If not, you might want to give this a read...
There is a ton of content talking about EMR Systems, meaningful use, stimulus dollars, and the governments American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. There is a tidal wave of anticipation and preparation going on in many physician offices around the country. Rules have now been proposed and thousands of doctors are making the investment in an EMR Software now to ensure they are prepared to collect their share of the pie.
If your office hasn't made the investment yet, it's not too late, but time may be running out. There are several reasons why investing in an EMR System now is more important than ever.
1) Your office may need to demonstrate meaningful use for all required measures depending on specialty. Did you know there are 25 of them? Healthcare IT outlines the details in this article and shows that there is much to do. Did you know you have if you miss one of them you may not qualify for any of the money? Timing will be key. Physicians will want to have a comprehensive grasp of their product before they begin the reporting period. Once you are on the clock so to speak, you want to make sure you're ready.
2) Software vendor's schedules are filling up. Is the office down the street implementing an EMR? Maybe the group next door as well? There is a pretty good chance that many of your colleagues have entered into the game or soon will. This means vendors will be swamped and schedules will fill up fast. Don't wait until the line gets too long. Take advantage today.
3) What if the money runs out? We've seen it before..."Cash for Clunkers". I'm guessing that there is a bucket of cash for this project and when it's gone, it's going to be hard to get paid. I'd much rather be on the front end of the line then the back. Only time will tell if there is enough money or not, but I'd rather not find out the hard way.
4) Did you know there are proposed penalties for not successfully implementing an EMR by the mandated deadlines? As I mentioned before, each office will want ample time to implement and adjust business practices to meet the requirements.
5) It takes time to find the right product and vendor. You'll want to spend enough time looking at EMR Systems and completed a thourogh EMR Review. Finding a local vendor with a nationally backed product is key.
Many practices have completed their EMR Reviews and are well on their way to meeting or exceeding the milestones necessary to qualify for stimulus money. There is still time to get on board and tack advantage of this rare opportunity. However, there is an expiration date, and that my friends will be here before we know it.
Give Bradford-Scott a call at 317-713-2065 or check us out on the web at www.bradfordscott.com for all the information you need regarding the ARRA guidelines.
As always, feel free to comment.
Go Colts!
Jason
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