Dependency upon technology has led us towards the evolution of many industries including healthcare. Automation via technology introduced in the healthcare sector removed many hindrances; thereby, operational processes accelerated to an extent which was previously impossible.
Government backing of interoperable platforms such as electronic medical records along with health information exchange (HIE) gave even the most traditional practitioners a nudge towards exploring the benefits of EMR adoption. The rising interest amongst providers resulted in the emergence of numerous software manufacturers entering the race of developing a definitive electronic medical records solution. However, this gives way to the question: what is the complete EMR solution?
Although no specific criterion exists for a definitive software, several governments funded bodies have been established in order to steer clinicians in the right direction. In America, CMS has formed rigid guidelines for EMR vendors to ensure minimization of clinical errors and malpractice.
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ONC (Office of the National Coordinator) and HHS (Health and Human Services) are the bodies which set eventual qualification rules to ensure electronic medical records have both the functionality and capability to assist providers meeting meaningful use requirements. Vendors which fulfill the requirements determined receive a certification from ONC-ATCB (Authorized Testing and Certification Bodies). The large majority of vendors, however, do not comply with the CCHIT (Certification Commission for Health Information Technology) to avoid the scrupulous inspection of interoperability, product functionality, security, and usability. For more information on testing benchmarks visit the CCHIT official web page.
CCHIT and other similar bodies aim to facilitate providers make a wise investment in their electronic medical records solution. In general, factors such as support quality, specialty diversification, usability and industry standing come into play when deciding on an electronic medical record solution. Choosing a certified EMR may be regarded by many as a dismissible characteristic; however, typically it is the difference between those vendors who qualify for meaningful use incentives and those who do not. Therefore, it’s of the highest importance for a physician to ensure that the EMR they are going for has the CCHIT’s seal of approval.
The writer is a leading Health IT analyst contributing regularly on some of the most pressing topics like Electronic Health Records, Practice Management, eRx, Patient Portal, Billing Services, Compliance and Privacy and Security.
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