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Doctors Say Government Electronic Health Record Goals are Unrealistic

The EHR Eligibility Criteria Proposed by Obama Administration is So Strict That Few Doctors or Hospitals Can Meet Them

June 14, 2010

Elite Institutions as well as doctors and hospital executives have expressed their frustration and concerns to officials regarding Electronic Health Records (EHR) requirements. Administration officials said they took the concerns seriously, but refused to say whether they would relax the proposed requirements according to the article.

In February 2009, as part of legislation to revive the economy, Congress provided tens of billions of dollars to help doctors and hospitals computerize patients' medical records. The goal of the law is to provide financial incentives through Medicare and Medicaid, to encourage doctors and hospitals to adopt and use electronic health records.

"Effective use of electronic health records will greatly improve patient safety, quality and efficiency," Dr. Thomas H. Lee, President of the physician network at Partners HealthCare, said in a letter to Medicare officials. But he said the approach taken by the administration was based on "unrealistic expectations" and "unachievable timelines."

Federal incentive payments become available to hospitals in October 2010 and to doctors in January 2011. In general, a doctor can receive up to $18,000 next year and $44,000 over five years. Doctors would have to meet 25 criteria, or objectives, and hospitals would have to meet 23 to qualify under the administration plan.

Starting in 2015, hospitals and doctors will be subject to financial penalties if they are not demonstrating meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

The government, to date, has not released final EHR certification standards or requirements.

Read the full article:
Doctors and Hospitals Say Goals on Computerized Records Are Unrealistic
NY Times

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Electronic Health Records...Better Patient Care since 1994. ChartLogic has helped thousands of practices make the transition from paper to digital medical offices. Guaranteed to meet "meaningful use" requirements, ChartLogic offers two comprehensive electronic health record suites that include electronic medical records, superior medical billing software, document management, and interactive patient education. ChartLogic helps physicians provide better patient care through better technology. For further information, visit www.chartlogic.com.

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