds that have been allocated for this purpose by the federal stimulus package in 2009, so until lawmakers define exactly what types of systems will qualify for the money, many doctors and healthcare facilities are reluctant to make a move.

Privacy concerns are yet another barrier that must be overcome before healthcare organizations will truly be able to tap into the power of patient-specific healthcare data. Despite the many advantages of EMRs, patients still want to retain control over their own medical histories, and no doctor’s office or hospital wants the legal mess (not to mention the bad PR) that could result from a breach of privacy. In July of 2009, the Health IT Standards Committee began to consider measures such as encryption, audits and access controls in an attempt to address these issues, but many physicians are still waiting for a definitive answer on how to handle this particular issue before moving ahead to adopt a digital recordkeeping system.

Although many physicians may still feel reluctant to dive in and begin researching the ins and outs of electronic medical records, all healthcare practitioners should become familiar with the issues surrounding this debate. As a nation, our financial records have been digital for so long that many of us can’t even remember a time when they were not kept on computers. Looking at it from this perspective, it truly seems unfathomable that our medical records are not held to the same standard.

Electronic medical records (EMRs) promise to revolutionize the medical industry by reducing healthcare costs, simplifying recordkeeping practices, increasing the ability to share information and eliminating errors. But according to a 2009 report by IVANS – a supplier of EDI and network services to the insurance industry – up to 80 percent of physicians have reported that a lack of available funds is the main obstacle to implementing EMRs in many facilities. The Obama administration has, however, publicly supported the adoption of electronic records, and here we’ve outlined how last year’s $787 billion stimulus package supports current efforts to computerize the nation’s hospitals and physician’s offices.

The stimulus package has allocated $45 billion to helping the healthcare industry adopt electronic medical records, and requires the government to determine which software systems will be most beneficial and why. This process, aptly described as determining “Meaningful Use,” is still unfolding, with the main point of discussion currently revolving around deciding upon the speed at which physician groups, hospitals and technology vendors would be required to convert to digital recordkeeping systems.

Under the terms of the stimulus package, physician practices could receive up to $44,000 over a five-year period, while hospitals could receive a maximum of $15.9 million, to install EMR systems that meet “Meaningful Use” requirements. In contrast, the government would ultimately impose penalties on providers who do not choose to convert to electronic medical records by 2015, beginning with reducing Medicaid and Medicare payments by 1 percent in that year (and growing to 3 percent in subsequent years).

Whether or not systems are adequately “Certified” under the new standards that have been set by the stimulus package is also an integral issue for physicians hoping to receive incentives to adopt EMR software. Previously, certification was outsourced to a commission founded by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and was largely voluntary. But despite more than three years of certification, many EMR software systems are still not set up to communicate easily with one another, which has spurred the commission to turn its focus to ensuring that the certification process serves as a way to determine who will be eligible for stimulus funds.

Although some reports claim that seven out of 10 healthcare providers think EMRs would positively affect their practices, their patients and the industry as a whole, some physicians are still left wondering where to begin. On the other hand, many others are already making investments in IT initiatives. Whichever category you (and your practice) falls into, these new technologies will alter the medical landscape of this country and affect the way healthcare professionals provide patient care in the months and years to come.

It can be said that even for the most ignorant to politics and current events over the last year we have learned a new word.  Some may have used the word before and most people know it exists. However, now more than ever this word has been thrown around like a Frisbee in a dog park. The word is……….. STIMULUS! Yes, stimulus. As in, economic stimulus, stimulus package, stimulus money etc. We have all heard something about the multibillion dollar stimulus package whose purpose is to provide relief to different parts of the economy and promote healthy solutions and opportunities to companies and individuals. Yes, you know what I’m talking about! Get money to go back to school……  Less taxes……. Cash for clunkers. We have all heard of it and some of you may have benefited from it. So why are we discussing all this on an EMR website???  So glad you asked!  Here it goes…

Our government has set aside 19 billion dollars of healthcare technology stimulus money. That is once again, 19 billion dollars. The purpose is to use healthcare technology, purchasing an EMR/EHR in particular to keep our healthcare records safer and better connected. Now if you’re reading this your immediate questions are…. How do I get some of this money and how much? When can I get some of this money? Where do I go to get some of this money? What do I need to do to get some of this money? And of course….. What’s the catch?

Well, these are all good questions. I would be skeptical as well but believe me this is happening and if you get on board with this early on you will benefit the most. According to the guidelines of this stimulus package a Doctor or hospital that is either a Medicare (part B) or Medicaid provider can qualify. To qualify under Medicare you must be filing Medicare claims. For Medicaid, your caseload must be at least 30% Medicaid (20% for pediatricians). You can qualify under either Medicare or Medicaid but not both. If you qualify under Medicare you can receive up to $44,000.00 and under Medicaid $64,000.00. These maximum payouts are spread over 5 years starting in 2011. Keep in mind that 70% of the money you receive will be paid over the first 2 years.

Now for you procrastinators out there, I advise you to get your act together. You see, they are very serious about the implementation of EMR/EHR. So much so, that if you do not implement it by 2015 you can begin receiving a penalty of 1% off your Medicare/Medicaid payments. This penalty may increase to 5% by 2017. So it is in your best interest to get with the program while the offer is on the table!

At this point you must be saying to yourself, “good to know” or “I better get moving”, all true. But now you have to exert some effort. You must choose an EMR vendor and have them set the software up and train you in. You also have to go after the stimulus money. It does sound a bit overwhelming with all the choices and time you’ll have to put in to make this happen. What if I would tell you there is a company out there that will handle the entire process for you and to top it off…….give you the software for FREE and allow you to put that stimulus money in your pocket?! You would probably say “Sign me up”. Well that is what the people at medicalsoftware.com are hoping you’ll say.

It’s true! Medicalsoftware.com gives you the software, trains you and gets you your stimulus money…… FOR FREE!  (www.medicalsoftware.com)

Written by: Issac Yenowitz of medical-billing.com