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Vendor Certification – why is it important?

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Vendor Certification - why is it important?

Vendor Certification – why is it important?
The EHR system you choose will be a large investment for your medical practice. It takes time and resources to evaluate all the necessary details. Understanding certification will help with your selection process.
The Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) issued its final rule on standards and certification criteria in July 2010, establishing the required capabilities, standards and implementation specifications that EHR technology must include to be certified. ONC has begun naming authorized testing and certification bodies. The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) is one of these bodies, and it performs a critical role in defining EHR functionality and standards for interoperability and security. These are important elements to consider for patient and financial data safety, as well as the ability to communicate with other systems. Other certification bodies include Drummond Group, Austin, Texas, and InfoGuard Laboratories, San Louis Obispo, California.
EHR CERTIFICATION QUESTIONS EHR CERTIFICATION ANSWERS
Why should my EHR system be certified? One of the requirements of the EHR incentive program is that participants in the program use EHR systems that have been certified by testing and certification organizations named by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC).
Why is this important? Certification provides assurance that the system a medical practice purchases offers the technological capability, functionality and security to help meet the criteria for meaningful use.
How does this help my practice? Certification can help reduce your risk, as the Certification Commission keeps track of demands practices face, and makes sure certified products are able to fulfill these demands. The key functionality of your EHR is defined for you with a certified vendor.
How can I find a certified vendor? A current list of certified systems is available from the Department of Health and Human Services at: http://onc-chpl.force.com/ehrcert.
What steps should we follow now? Choose a certified EHR system in accordance with meaningful use requirements. Ensure your vendor will be certifying their EHR's and EHR modules according to the final rule.
HP's new White Paper examines the topic of "Meaningful Use" and how it impacts your choice of EHR. Download it today for clarification of the new rules, including the importance of purchasing a certified system.
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