Healthcare Resources - Health Care Information

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HIT is a dynamic place to be! e-MDs is recognized as a company which is leading the charge technologically, but is also taking a learned approach to industry challenges and the impact this has on our clients and their patients. Our leadership and staff are continuously engaged at all levels of the industry and are well recognized at education events for our considered presentations and viewpoints. We invite you to review some of our white papers below and look forward to your feedback.

  • Semantic Interoperability: The Holy Grail of Medical Informatics

    In 1991, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a report which detailed a consensus vision for the creation of electronic medical records (EMR) in the U.S. (1) The report presented a number of high level objectives to guide EMR development including improving the quality of patient care, strengthening the scientific basis of clinical practice, and helping to control healthcare costs. The IOM predicted that computerization would lead to a radical transformation of the U.S healthcare delivery system if these goals were achieved.

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  • How to Avoid the Potential Pitfalls of Automated E&M Coding in EHRs

    A number of EHR (Electronic Health Record) products feature tools that automate the process of determining the E&M (evaluation and management) code for an office visit. When these tools are properly designed and used appropriately, they result in very accurate coding supported by thorough documentation. This can result in very significant and completely justified increases in revenue, not uncommonly reaching tens of thousands of dollars. This has attracted the interest of auditors, however, including the Office of the Inspector General (the body that performs audits for CMS).

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  • Preparing Your Practice for an Electronic Health Record

    A successful Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementation hinges upon choosing the right system for your practice. Equally important is how you approach the process of actually implementing the EHR in your practice. This article will provide recommendations based on knowledge attained from hundreds of successful EHR implementations.

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  • Overcoming the Financial Barriers to Acquiring an Integrated EHR

    An electronic health record (EHR) that shares a single database with a practice management system is an integral tool that allows physicians to manage their practices more efficiently, reduce overhead and improve the quality of care. This is commonly referred to as an "integrated EHR." Cost is one of the most commonly cited reasons why physicians do not implement these systems. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains incentives for using an EHR meaningfully, but in the majority of cases each practice will need to make the initial investment in the EHR they plan to use. This article will discuss the financial benefits of investing in a fully integrated, single database, EHR/Practice Management system. It will also describe the benefits of leasing vs. ownership of an integrated system.

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  • Reaping the Benefits of the Stimulus Package: Understanding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

    How does the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the "stimulus" bill) apply to medical practices?

    The Federal stimulus package contains $19 billion to accelerate the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR) and health information technology in doctors' offices. This is part of the new administration's plan to use health information technology to help reduce medical costs and improve the quality of care provided to patients.

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