The Electronic Health Record (Ehr), Health Information Management (Him) Essay Example

and human services develops specific “meaningful use” objectives. The core objectives are basic functions that allow the EHR to promote improved healthcare, such as basic data entry (vital signs, demographics, allergies). To qualify for the incentive payments, clinicians will have to start using clinical decision support tools, such as E-prescribing. The software programs would be able to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of care by applying clinical logic. In addition to the core elements, providers will have to choose any five of the ten additional tasks to implement in 2011-2012.

Some examples of these might be clinical lab results, patient appointment reminders and drug-formulary checks. This gives the providers a chance to choose their own path toward full EHR implementation and meaningful use. Legislation ties payments to the achievement of advances in health care processes and outcomes. The regulations are specific as to when providers will have to use particular functions in order to be considered meaningful users. The meaningful use rule acknowledges the urgency of adopting the electronic health record and recognizes the challenges it will pose on all providers.

The initial investment of adopting the EHR is both costly and time-consuming, but most experts predict that the pros will outweigh the cons in the end. Meaningful use is beneficial because the providers are making better informed decisions about their patients due to the clinical guidelines and information that they are provided. Health information professionals will always be needed, just in a different capacity.