A certified EHR is an EHR that’s demonstrated the technological capability, functionality, and security requirements required by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and has received certification by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC). This certification is strictly enforced, and EHR vendors have even had their certification revoked for noncompliance.
Why does a certified EHR need to meet Certification Criteria by CMS and ONC?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) have established standard certification criteria for electronic health record electronic health records (EHRs).
Why does a certified EHR need to store data in a structured format?
Structured data allows patient information and data to be captured and shared efficiently, easily retrieved and transferred, and it allows the provider to use the EHR in ways that can aid patient care.
Why does a certified EHR need benchmarks to help improve care?
Quality of patient care remains at the forefront of CMS initiatives. CMS asks providers to use the capabilities of their EHRs to achieve benchmarks that can lead to improved patient care or else face potential penalties.
Why does certified EHR software need to provide all functionality and security?
Certified EHR software and EHR systems give assurance to purchasers and other users that an EHR system or module offers the necessary technological capability, functionality, and security to help them meet CMS criteria. Certification also helps providers and patients be confident that the EHR software and EHR systems they use are secure, can maintain data confidentially, and can work with other systems to share information.
Why does a certified EHR need ONC Certification?
The ONC-ATCB 2014 certification program tests and certifies that Complete EHRs meet all of the 2014 criteria and EHR Modules meet one or more, but not all, of the criteria approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for either eligible provider or hospital technology. Practice Fusion is ONC-ATCB 2014 compliant and is certified as an EHR Module in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Drummond Group Inc., an Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ATCB) certified Practice Fusion’s EHR system.
Why is a certified EHR needed to participate in requirements for CMS and EHR incentive programs?
To qualify for the CMS incentive programs you must use an EHR that is certified specifically for the EHR Incentive Programs. Certified EHR technology gives assurance to users that an EHR system or module offers the necessary technological capability, functionality, and security to help them meet the meaningful use criteria. Certification also helps providers and patients be confident that the electronic health IT products and systems they use are secure, can maintain data confidentially, and can work with other systems to share information.
How to choose the right certified EHR
Choosing the right certified EHR can help you improve the efficiency of your practice and support the overall quality of care for your patients. To see for yourself everything a certified EHR should be try Practice Fusion’s award-winning certified EHR right now by creating a free account:
Practice Fusion’s award-winning certified EHR is easy to use. You can be charting in less than 5 minutes.
Drummond Group Inc. is a trusted software test lab that provides electronic health record (EHR) testing to healthcare information technology vendors and hospitals. As an Office of the National Coordinator Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB), Drummond Group works closely with healthcare software vendors and hospitals to certify EHRs that are looking to qualify for incentive funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Drummond Group is approved to certify both complete and modular EHR for both ambulatory and inpatient.
