Will ICD10s be an EHR Challenge?

In theory, EHR systems will make ICD10 coding tolerable.  However, ICD10 coding presents a wide range of challenges to EHR vendors and users. 

What ACO Features Are Needed in an EHR?

Most EHR systems are based on strategies that predate accountable care organizations (ACO) and Certified EHR standards.  The key EHR requirements for ACOs are the ability to electronically exchange patient information, support provider collaboration, and monitor patient care.  The EHR focus to date has been on creating patient exam notes and specifically meeting the Evaluation and Management documentation standards.  In many cases, EHR products that have evolved to date do not adequately accommodate the operational or management needs of the ACO structure.

Why Should Your EHR Be “In Service” by December 31, 2011?

As we move further along on 2011, you should seriously consider your plans for the year and the most advantageous (and soon to be extinct) tax benefits of an EHR investment in 2011 or 2012.

What are the Issues with Clinical Content?

Clinical content refers to the various checklists, documents, and forms that address an area of medicine when using an EHR.  For example, a pediatric practice would be interested in documentation tools for a newborn visit. Not all EHRs have clinical content for all areas of medicine.  For example, some EHRs have clinical content for internal medicine, but lack the details needed for dermatology or cardiology.

A disturbing number of practices have failed to analyze the clinical content of their EHR and are distributing exam documents and other information that do not adequately or accurately document patient care.  In the more serious situations, EHR clinical documents misrepresent the care provided and the patient’s condition.  For example, one practice was distributing exam notes that had inappropriate gender information for all patients.  In another situation, a specialist included extensive ROS information on the patient’s cardiovascular system which was not performed and not the specialist’s area of expertise.  Such problems could precipitate a wide array of care, insurance, and medical professional liability issues.

Is Your Practice Ready for an EHR?

From Medicare/Medicaid incentives to EHR industry ads, it is hard to cut through the hype and determine if your practice is even ready to try to select and implement an EHR.

Implementing an EHR is a transformational exercise for any practice that requires redesigning every aspect of charting, clinical workflow and interaction with patients.  However, in too many cases, practices approach EHR projects without considering the organizational commitment needed to succeed.

Governance and Management –

What is an Additional Financial Consideration for EHR Adoption in 2011?

Until December 31, 2011, EHR investments are eligible for 100% Bonus depreciation.  100 % Bonus Depreciation allows a practice to completely write off their hardware and software EHR expense without limit in 2011.  (Bonus Depreciation drops to 50% in 2012 and reverts to regular depreciation in 2013.)  Another interesting aspect to Bonus Depreciation is that Bonus Depreciation is not limited to an offsetting profit.  Without getting into too much number crunching, that means that you may be able to generate positive cash flow depending on financing etc.

For many practices, a 2011 EHR investment may present a significant tax benefit.  However, that means that you need to move forward quickly since the EHR must be placed in service by the end of 2011 to qualify for 100% Bonus Depreciation, and by December 31, 2012 to qualify for 50% Bonus Depreciation.

Note that an EHR placed in service is not the same as attaining Meaningful Use and qualifying for the Stimulus Incentives.

© Sterling Solutions, 2011