AMA offers step-by-step guide to implement health IT systems

The American Medical Association and partner organizations have announced several health information technology-related initiatives.

The new initiatives come during a time of big changes for medical practices. Incentive programs for electronic prescribing and electronic medical record use are under way, standards for electronic claims transactions are changing, and a switch to ICD-10 codes is coming.

To help physicians make the transition, the AMA launched a six-part, CME-accredited online tutorial series. The eight-minute sessions give physicians step-by-step instructions on choosing, purchasing and implementing technology systems (link).

"It is important that physicians take the time to find the right technology system for their practice, and we are committed to helping them with that goal," said AMA Secretary Steven J. Stack, MD. "This online series can help make that process easier, particularly for physicians in small or solo practices."

Physicians looking at adopting electronic prescribing can access "A Clinician's Guide to e-Prescribing." The recently updated guide, initially launched in 2008, reflects changes made as a result of the 2009 passage of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, the 2010 enactment of the health system reform law, and the Drug Enforcement Administration's rule allowing the electronic prescribing of controlled substances (link).

The guide includes new information on how to meet the meaningful use criteria for full EMRs and how to receive bonus payments of as much as $44,000 over five years from Medicare, or nearly $64,000 over six years from Medicaid.

To help physicians get paid, the AMA and the Medical Group Management Assn. teamed up to launch an online directory and tool kit for physicians in the market for a new practice management system.

Many practices may need to upgrade or buy new practice management systems to comply with the government's updated standard for electronic claims transactions, known as HIPAA Version 5010. Physicians must have the new standards in place by Jan. 1, 2012.

The online tool kit helps medical practices assess their needs, and the companion "Practice Management Systems Software Directory" will identify software vendors and features of each system such as price, customer base, number of years in business and any affiliated EMR products (link).

"In order to avoid cash flow disruption associated with the transition to the 5010 standard, it is critical for physician practices to convert their administrative systems and test their readiness well in advance of the compliance date," said MGMA President and CEO William Jessee, MD.

Medical practices can help ensure prompt payment by accepting electronic funds transfer payments from insurers.

The AMA has launched a tool kit for accepting EFT payments (link).