4. Qualifying for meaningful use.  Dean outlined how qualifying for meaningful use starts with implementing a certified EHR, which means the EHR has been tested by an organization designated ONC-ATCB (Office of National Coordinator, Authorized Testing and Certification Body). “There are more than 350 certified EHRs across two categories,” he said. “In-patient and ambulatory. And, there are two categories of ONC-ATCB: full and modular. A fully certified EHR enables a practice to earn meaningful use payments without any other software system.” An EHR with modular certification, Dean added, is only approved for certain tasks, and a medical group will need to purchase at least one, or two or three, modular systems to qualify for meaningful use payments. 

5. Moving to cloud computing. Although few physician practices are using cloud computing, “this new service holds tremendous potential in terms of expanded services and lower costs,” said Dean. He said for a small to medium size practice, SaaS is easier to install and maintain, and no backup hardware is required. “All you need is an Internet connection,” he said. “Most cloud-based software vendors offer concierge telephone support and extensive training tutorials.” And in addition, the practice may see a reduced need for on-site IT support staff. “Finally, with SaaS, you can access needed clinical information from remote locations, including your home or a hospital.” 

[See also: Physician Practices and Ambulatory Care News Briefs.]

6. Meeting tighter HIPAA standards. Due to the increased enforcement of HIPAA laws in 2012, Dean suggests basic HIPPA practices, like encrypting all data on laptops and storing servers in a locked room or cabinet, for small and large medical groups alike. “In addition, proposed new rules will increase a patient’s right to medical information,” he said. “One proposed rule would give individuals the right to obtain a report of everyone who accessed their protected health information.” Such a report, he said, would include a list of everyone who accessed a patient’s EHR, including all employees and other third parties working on behalf of covered entities. “This includes medical groups, hospitals, and health plans,” Dean added. 

7. Preparing for ICD-10 compliance. “This change will have a major impact on practice billing,” said Dean. “Medical group executives will have two challenges to make the transition successfully.” First, they should make sure their EHR and PM vendor has prepared for the switch. And second, they must be sure their physicians and support staff has been properly trained. “The vast expansion of coding possibilities will require new ways of documenting patient care,” he said. 

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