EHRs are now a regular, if not fully integrated, part of healthcare. Physician offices, hospitals and health systems have invested significant amounts of time and money in selecting and implementing these systems, driven by regulatory requirements and the promise of greater efficiency.
Though EHRs are being adopted across the healthcare spectrum, ambulatory surgery centers have largely been left out of the conversation. As smaller providers, can ASCs afford an EHR? Can physicians performing procedures in ASCs reasonably meet meaningful use requirements?
Advocates of the industry have felt neither of those questions could be answered with a resounding "yes." Driven by those concerns, the Electronic Fairness Act of 2015 was created. The legislation, recently passed in the House, would exempt ASCs from counting toward MU requirements, until certified EHR technology for ASCs is available.
If passed this legislation would be a victory for ASCs, but the time of paper is coming to an end. ASCs will eventually be required to adopt EHRs. Savvy ASC leaders are looking ahead and preparing for that time. They are either adopting an EHR or considering how to handle the process. Key elements to consider when purchasing an EHR include:
• Factors impacting EHR adoption in the ASC
• EHR features that address and go beyond today's requirements
• Things to consider when selecting the ideal vendor
Learn more about EHRs in ASCs during a webinar hosted by HSTpathways and Becker's ASC Review on July 30 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CDT.