Health IT encompasses Electronic Health Records (EHR), telemedicine, electronic data interchange and more. But the delevopment of a telecommunications infrastructure in our rural areas is a prerequisite for the success of any Health IT initiative. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 established the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, authorizing grants and loans for the deployment and construction of broadband systems in rural areas. American Medical Association’s Summary of the ARRA
Advancing “Meaningful Use”
The (CHCA) is the Project Administrator for the Center for the Advancement of Health IT (AHIT), the Regional Extension Center (REC) serving Northern and rural Florida and supporting providers in 39 predominantly rural counties across the northern tier and along the went coast of the state. Led by Walt Culbertson, one of the nation’s leading health care technologists, the key objective is to provide education, training, outreach and technical assistance to rapidly advance the meaningful use of electronic health records by primary care providers. There will be a particular emphasis on individual and small group practices, and those serving medically-needy populations.
The St. Johns River Rural Health Network (SJRRHN) is partnering with the AHIT Regional Extension Center to provide outreach services to primary care providers in Northeast Florida, and plans to expand their service offerings in support of this important IT initiative when the implementation begins. The Network’s associate organization, the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, is also a member of the CHCA’s collaborative group working toward electronic health record adoption and achievement of meaningful use thresholds. Other RECs supporting the State of Florida include the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, and the Health Choice Network’s South Florida REC.
Incentives for EHR Adoption
Eligible health care professionals and hospitals can qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments when they adopt certified EHR technology and use it to achieve specified objectives. Regulations outlined by CMS in the Incentive Program for EHRs define “meaningful use” objectives providers must met to qualify for incentive payments. Regulations outlined in the Certification Criteria for EHR Technology identify the criteria that must be met so eligible professionals and hospitals may be assured that the systems they adopt are capable of performing the required functions.