The 2009 federal economic stimulus package provides funding to promote the adoption of health information technology (HIT), the vast majority of which will be directed to physicians to subsidize the purchase and usage of EHR systems. Beginning in 2011, qualifying Medicare providers stand to receive up to $44,000 under the program and qualifying Medi-Cal providers stand to receive as much as $65,000. To receive these payments, physicians must not only implement an EHR, but must demonstrate meaningful use of their EHR. Practices and groups that have already purchased EHR systems can also qualify for funds as long as they achieve meaningful use.
EHR Selection and Implementation:
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CMA's Electronic Health Records Desk Reference
An easy to use resource developed to help physicians make informed decisions about EHR selection, adoption, and implementation. This toolkit will help you to understand the federal EHR financial incentive programs and how to achieve meaningful use. - CMA's Model EHR contract
- List of Certified EHRs
- CMA's Analysis of the Federal EHR Certification Rule
- CMA's Best Practices: Successful Preparation and Implementation of an EHR System
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CMA ON-CALL document #1132, "Electronic Medical Records"
This document contains:- HIPAA EHR Checklist
- AMA EHR Contract Considerations "15 Questions to ask before signing an electronic medical record of electronic health record agreement."
Federal EHR Incentives:
- Medicare EHR Incentive Program
- Medi-Cal EHR Incentive Program
- Medi-Cal EHR Incentives - Does Your Practice Qualify?
- Difference Between Medicare and Medi-Cal Incentive Programs
CMA Webinars (On-Demand)
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CMS Updates on the Federal EHR Incentive Programs
David Sayen from CMS walks physicians through the new CMS EHR website, and explains what information will be needed to enroll in the incentive program. Recorded February 9, 2011 -
Electronic Health Records - Meaningful Use
"Meaningful Use" is the set of criteria that physicians will have to meet in order to receive federal EHR provider incentives. On this webinar, CMA’s David Ford will give an overview of the new regulation and what physicians and their office staff need to know to qualify for the incentive payments. This webinar will also introduce the CMA Guidebook to Meaningful Use, a new tool developed by CMA which will help physicians understand the details of the requirements. Recorded December 1, 2010 -
Successful Preparation and Implementation of an Electronic Health Records System
In this webinar, David Ginsberg of PrivaPlan Associates presents explains how you can prepare your practice for the successful implementation of an electronic health records system. Recorded 10/27/2010 -
Provider Incentives for EHR Adoption
More than a year after the passage of the Stimulus Act, the rules around the electronic health record (EHR) provider incentives are beginning to take shape. Tune in to this informative webinar to learn the basics of the provider incentive program, and to hear late-breaking updates about the proposed rules regarding the program, including "meaningful use." Recorded June 29, 2010 -
Implementation of EHR: Practical Considerations
In this CME-approved webinar, physicians will learn about implementing electronic health records, and using them to drive practice improvement. Also, physicians will learn practical steps to protect the privacy and security of physician and patient data in the transition to EHR. Recorded June 22, 2010 -
HIPAA Overview and Compliance – How to Be Compliant with Recent Changes
The HITECH Act of 2009 mandated additional guidelines for HIPAA which impact HIPAA compliance, breach and penalties. In this webinar, David Ginsberg of PrivaPlan, will give a brief overview of HIPAA privacy and security rules, highlight the changes to HIPAA affecting security breach notification and business associate agreements, and provide resources to help physicians understand and comply with the new HIPAA regulations. Recorded March 18, 2010 -
Meaningful Use for Your EHR
In order to receive incentive payments for electronic health records implementation, physicians will have to demonstrate "meaningful use" of that system. This CMA webinar will walk physicians through the proposed rule, and offer practical tips for physicians who are gearing up for incentive payments in 2011. Recorded March 2, 2010 -
Electronic Health Records - Meaningful Use
In this webinar, we will discuss the federal government's July 13th release of the final guidelines of "meaningful use," the criteria physicians will have to meet in order to access provider incentives. Learn the key points physicians and office staff need to know, including how to collect up to $65,000 in federal funding. Recorded July 27, 2010
CMA Webinars (Live)
EHR Best Practice Series Webinars
The EHR Best Practice Series Webinars by Maxwell IT are free for CMA members. Please call (800) 786-4262 for your unique coupon code to use when registering for this particular webinar. These webinars are held the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. PST.
Need Help with EHR Implementation?
CMA is a founding partner of the California Health Information Partnerships and Services Organization (CalHIPSO), which recently received a $31 million grant to provide education, outreach and technical assistance to help primary care providers select, implement and meaningfully use certified electronic health records. For more information, visit the CalHIPSO website.