Preparing for EHR divorce
It’s said that choosing an electronic health record (EHR) system is like choosing a spouse. While the majority of EHR unions seem destined for “happily ever after,” that is not the case with all. Physicians should have an exit strategy
as they enter the EHR vendor relation- ship. The best way to do this is to seek mutually agreeable contract terms. Recognizing the need to assist physi- cians, TMA developed “EHR Buyer Be- ware: Issues to Consider When Contract- ing With EHR Vendors,” an eight-page document encompassing eight contrac- tual must-haves for physicians, includ- ing the transferability of patient data. To
access the document, visit www.texmed .org/EHR, and click on the link under Finding the Right EHR for Your Practice. The Office of the National Coordina-
tor for Health Information Technology released “EHR Contracts: Key Contract Terms for Users to Understand,” avail- able online at
www.healthit.gov/sites/ default/files/ehr_contracting_terms_fi nal_508_compliant.pdf. The 25-page guide is more inclusive and covers key information such as details about a meaningful use warranty.
A number of EHR vendors banded to-
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gether to create an EHR Developer Code of Conduct. Ask your EHR vendor if it is part of the code of conduct. If not, it should be. TMA will add that criteria to the current list of questions for the EHR Comparison Tool, online at www.texmed .org/EHRtool.
If you need assistance with EHR se-
lection, implementation, or meaningful use, the federally established regional extension centers can help. For more information, visit the Texas Regional Extension Center Resource Center on the TMA website,
www.texmed.org/rec. Direct questions related to EHRs and other office technologies to TMA’s Health Information Technology Department at (800) 880-5720 or
HIT@texmed.org.
TMAF to fund more programs in 2014
frostbank.com (877) 862-4900
MEMBER FDIC
TMA launched two new health improve- ment initiatives, bringing the total num- ber of TMA Foundation (TMAF)-funded grant programs to seven this year. This represents nearly $390,000 in grant sup- port from TMA’s philanthropic arm, up from $329,000 for 2013 programs. Choosing Wisely,
www.texmed.org/ choosingwisely, encourages physicians and patients to discuss the appropriate- ness of medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary or even harm- ful. Walk With a Doc — Texas (http://
bit.ly/1aCcy7k) was in pilot phase last year and now, thanks to a generous gift from Aetna Foundation and a grant from TMAF, will expand to 14 physician-led walk sites this year. The program is part
10 TEXAS MEDICINE March 2014
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