By Nancy Norman, medQ Marketing
Participating in CMS’s Meaningful Use program with the use of Certified Electronic Health Record Technology program (CEHRT) will increase safety, communication and quality of patient care. One common question we hear from radiologists is, “why should I participate in Meaningful Use?" Here are a few reasons why eligible radiologists should consider participating now.
Participating in CMS’s Meaningful Use program with the use of Certified Electronic Health Record Technology program (CEHRT) will increase safety, communication and quality of patient care. One common question we hear from radiologists is, “why should I participate in Meaningful Use?" Here are a few reasons why eligible radiologists should consider participating now.
-Eligible Radiologists have a choice of receiving substantial Incentive payments, or face penalties and cuts in Medicare reimbursements. They have until September 2014 to have in place a fully MU certified EHR and receive up to $24,000 in incentive payments for this year, per eligible radiologist. True, a hardship exception is available for 2015 reimbursements. However, at some point in 2015 radiologists will need to implement an EHR to avoid penalties from 2016 onward.
- There is growing evidence that EHRs may be a financial advantage to patients. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, EHRs can slow the growth rate of outpatient care costs compared to traditional paper records.
-Eligible radiologists must participate in all stages of MU regardless of when they start, stage 1 is the starting point which requires 2 years and then to stage 2 for two years. All stages and length of time to do so are required. Waiting does not change the time frame of qualifying for each stage. However, those who do wait will miss out on incentive payments and could face increasingly stiffer penalties.
-Increasing and maintaining referring physician orders is crucial to the well being of an imaging center’s bottom line. Referring physicians will be required to order a minimal percentage of radiology exams using CPOE via their EHRs. They will need to have the capability to send their orders to imaging centers that have a MU certified EHR. Those imaging practices that have delayed, or decided to opt out of MU may see a loss in business from their current referring physicians.
- EHRs are a more effective and faster method of delivering results to improve patient safety. Communication with patients and referring physicians is critical for patient safety and quality care. Radiologists must be equipped with technology, e.g. online physician & patient portals that will allow them to communicate effectively and timely test results and images. A fully certified EHR will do that!
There are benefits and incentives available only for eligible radiologists participating in the MU program. Choosing an EHR with a RIS vendor with complete CMS certification will eliminate the costs of new technology and provide a hassle free implementation.
“The Q/ris 3000, a fully meaningful use certified EHR, has met with 100% success from CMS. Each of the over 100 radiologists who using the Q/RIS 3000 EHR system has successfully attested with CMS for their 2013 work. In total, they have qualified for $4M+ in incentive payments. This is a testament to the ease of use and completeness of the Q/ris 3000 EHR.” says John Norman, medQ’s CEO.
“The Q/ris 3000, a fully meaningful use certified EHR, has met with 100% success from CMS. Each of the over 100 radiologists who using the Q/RIS 3000 EHR system has successfully attested with CMS for their 2013 work. In total, they have qualified for $4M+ in incentive payments. This is a testament to the ease of use and completeness of the Q/ris 3000 EHR.” says John Norman, medQ’s CEO.
Contact us for a demonstration:
No comments:
Post a Comment