Pursuing Stimulus Money for EMR Compliant Chiropractors
Many chiropractors are presently facing the dual challenge of finding the right Electronic Medical Records system to fit their practice and now, thanks to the HITECH Act of 2009, they have the added obstacle of trying to make sure their purchase is eligible for stimulus funds after implementation.

SEATTLE, WA, February 24, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Many chiropractors are presently facing the dual challenge of finding the right Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to fit their practice and now, thanks to the HITECH Act of 2009, they have the added obstacle of trying to make sure their purchase is eligible for stimulus funds after implementation.

In 2009, the problem was that no guidelines existed up until they were released in late December. Then came the deluge! 556 pages of what the government calls the proposed "meaningful use" rules that chiropractors have to follow to obtain the stimulus funds for implementing an EMR system.

"The cloud was not exactly lifted with the publication of these guidelines " says Dr. Tom Necela, President of The Strategic Chiropractor, a consulting firm specializing in teaching the chiropractic profession compliant billing, coding and documentation. "Even though you can break down the document into 25 criteria to achieve meaningful use" Necela objects, "it is tough to see how some of them will apply to chiropractors - or other specialists for that matter."

In essence, the "meaningful use" criteria may not be that meaningful for some. Examples of these criteria include:

• Objective: Send reminders to patients per patient preference for preventive/ follow-up care. Measure: Reminder sent to at least 50 percent of all unique patients seen by the EP that are 50 and over
• Objective: Provide patients with an electronic copy of their health information (including diagnostic test results, problem list, medication lists, and allergies) upon request. Measure: At least 80 percent of all patients who request an electronic copy of their health information are provided it within 48 hours
• Objective: Provide summary care record for each transition of care and referral. Measure: Provide summary of care record for at least 80 percent of transitions of care and referrals

While these may be applicable to virtually all doctors, some of the criteria are likely to apply only to some medical specialties. (Note: The other 22 criteria are listed on Dr. Necela's blog at http://strategicdc.com/blog)

The bottom line? Dr. Necela contends that: "Regardless of the stimulus money, an EMR system might be good for a chiropractic practice. However, you should purchase one with the intent of having a system improve your clinical documentation, practice management and overall efficiency, not because you think you are going to get $44,000 worth of stimulus funds as a refund for your purchase."

Dr. Tom Necela uses his experience both as a practicing chiropractor and a former insurance claims analyst to work with chiropractors who are seeking ways to maximize their income and become more productive. For more information on EMR systems and how to select one that's right for your practice, go to http://strategicdc.com/blog

Press Release Contact Information:

Tom Necela
The Strategic Chiropractor
President
93 S. Jackson
Seattle, WA
USA 98104
Voice: (253) 370-6156
Website: Visit Our Website