The author Ron Vatalaro Ronald-vatalaro@bisk.com works at Bisk Education with the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine and writes about health informatics. Ron holds an advanced degree in Business Administration with a concentration in technology.

USF Health Assisting Local Doctors with EHR Implementation

Electronic Health Records (EHR) offer numerous benefits, including quicker diagnoses for patients, and higher productivity and lower costs for healthcare providers. However, EHR implementation has not yet been fully embraced by physicians in Florida and elsewhere, often due to misconceptions and fear that accompany such major shifts in operations and procedure.

 

Common EHR Concerns

When queried about implementing EHRs in their practices, doctors across Florida express common struggles and concerns with EHRs. Some cite the financial investment, while others feel uncomfortable relying on computers to handle tasks they’ve performed for years with pen and paper. Other reasons doctors hesitate to make the switch to EHR include:

• Their staff and business service providers (such as labs) are resisting the change.
• They participate in clinical trials that use paper records.
• They plan to retire and don’t feel the need to transition to EHRs.
• They believe their patients don’t want their data stored in electronic records.

 

USF Health’s Contribution to Local Doctors

USF Health is partnering with Florida physicians to help them make the switch to EHRs. As a leader in healthcare and technology, USF was uniquely qualified for a $6 million federal stimulus grant, secured with the help of U.S. representative Kathy Castor, which created a new program to help doctors improve efficiency and create jobs by overcoming their concerns and transitioning to EHRs.

 

The program, called “PaperFree Florida,” is designed to transform healthcare in Florida by increasing acceptance and implementation of EHRs, which have been shown to improve patient care, speed data management and help providers make more informed decisions. They also reduce miscommunications and errors.

 

Through the program, specially trained “e-ambassadors” will visit doctors’ practices in 20 Florida counties. The e-ambassadors will help staff learn about and transition to EHRs, overcoming the confusion that many physicians cite as a barrier to implementation.

 

The PaperFree program has the potential to facilitate better public health studies, as well. Healthcare workers trained in EHRs will learn how the collected data can be used across the community to track trends – and ultimately be used to improve health.

 

PaperFree Florida Internet Resources

Through PaperFree Florida, USF Health has established several resources for healthcare providers, including physicians and their office personnel. These information-rich resources answer questions, address common misconceptions, and offer tips for implementing EHRs easily and painlessly.

• PaperFree Florida Website: This robust site features background information; news and alerts; FAQs; EHR definitions; information on incentives, services and vendors; and reasons why doctors should go paperless.
• “Meaningful News” Newsletter: This informative newsletter provides answers to questions physicians may have on health technology incentives, as they work toward meaningful use of EHRs and other health information technology. The newsletter also features helpful articles on overcoming fear, tips on making a smooth transition to EHRs and deadlines that can affect the bottom line.
• Meaningful Use – The Basics: This slide-format presentation defines Meaningful Use as “a set of objectives and measures, which eligible professionals must meet to qualify for EHR incentives and avoid reimbursement penalties from Medicare or Medicaid.” The presentation then thoroughly explains eligibility requirements, the EHR Incentive Payment Schedule, and the goals, steps, stages and requirements of Meaningful Use. Finally, the presentation offers a readiness plan and action plan for implementation.

 

EHRs will not only transform the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery, but will also create job opportunities throughout the state of Florida. USF Health, an innovative leader in healthcare education, is leading the transition through the PaperFree Florida project.