Interoperability Of EHR

Contrary to what people might think, focusing on integrating Electronic Records into an existing practice is fundamental. Evidently, adopting and accepting technological innovations may impact considerably the rate at which hospitals or many units Care system enhance the social welfare. To that point of view, a facility can be really in the grand scheme of things if only using paper records. The digitalization of health care is important to understand the interoperability of using electronic record systems. Furthermore, in response all of these, to break out the confusion about the difference between EMR and EHR that have often been used synonymously or interchangeably.
To some extent, EHR implementation is intended to transform how medical
information is created, organized, shared and utilized. However, EHR participation in the United States is currently voluntary, hospitals and clinics that do not meet EHR meaningful use requirements by 2015 will face escalating penalties starting with a 1% reduction in Medicare and Medicaid payments, which will increase to 2% in 2016 and 3% in 2017. From that, UCCC, our facility is not required to obtain and operate a functional EHR by a certain deadline.
Accordingly, the terms EHR (electronic health records) system and EMR (electronic medical records) system brought significant transformation into the operation of recording and sharing patient data. In fact, they have been used synonymously in the literature; however, in 2008 the National Alliance for Health Information Technology suggested that the term EMR be used for electronic record systems that are not interoperable, and that EHR be used when health information is shared electronically among multiple entities. (Angst, C., Agarwal, R., Sambamurthy, V., & Kelley, K. 2010).
According to The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: "meaningful use" means providers need to show they're using certified EHR technology in ways that can be measured significantly in quality and in quantity. Certainly, by properly use the component of the meaningful use, we will improve adequately our existing records issues. Importantly, the different stages of Meaningful Use are designed to support eligible professionals and hospitals with implementing and using EHRs in a meaningful way to help improve the quality and safety of the nation’s healthcare system.
Interoperability is the ability of different information technology systems and software applications to communicate, to exchange data accurately, effectively, and consistently, and to use the information that has been exchanged.
Following the definition, we understand that interoperability can help our physician from the real promise of e-health to use a computer that can exchange data with others as needed and as appropriate. By that, a better relationship will be develop between the physicians of the UCCC.
Certainly, we need to follow appropriate the different steps for implementing EHRs if considering to move our facility as a practice. For instance, we need to initially start with an assessment phase since our practice is scarcely ready to make the change from paper records to EHR. By that, we might discover why to implement. In addition, at this critical phase, our practice leadership would evaluate our current state and determine challenges or what to improve. From that phase, our physicians would discover the type of benefits to get from this
opportunity.

Because of the government change about shifting the health industry into the digital age, we are at risk for being penalized if we do not establish our Electronic Record System by the appropriate deadline. Indeed, for physicians who either have not adopted certified EHR / EMR systems or cannot demonstrate “meaningful use” by the EMR deadline in 2015, Medicare reimbursements will be reduced by 1%. The deduction rate increases in subsequent years by 2% in 2016, 3% in 2017, 4% in 2018, and up to 95% depending on future adjustments.
Overall, the main advantage of EHRs is improved patient access to medical records, and more thorough patient engagement with healthcare providers, particularly NPs and PAs. Thus, UCCC should definitely consider as taking the initial phase to comprehend more how they can be on board of digitalized health care. We tend to agree that EHR allows patient information to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but often slows clinicians' productivity.

Angst, C., Agarwal, R., Sambamurthy, V., & Kelley, K.
(2010). Social Contagion and Information Technology Diffusion: The Adoption of Electronic Medical Records in U.S. Hospitals. Management Science, 56(8), 1219-1241. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/40785201
Are you prepared for EHR 'meaningful use' deadlines? (2012). Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/your-career/are-you-prepared-for-ehr-meaningful-use-deadlines/article/238906/
What is "Meaningful Use"? (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/meaningfuluse/MU Stage1 CQM/mu.html
Interoperability: What it Means, Why it Matters. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://bok.ahima.org/doc?oid=60942#.V3CJhKL4Urk
Interoperability will be a key feature of the #HIMSS convention in Chicago. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2016, from http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20150411/MAGAZINE/304119986\
Electronic Medical Records Deadline: Will I Be Assessed Penalties For Not Using An EMR System? (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2016, from
http://www.medicalrecords.com/physicians/electronic-medical-records-deadline