Many eye doctors see meaningful use (MU) as a list of extra tasks to be done if (and only if!) one wants to qualify for stimulus dollars. This being the case, you would probably overlook the advantages and opportunities those MU tasks offer. The CCD is a great example of a new requirement with a hidden punch. You need to give it to your patient at the end of the exam, and also must make it available to the patient in an electronic format. Sure, you can provide the CCD as a minimum requirement to "get the money", or you can see beyond and also realize that this document brings a significant benefit for your business.
If you have to provide the CCD then so does every other health care provider who sees your patient. If you ask patients to provide your office with an electronic copy of the CCD from their physician, the electronic CCD can completely populate your EHR's problem list, medication list, allergy list and lab tests. Instantly, almost 10 minutes of data-entry work goes away. You no longer need the patient to arrive early to fill out health forms in your waiting room, and you no longer have to pay a staff person to enter the data. It's all done for you and you need only confirm the information is accurate. At a time when most doctors are worried that EHRs will slow them down in the exam lane, here is a clear example of how certified EHR technology will speed you up.
How are you handling meaningful use? As they say, "attitude is everything". Be assured, there are other opportunities you haven’t previously recognized and of which you can still take advantage.
Jim Grue, O.D.
No comments:
Post a Comment