Undoubtedly, you are familiar with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC-Health IT) 2015 Edition Cures Update Health IT certification and the significance of medical providers using a certified vendor. However, there still remains a considerable amount of uncertainty surrounding it. Hence, let's delve into what the 21st Century Cures Act entails and why it holds immense importance for small practices.
What is the 21st Century Cures Act?
The 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law by President Obama on December 13, 2016, is a bipartisan legislation aimed at expanding patient care options and streamlining medical research and medicine delivery. One of the key provisions of the act is the establishment of rules to prevent information blocking, which hinders patient data sharing and access. The ultimate goal is to ensure that patients have the ability to access their own data and make informed decisions about their healthcare, while also facilitating changes in care plans, providers, and insurance plans.
What is information blocking?
Information blocking occurs when anyone involved in the storage of electronic health information (EHI) obstructs the access or exchange of such data, whether intentional or not.
Utilizing a Cures-certified health IT (HIT) solution is an effective method to prevent unintentional violations of the Cures Act. Certified HIT significantly reduces the risk of inadvertently blocking access to vital patient data and facing penalties.
The penalties of not being certified
The potential penalties for information blocking are staggering, reaching up to $1 million per violation. This should unquestionably motivate small practices to seriously consider using a Cures certified EHR.
Moreover, the consequences of non-compliance extend beyond financial penalties. Organizations that fail to meet Cures certification requirements also risk losing their MACRA/MIPS certification and the valuable financial support that accompanies it. This is why it is crucial for small practices to partner with a Cures-certified EHR provider.
While there are a few exceptions to the penalties, they are not enough to rely on without a well-defined plan in place. It is essential for small practices to proactively address information blocking to avoid potential violations and their costly consequences.
The exceptions include:
- Preventing Harm
- Privacy
- Security
- Infeasibility
- Health IT Performance
Familiarize yourself with these exceptions and establish a solid strategy for assessing information requests to effectively avoid any potential penalties for violations.
Long-term benefits of Cures certification
Cures certification goes beyond just avoiding penalties and offers numerous ways to enhance success for small practices. By becoming Cures certified, you are not only ensuring the future preparedness of your practice but also laying the foundation for the success of both you and your patients down the line.
IMPROVING PATIENT CARE
Enhancing patient access to their medical data empowers them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Additionally, it streamlines the coordination of care across different specialties and facilities by facilitating data sharing through your electronic health record (EHR) system.
Promoting interoperability within the healthcare industry is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes for everyone involved. By actively participating in this process, you contribute to the development of a stronger healthcare industry. Moreover, you can reap the benefits of this industry, such as advancements in medical innovations and the availability of improved clinical tools.
Lower costs and increased revenue
Cures certification not only provides financial advantages by avoiding penalties, but it also offers numerous other benefits for healthcare practices. According to a study conducted by the West Health Institute, the healthcare industry loses over $30 billion annually due to inadequate interoperability measures. This significant loss is primarily a result of poorly connected devices and systems that fail to share crucial patient data.
By improving your organization's interoperability, you have the opportunity to recoup a portion of that lost revenue, which can greatly benefit small practices. Moreover, enhanced access and efficiencies can lead to greater patient satisfaction, ultimately contributing to the long-term growth of your practice.
Cures-certified EHR: a competitive advantage
Selecting a Cures-certified EHR is not only crucial for staying compliant with government regulations, but it also offers a range of additional benefits. When your EHR provider prioritizes Cures certification, it demonstrates their commitment to staying up-to-date on all certifications, which is a positive sign for a long-term partnership. This is especially advantageous for practices that aim to be effective and competitive in the healthcare industry.
Certification under the Cures Act primarily focuses on interoperability, which is the ability of different systems and devices to exchange and use electronic health information seamlessly. By choosing an EHR provider that prioritizes interoperability, you can expect their other services to do the same. This means that implementing new services will be hassle-free and bring added benefits to healthcare providers.
In summary, selecting a Cures-certified EHR is not just about compliance; it offers a strategic advantage for your practice. Prioritizing interoperability ensures a smoother workflow and allows for the seamless exchange of patient data, ultimately benefiting both healthcare providers and patients.
Cloud-based EHR = no need to upgrade
With NextGen® Office, in particular, taking advantage of Cures certification is effortless. Since NextGen Office provides a cloud-based EHR solution, there is no need to update manually.
Everything is done for you. All you need to do is experience the benefits for your practice and your patients.
NextGen Office, which meets the requirements for 2015 Edition Cures Update Health IT certification, is an EHR/PM solution for ambulatory healthcare providers that helps increase clinical productivity, enriches the patient experience, provides patients with expanded access to their own data, reduces healthcare disparities, and helps to ensure healthy financial outcomes.
