Electronic Health Record (EHR)
|
The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to provide financial incentives to eligible health professionals (EPs) and hospitals that “meaningfully use” electronic health record (EHR) technology. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published the Final Criteria that physicians will have to meet to obtain the incentive payments. Below are resources and guidance related to the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, including a Basic Starter Guide for the EHR program and how to get involved.
ACS Advocacy and Resources | Regional Extension Center (REC)
Rulemaking Process | FAQs | Additional Resources
- Timeline
- Basic Starter Guide
- Guide for Vendor Selection
- Contracting Advice
- Quality Measures Guidance - Coming Soon!
- Medicare vs. Medicaid
- Articles from the Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons
- The meaningful use final rule (1475K PDF)
by Vinita Ollapally, JD (October '10) - Meaningful use of electronic health records (75K PDF)
by Vinita Ollapally, JD (May '10)
- The meaningful use final rule (1475K PDF)
- Medicaid State Information
Regional Extension Center (REC)
Regional Extension Centers were created as a result of Health Information Technology Extension Program which was authorized by The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. The purpose of a regional extension center (REC) is to offer technical assistance, guidance, and information to help health care providers become meaningful users of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). There are currently 62 RECs throughout the United States and each REC has a defined service area. Although RECs have placed a priority on delivering services to primary care practices, RECs will provide assistance to specialty practices as well, although fees might vary by REC. Please contact the REC in your area for availability and pricing. Click on the REC listing link below for a listing of the current RECs, please visit What is a Regional Extension Center? (110K PDF).
- Comment Letters
- Final Rules
- Upcoming Rulemaking
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- AMA- Health Information Technology- EHR Incentive Program
- Office of the National Coordinator- Health and Human Services-Health Information Technology
- HIMSS- Meaningful Use final Rule Webinar Series
- American Academy of Pediatrics- Meaningful Use Resources
- AHIMA White Paper Series on Meaningful Use
Revised May 9, 2012