HRS: Check your regional extension center when adopting EHR tech
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“If you have an EHR, contact your REC and they’ll come and conduct a gap analysis to see what you need to do to apply for meaningful use,” he said.
According to Mirro, most don’t think of a REC as a resource although they were set up to assess meaningful use readiness. The leading issues to address are using structured data fields, utilizing decision support and exchanging information by leveraging certified technology.
“Those are the underpinnings of Stage 1 of meaningful use,” Mirro said. Stage 2 proposed requirements will have “patients ... engaged in a much higher level using PHRs [personal health records] which, in theory, is a very good thing but these practices will have to hire someone to train patients how to use a PHR.”
While Mirro noted that patients with cardiac conditions are generally older, PPG has a PHR to make sure patients stay engaged. For example, if a patient has hypertension, the patient is encouraged to enter clinical information electronically; then, if staff see their blood pressure is too high, PPG can electronically message patients to request a patient visit.
“In electrophysiology, there are many examples with remote monitoring technology so we can ultimately send patients a thumbnail sketch of what their ICD [implantable cardioverter-defibrillator] check looks like,” he said. “The nice thing about electronic messaging is that it’s secure within the record. Having it on a secure environment, all their questions and concerns are contained within their permanent record.”
Mirro advised against using e-mail and social media for sharing specific clinical information. “It’s OK for general education but when you start to exchange specific health information for that specific patient, it’s not secure.”
Because Stage 2 of meaningful use will require a higher level of patient engagement, Mirro believes an important element in transitioning to an EHR is utilizing tools to engage patients to a higher degree, which will assist outcomes. For example, through a PHR, a physician could assess if a patient is getting medication for atrial fibrillation, a disease with a potentially complex drug therapy.
In terms of local RECs, Mirro noted that as a third party, the REC could give advice on which EHR to purchase based on the size of the practice and/or specialty.
“In order to be a quality electrophysiologist in the 21st century, you have to be facile and familiar with use of health IT because it’s an important tool to help deliver care,” Mirro concluded.