In an effort to increase the amount of hospitals and medical clinics using electronic health record (EHR) technology, the federal government mandated a plan beginning in 2009 to pay physicians up to $44,000.00 each to implement Certified EHR technology. The new plan required all EHR companies to build their EHR software to meet these new specifications. These EHR companies would be required to take a test to earn EHR certification. Certification testing is overseen by the federal government while the actual testing is provided by private industry.
So what does this mean to the physician and the patient? The patient is now able to access their health data online compared to the old days in which a patient had to request their records on paper. Physicians using certified EHR technology must provide access to a patient’s health records within 72 hours of the patient visit. Knowing that your physician is using Stage II Certified EHR technology ensures you will have access to your health records in a timely basis. Physicians benefit financially by implementing certified EHR technology.
As reported on August 31, 2014 on the ViewMyHealthRecords news and events article, only a limited number of EHR vendors have successfully passed Meaningful Use Stage II testing and earned stage II certification in 2014. In order to ensure your doctor is using the latest technology, patients should demand their healthcare provider only use a Meaningful Use Stage II certified EHR software to store their health records. Anything less than Stage II certification is taking a risk with your health records. EHR vendors should be tested and certified under the Electronic Health Records Office of the National Coordinator Authorized Certification Body (ONC-ACB) program. Earning this certification approves the EHR software as being compliant in accordance with the criteria adopted by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
If you are interested in accessing your health records online or are unhappy with the online patient portal system your doctor is currently using then please encourage your doctor to contact ViewMyHealthRecords.com today and our team will work to ensure you have online access to your health records.