HITECH 2010 Stimulus Update
On July 13th 2010 the Department of Health and Human Services released the final draft of the HITECH act which provides monetary incentives for doctors and hospitals to implement electronic health record systems. In order to obtain these incentives certain standards must be met in order to establish “Meaningful use” of such systems. The final regulations are over 800 pages. A summary by Dr David Blumenthal can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Meaningful Use Criteria
In summary, the new final criteria have been relaxed compared to the previous release. Essentially now in order to qualify for the incentives providers must meet 20 core objectives and 5 out of 10 menu objectives. The AccessMD patient portal system meets 11 out of 15 core objectives, 6 out of 10 menu items for hospitals and 8 out of 10 for eligible providers. The objectives not met are not applicable to a patient portal system.
Stimulus Incentive Schedule
Adopt early to receive the maximum in incentive dollars. Incentive payments start in 2011 and are spread out over a 5 year period. The majority of the incentive total will be paid out in the first 2 years. So to gain maximum benefit, adopt early to receive the maximum incentive dollars.
Act Now to Maximize Reimbursement!
Contact RHealth to learn more about AccessMD and the HITECH act. Call 901-507-8182and ask for Scott