Many confuse the American Recovery Act incentive program for Meaningful Use of a certified electronic health record system with the Affordable Health Care Act of America, which is being reviewed by the Supreme Court. Since 2003 there have been several Federal and some State laws and regulations that are already in effect and require the use of Electronic Healthcare Records and Prescriptions. These are required and many are confused that they are part of Obama Care. Even though the requirements are focused on Medicare it is clear that all insurance programs will require a “paperless” electronic system. In addition, having these systems will enhance the quality, efficiency and reduce the costs of providing healthcare. The key is getting started now and enhance your abilities to lead and manage with these tools, as well as taking advantage of the incentives being provided and avoiding the penalties in several of the programs. There are four key programs to understand and address. This illustrates the program and the underpinning Federal Legislation: · Electronic Prescribing (eRX) Program Law: Section 132 Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act 2008 (MIPPA) · Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Law: Medicare Medicaid & SCHIP extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA) · Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program Law: Recovery Act & HITECH Act of 2009 · Primary Care Incentive Program (PCIP) Law: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA) (ObamaCare) Section 132

A few decades ago healthcare was relatively simple. Patients went to the doctor
when they needed help or to have their annual check-up.

The healthcare practitioners graduated from medical, chiropractic or dental school, served their internship and residency and opened a practice. Their practices were often one or two person organizations with specific specialties and relied on referrals and word of mouth for their business development.

To successfully receive payments for Meaningful Use under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, planning ahead is essential. Here are seven key issues that should be part of your plan.

1. Do you have a certified EHR with a Meaningful use Dashboard that can be easily upgraded?

Check out this new CMS Guide to help understand how to file for meaningful use. Enabledoc also provides a Meaningful Use Guide that details how to use Enabledoc EHR to achieve meaningful use.

https://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/Downloads/EP_Attestation_User_G...

or go to:

https://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/01_Overview.asp#TopOfPage

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