ARRA Fact Sheet
FACT #1:
The bulk of HITECH Act funding—$17.2 billion—is dedicated to incentives that will reward physicians and hospitals for effectively utilizing a robust, connected EHR system. The additional $2 billion has been earmarked as EHR adoption funds for providers in medically underserved areas, community and rural health centers and states with special projects underway. Details to follow by May 2009 from the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC).
Sage is one of only a handful of vendors who feature a fully integrated practice management and CCHIT Certified EHR solution. The Sage Intergy Suite, featuring Sage Intergy EHR, gives you the tools your practice needs to maximize revenue while optimizing patient care.
FACT #2:
Purchasing an electronic health record (EHR) does not, on its own, qualify you for the Medicaid program incentives. That requires physicians to make “meaningful use” of the EHR. While the Office of the National Coordinator still must precisely define the term “meaningful use,” it’s likely that at least three criteria will be included:
- Use of a certified Electronic Health Records product with e-Prescribing capability that meets current Health and Human Services (HHS) standards.
- Connectivity to other providers that helps provide full visibility into a patient’s health history.
- The capability to report on their use of technology to HHS.
The Sage Intergy Suite features an integrated practice management system along with a customizable Electronic Health Records solution that includes e-Prescribing, comprehensive electronic encounter documentation and more. The Sage Intergy Suite enables your practice to capture, view and report on data that may be required for participation in government and other incentive programs.
FACT #3:
Medicare Incentives - Physicians who accept Medicare can receive up to $44,000 over five years beginning in 2011.
The bill provides a higher payment ceiling for “early adopters,” defined as physicians who first begin “meaningful use” of HIT systems in 2011—the first year payment incentives will be available—or 2012. These physicians could receive as much as $18,000 the first year they adopt the technology. Incentive payments will end in 2015 and CMS will reduce Medicare payments for eligible professionals that are not meaningful EHR users.
The time to act is NOW! Remember, just purchasing the software is not enough…you must be meaningfully using it in order to take advantage of these programs.
Start searching for the right EHR solution immediately and target the purchase and implementation for 2009-2010 so your practice can be ready when the incentives kick-in in 2011. Get a jump on the technology and you’ll be positioned to maximize a return on your investment—up to $44,000 per provider!
FACT #4:
Medicaid Incentives: Physicians who see more than 30% of patients paying with Medicaid (20% for pediatricians) are eligible for payments of up to $64,000 over five years. The incentives will be calculated through a formula that factors in the exact Medicaid mix seen by the provider as well as amounts ranging from $25,000 in the first year to $10,000 in subsequent years. Because pediatricians are required to meet a lower threshold, they are only eligible for 66% of the incentive payments described above.
Comprehensive reporting may be required in order to take advantage of these Medicaid (and Medicare) incentives. Sage has solutions that enable users to create and report on data regardless of their level of programming experience. A variety of standard and customizable report templates make getting the data you need a snap!
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Sage understands that your focus is on patient care. ARRA may appear to be all about financial incentives; but let’s not forget that part of the rationale behind this important act is improving patient care and the management of chronic disease across the US. That’s a goal we can all work towards achieving.
So, whether you’ve: never considered Electronic Health Records; have been shopping for Electronic Health Records; already have but don’t fully utilize Electronic Health Records - there has never been a better time to make the move and take full advantage of an Electronic Health Records solution. Your practice has every incentive to take this critical step—sooner rather than later.
Considering Electronic Health Records?
Sage Intergy EHR is CCHIT CertifiedSM Electronic Health Records software designed to complement the work style and clinical approach of every physician in your practice. Sage Intergy EHR focuses on enhancing data intake and communication to allow you to work smarter by leveraging and sharing your practice's clinical data.
Sage Intergy EHR was not just designed to work with a variety of clinical approaches. According to a recent report by Health Industry Insights, Sage Intergy EHR is also highly rated for both “Fit to Market Needs” and “Ownership Confidence”.
See how Sage Intergy EHR can work for your practice by:
FOOTNOTE: CCHIT Certified SM is a service mark of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology.
