However, it’s vital DCs do their homework before going paperless. All EHR systems use advanced computer technology to transform paper records into digital ones, so unless you’re an IT guru or computer geek, such systems will take time to learn and adapt to. Because of this, one of the most crucial things to look for when selecting an EHR provider is the level of training and support a company offers.

Depending on the company, training and support can vary greatly in the quality and cost. Good training and support goes well beyond the initial purchase and installation. EHR systems, like other computer services, are constantly being updated and upgraded with new features and functions, so the best vendors will offer long-term maintenance plans covering such updates over time. And like most businesses, your practice is likely to experience some amount of staff turnover, so access to a continuing training program will be important as well.

When researching EHR vendors, here are a few key services to look for to ensure you’re getting the best possible training and support:

Updates:  With Obama in office, the country’s healthcare system is facing a major overhaul. But even if that never happens, new healthcare legislation, such as HIPPA, along with changes to third-party payment systems, means your EHR system will need to be continually updated to adapt and comply. However, you shouldn’t be forced to pay for each of these updates as they arise. Make sure your EHR vendor provides these updates for free, or they’re included as part of a regular maintenance plan. You don’t want to be forced  to pay hidden fees for every update that comes along.

Upgrades:  Just like healthcare rules and regulations, computer technology is constantly evolving. These days, a piece of computer hardware can go from being the most advanced on the market to obsolete within months, so your EHR vendor should offer regular system upgrades at no extra cost to ensure the technology is on the cutting edge and interfaces with the latest tech trends. As before, make sure your EHR vendor offers these upgrades as part of your regular maintenance agreement and doesn’t charge on a case-by-case basis. And be careful to avoid sneaky “tiered” systems for upgrades, where minor upgrades are covered, but you are forced to pay for more extensive changes to the system out of your own pocket.

Support: Regardless of the training provided, you’re likely to have some questions and need some help operating your EHR system, especially during the first few months after it’s installed, when you and your staff will be learning the system. However, such customer support should be free, so you’re not being charged for every help call you make. The best EHR vendors offer a year’s worth of free, unlimited customer support—don’t settle for anything less.

Training: Obviously, when selecting an EHR vendor, you should look for the most extensive training for you and your staff. But unless every member of your crew stays with your practice for life and you never expand your business by hiring additional staff, you’re going to need further training down the road for your new people. Make sure the EHR vendor you pick offers free, year-round training for any new staff, so you aren’t throwing your money away every time you hire or fire someone.

Above article published on http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/8164/1100/Training-and-support-are-key-for-switching-to-EHRs/

By Pamela Lewis Dolan,

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill that would create a loan program for physicians and hospitals hoping to buy an electronic health record system.

The Electronic Health Records Loan Program Act, signed July 9, gives the Louisiana Dept. of Health and Hospitals the authority to apply for $25 million in federal stimulus funds in order to administer loans for EHR purchases. The measure also included $5 million in matching funds from the state, a requirement under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The state will learn later this year if it will get the federal grant.

“This is another step in updating and improving Louisiana’s health delivery system for all Louisianians,” Jindal said in a prepared statement.

The measure builds on legislation passed in 2007 that helped seven rural hospitals acquire EHRs. The law also established the Louisiana Rural Health Information Exchange. In 2008, additional funding allowed another seven rural hospitals to become connected.

To qualify for the loans, the purchased EHR system must be certified by the body eventually chosen by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services for such approval. Loans could also apply to fully integrated telemedicine systems.

Acknowledging upfront costs are a barrier that the incentives wouldn’t help alleviate, many EHR vendors also launched financing options for physician practices as a result of the stimulus. General Electric Co., for example, is giving practices the options of deferring payments until incentives start being paid in 2011.

Jenny Smith, health information technology project manager for the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum, which is the state-designated entity for distributing all grants coming out under the federal stimulus package, said details are still being worked out in terms of the loan agreements. Work groups consisting of several stakeholders in the state are currently working on structuring the loan program, she said.

“The goal is to maximize the amount of support we can give to providers in Louisiana who couldn’t otherwise purchase an electronic health record or upgrade their electronic health record to meet the meaningful-use criteria for the incentives,” Smith said.

Once the state has reached 100% compliance, Smith said, the fund would likely be used for support such as upgrading systems or training

Above article published on

http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/08/03/bise0806.htm