P2E News

Preparing Yourself for the EHR Mandate in Massachusetts

2/2/2009 9:48:32 AM

In a climate of economic crisis, federal and state governments are examining ways to effectively evolve the healthcare system. Many in the health industry and in the government have proposed that one method for combating the problem may be to have healthcare providers entirely forgo the traditional paper method of medical documentation in lieu of adopting an electronic health record (EHR) system. On the first of this year, a Massachusetts bill was put into effect that utilizes just such technological solutions to promote cost containment, improve access and to insure efficiency in the delivery of quality healthcare- effectively thrusting the state into the forefront of 21st century healthcare management. With an over $300 million dollar budget, the Massachusetts health reform bill aims to facilitate the total implementation of EHR in all doctors’ offices and hospitals throughout the Commonwealth by 2015.

As a physician, there are bound to be a myriad of questions and concerns that will inevitably arise when considering how to make the transition from paper charts and documents to a digital system. With an impending state mandate looming, it can seem a heavy task to sort out what options are out there and which choices will best suit your individual needs when the time comes to convert to EHR. Knowing that the decision will soon have to be made, it is crucial to properly prepare in making it as informed as possible. Perhaps the best place to start is to try and get a basic understanding of what this new legislation entails, and what it means for Massachusetts’ doctors.

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