Cloud-based EHRs Offer Time, Simplicity, and Value Benefits for Physicians

With a large portion ($19 billion) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 earmarked for health care information technology, including $44,000–64,000 in incentives per physician for “meaningful use” of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, it’s clear that the federal government sees significant, long term value to improving provider access to patient medical information.

“Ingenix CareTracker gives us more time with patients, provides better medical information, and improves medical care.”
-Scott Hill, Office Manager, Trumbull Medical Practice, LLC

According to a recent editorial in The New York Times, EHRs could help the health care system "save substantial money" because they will "help eliminate the costly repetition of tests, and prevent medication errors that harm patients and lead to costly hospitalization."[1] Just some of the more immediate benefits of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system (an EHR is an EMR with interoperability) include more accurate patient documentation, secure digital storage of medical records, and instant access to patient clinical information.

While many health care providers already recognize that use of EHRs can improve administrative efficiency, patient care, and overall safety, they have been reluctant to invest in client-server-based EHR systems because these systems are often cost prohibitive and labor-intensive. Connectivity also is a concern, because the integration of its stakeholders' systems can be both expensive and frustrating. Providers using a client-server-based system must address issues of upgrades, hardware investments, and IT requests, as well as ongoing maintenance, license, and implementation fees.

Software as a Solution (SaaS) technology, sometimes referred to as web-based or cloud-computing EHRs, offers a secure and viable alternative to client-based systems. A cloud-based system gives physicians instant updates, reliable accessibility, and complete global content-all with the click of a mouse. Because cloud-based EHRs build on a common set of data and functionality,  providers can tap into information from any location-through a secure and centralized gateway-without having to build, maintain, or manage the system on their own.

To provide physicians with a flexible solution with expanded connectivity at a reasonable cost, Ingenix offers CareTracker^TM, a powerful, 2011 CCHIT-Certified^®, fully integrated PM/EHR solution that offers physicians a modular approach to a low-cost, high-functionality EHR that is easy to implement, install, and use. Upon installation of the system, CareTracker EHR instantly connects physician offices to thousands of lab testing providers and hospitals, as well as pharmacies, and prescription benefit manager programs across the country. The capabilities and connectivity offered by CareTracker EHR allows physicians to access patient records and review medications, patient history, recent orders, and lab test results, and to identify lower-cost medication options. CareTracker combines clinical and business workflows into one comprehensive system to help physicians save staff time and money, enhance practice productivity, and simplify administrative workflows.

Time

Making the transition to a cloud-based EHR system is much easier than a client-based system. Web-based systems are available anytime from any computer or any device with Internet access so they are easy to implement, which mean providers can enjoy the benefits with minimal downtime. Because most physicians are already computer-savvy, a cloud-based system is quick to learn and easy to use and CareTracker's convenient online training speeds adoption rates-helping physicians get to meaningful use faster. In addition, because content is automatically updated, the current content helps practices save administrative time spent on claim denials, delays, and re-work. Saving time saves money and helps physicians get the reimbursement they deserve. "Ingenix CareTracker gives us more time with patients, provides better medical information, and improves medical care." -Scott Hill, Office Manager, Trumbull Medical Practice, LLC

Simplicity

Cloud-based services provide instant access to rich content and functionality without the burden of installing or maintaining software or servers. With CareTracker, Ingenix manages infrastructure, upgrades, and availability for a painless process and current content that helps decrease denials, delays, and re-work. This improved accuracy translates into accelerated revenue cycle and improved regulatory compliance. Cloud-based applications can be deployed quickly with a streamlined implementation process that reduces the hassle of installing and maintaining IT infrastructure.

Value

With a traditional client-server EHR system, the total cost will include a variety of additional fees and services including maintenance, royalties, IT staff, training, hardware, consultants, infrastructure, upgrades, clearinghouse, VPN, and dedicated staff.  With Ingenix CareTracker, providers simply pay a low monthly subscription fee: no more hassles with architecture management, software, IT fees, or obsolete technology.

Meaningful Use

Ingenix guarantees that CareTracker EHR will meet meaningful use requirements. We believe so strongly in Ingenix CareTracker EHR that eligible physicians won't have to pay until they receive their stimulus dollars.[2]

Recent CareTracker EHR enhancements support demonstration of meaningful use as outlined in the HHS' Interim Final Rule and include:

• Clinical decision support tools-Based on national guidelines (e.g., NCQA's HEDIS measurements), these rules analyze clinical data and alert physicians to perform recommended tests or exams
• Medication safety and electronic prescribing resources-Enhanced medication interaction screening and weight-based dosing tools enable physicians to reconcile current orders with past prescription history to avoid potential adverse effects or medication errors. Further, CareTracker is Surescripts^® certified, enabling physicians to transmit prescriptions directly to their patients' preferred pharmacy, including mail-order pharmacies, accurately and quickly
• Patient education resources-A comprehensive library of patient-friendly education resources from Krames, a leading provider of patient education and consumer health information, helps doctors inform their patients about medical conditions, treatment options, and after care instructions. The database includes more than 3,100 illustrated guides and more than 1,600 sets of care notes
• Patient engagement tools-Patients can access their medical records and request an appointment or prescription renewal via a secure, online portal
• Evaluation and management (E&M) coding solutions-When charging for office visits and consultations based on the medical documentation, these tools help physicians and their staff identify the most appropriate E&M procedure (e.g., CPT^® code) to ensure compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services documentation guidelines

Don't let technology get in the way of your practice. Ingenix CareTracker: faster, easier, and more affordable.

See how Ingenix CareTracker can get you to meaningful use faster.

877.EHR.0845

insideEHR@ingenix.com

www.ingenix.com/ehr

Ingenix CareTracker EHR 7 is a CCHIT Certified® 2011 Ambulatory EHR

[1] "Curbing Runaway Health Inflation," The New York Times (Aug. 2, 2009).

[2] Qualifying U.S. physicians can receive an interest-free loan from Ingenix to license and implement CareTracker^TM EHR. The financing covers implementation and monthly subscription costs for one year (until 2011) with a 0% interest loan from Optum Health Bank, Member FDIC.