Electronic Health Reporter

AUSTIN, TX–(Marketwired – May 30, 2013) – e-MDs, a leading provider of electronic health records (EHRs) and practice management (PM) solutions, presented a webinar to help physician practices understand and prepare for the next stage of demonstrating meaningful use of their EHR and qualifying for government incentives. Meaningful Use Stage 2 requires physicians to use technology to securely exchange health information and engage patients.

The webinar, titled, “HIE and Stage 2 Meaningful Use,” gave 300 participants detailed guidance and recommendations for using their EHR to improve care coordination with other providers and patients. The webinar and a copy of the presentation are now available at http://resources.e-mds.com/stage-2-meaningful-use-webinar/

“HIE and patient engagement are a major focus of Stage 2 and pose significant compliance challenges for physicians,” said Robyn Leone, director of public policy and government initiatives at e-MDs. “Because Stage 2 will begin on Jan. 1 for practices that have completed and attested to Stage 1, they must start preparing for it now. Some of the data exchange provisions will require significant workflow changes, but committing to these changes now will put these practices in a position to thrive in emerging, value-based care models like accountable care organizations and shared savings programs.”

In the webinar, Leone outlined the Meaningful Use objectives that require practices to electronically share health data — including sending health information to patients and submitting data to registries and public health agencies.

To comply with these and other Stage 2 requirements, Leone recommended that practices combine a robust EHR that enables Meaningful Use functions with patient portals, personal health records (PHRs) and participation in an HIE. She also recommended strategies for engaging patients and staff with these technologies, including:

• Setting up kiosks in the waiting room or classes to instruct patients and caregivers on how to view, download and transmit health information
• Uploading clinical summaries after office visits to a patient portal or PHR
• Using secure email or messaging functions available through patient portal and PHR technologies
• Creating a patient summary — Continuity of Care Document (CCD) — upon patient request and uploading it to a patient portal

Leone shared further insights for achieving Stage 2 compliance more easily, efficiently and cost effectively. These include:

• How to receive credit for transmitting a CCD to another provider
• Tips for participating in an HIE in their region
• Navigating patient consent for data exchange
• Using technology to smooth transitions in care among their referral network
• Understanding data format requirements for submitting data to immunization and disease registries

The webinar was part of the ongoing and free e-MDs 2013 Mastering Healthcare Strategies Webinar Series, which is designed to help physicians navigate health reforms and regulations, identify best practices and gain the knowledge and skills to enhance overall workflow, productivity and effectiveness.

About e-MDs
e-MDs is a leading developer of integrated electronic health records and practice management software for physician practices and enterprises. Founded and actively managed by physicians, the company is an industry leader for usable, connected software that enables physician productivity and a superior clinical experience. e-MDs software has received continual top rankings in physician and industry surveys including those conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Family Practice Management, KLAS, AmericanEHR Partners, MedScape, and Black Book. e-MDs has a proven track record of positioning clients for success as demonstrated by Meaningful Use attainment in 2011-2012. According to data provided by CMS, e-MDs clients are attesting in the top proportion of all major vendors. For more information, please visit http://www.e-mds.com, http://facebook.e-mds.com, and https://twitter.com/emds.