The Obamainable Snowplan

I never cease to be amazed at how many physicians think they are about to slide into a free EMR or a free lunch by the government or some other entity. Especially, “bright” assumptions regarding the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of the American recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) have already snow blinded many. The 2009 economic stimulus package (the Act) passed by Congress and signed into law on 2/17 intends to promote EHR adoption. The Act promises incentive payments to those who adopt and use certified EHRs. In order to receive the stimulus money, the Act requires doctors to also show "meaningful use" of an EHR system.
I invite you on a journey to a simple place of deeper understanding that is a bit hidden. It is in the Journal of Family Practice Management in an article written by Steven Waldren, MD, David C. Kibbe, MD, MBA, and Jason Mitchell, MD, - "Will the Feds Really Buy Me an EHR?"


How much money is available to physician practices?
Short answer - $44,000 per physician over five years. See the table of scheduled payments available. The wise start climbing in the Spring, not the Fall.

If I already have an EHR, can I qualify for the incentives?
Short answer – Yes, but snow shoes must adapt to changing altitudes and snow types.

What do I have to do to qualify for the incentives?
Short answer – Use a qualified system and demonstrate meaningful use. Travel with proper visas, and pack-in that which can reveal you arrived.

Will there be any money to help with implementation?
Short answer – No direct money, but assistance with implementations may come through Regional Health Information Technology Extension Centers. Sherpas may show up, but not to carry you.

Are there any penalties if we don't adopt an EHR?
Short answer – Yes. But, no canings. Too cold for that.

Will the government incentives cover the full cost of an EHR?
Short answer – Not likely if the sherpas arrive with a tour bus.

What should a practice do if it is currently in the process of buying an EHR?
Short answer – Depends, but make certain vendors chosen are committed to supporting incentives. Preferred sherpas are skilled, know the route, and are committed to arrival.

How will the HIPAA amendments affect medical practices?
Short answer – Greatly. but no more than would a Communist, Chinese government.

Is it true that practices will have to track every time they disclose a patient’s medical information even if the disclosure is for payment purposes?
Short answer – Yes. All tracks have to be traceable, even in blizzards.

When do the new HIPAA regulations go into effect?
Short answer – Clue... the year has a 4 in it, and it is not 1984.

What else do the HIPAA amendments require?
Short answer on privacy breaches deserves a koan... In blizzard, all private britches revealed.

Are there fines for breach of patient privacy?
Short answer – Yes, but at least there is not yet mention of any removal of gonads.


Commentary from "Will the Feds Really Buy Me an EHR?"

"While this unprecedented investment in health information technology is seen as a positive development overall, there are some cautions. First, widespread adoption of EHRs over the next five years could stress physician practices and cause short-term declines in productivity. Second, the emphasis on EHRs could hinder the adoption of equally beneficial health information technologies that have fewer implementation hassles, such as e-prescribing or e-visits. Third, the "free money" for health information technology could essentially reward EHR vendors without the market requiring them to first improve their products. Finally, physicians may be hesitant to participate in yet another government incentive program, given the recent difficulties many of them have faced with the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative.

Despite these serious obstacles, an investment in our nation's health information technology infrastructure is much needed and long overdue. The complexities of modern medical practice will increasingly require the use of electronic records, which will enable physicians to track their patients' health in new and exciting ways."

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Sorry doc, but no sherpas are going to meet you at the base and carry you to Sangria-La. However, if you have wise guides, proper gear, and angle toward the peaks, you are likely to avoid monstrous abominations that are waiting.

:-?