Everyone working in, or close to, our industry has been bombarded with the many reasons why all healthcare facilities need to transition to electronic health records (EHR).

From the largest nationwide hospital network to the single physician office in Bithlo, the transition from paper to computer is really an important improvement for healthcare providers. Still, so many have been clinging to myths that impede implementation. Let's review those most common myths and see if these obstacles can be overcome.

1) Our current paper trail is working very well. There is no need for improvement. The improvements that computers have provided to healthcare are vast and have enabled all healthcare professionals to help patients beyond our wildest dreams.

Surgical techniques and innovative medications represent only a portion of the incredible things we have seen in this industry. Now, the simple paper patient chart is being propelled into this new century and it, too, carries incredible benefits. Simple things such as two professionals in the same office having the ability to view the same patient chart at the same time. No more searching through the office asking, "Who has Mary Smith's chart?" The number of errors (an adverse effect of being human) potentially made by physician, office management, and billing personnel are greatly reduced.

Outside storage facilities housing records of patients from seven years ago would no longer be necessary because a file cabinet full of records can now be stored on one CD rom. Worried about having to type in your notes rather than dictate them? Don't worry, there are several software programs, even apps for the iPad, which will listen to you speak and enter the data into your EHR. In the late 1980s, the fax machine increased efficiency in the small office enabling the sharing of information, such as lab results, with incredible speed. EHR is the next leap forward.

2) Our practice can't afford the high price of a computer overhaul. There is no denying that the allocation of capital funds to purchasing a new system: software, possibly hardware, and training may be hefty. However, like other capital improvements, the return on investment will be realized in a short time. In addition, there are several ways you can get financial support for this conversion.

As a part of the HITECH act, both Medicaid and Medicare have EHR incentive programs for those participating providers who demonstrate meaningful use of EHR technology. Start your participation by 2012 and you and your facility can be eligible for the maximum incentive payment available.

Those physicians who are eligible can receive over $40,000 from Medicare and/or more than $60,000 from Medicaid. Even with this influx of funds, any capital investment can rock the foundation of a business. In this economy, this can add fear into the decision-making equation. Yet, with proper planning, a physician can take this leap into the future and land safely and profitably on the other side.

3) There is no way we can assure complete security for these records with hackers out there. It is true that hackers are weaseling their way into all kinds of secure computers. However, the good guys have highly skilled computer programmers on their side, too. Password protection, firewalls, security screens are all available and affordable. Actually certified EHR software packages have these protective protocols in place already. 2

4) There are so many vendors you have to be a computer genius to determine which is trustworthy. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (HealthIT.hhs.gov) provides a list of those vendors who offer certified products.

The CCHIT (Certified Commission for Health Information Technology) certification is determined by criteria set by an independent, not-for-profit organization. This evaluation and ultimate certification, which is granted only after a successful inspection of the program's security, interoperability, as well as its integrated functionality, is there to support the decision-making process by healthcare providers. No sales pitch or pretty words. This can provide an objective place to begin your determination of the best vendor for your facility.3

5) There is no support system available. The Central Florida HIT Initiative is a regional extension center in Orlando authorized by the HITECH Act. They are directed to support primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals with their transition and ongoing use of EHR. Funded by the federal government, they provide training, support services, share information and guidance to assist with the implementation of EHR, as well as offer technical assistance, as required by the individual physician.

In addition, as you shop for the right vendor, ask about what access you will have to specialists who know the software, can participate in training you and your staff, and can help you with user-errors as well as technical issues.

Change is discomforting and takes time away from your primary, day-to-day responsibilities. Your office will suffer disruption, overtime, and decreased productivity during the implementation phase and learning curve. However, once you are past the initial conversion shock, it is expected that you will find this journey worthwhile...and so will your staff and most of all, your patients.

Louie Hilal, CEO/president and founder of Med-Bill, Inc. career spans over 12 years in which he has held a variety of positions in the healthcare industry. He comes from a strong medical background which includes working with group private practices.

He is a graduate of the College of Charleston and is a member of the American Medical Billing Association and became a Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist.

He sits on both the Herzing College and Fortis Advisory Boards where his input helps to contribute and strengthen the Health Information and Allied Health Services Program.

Hilal has developed a national medical directory web site www.mdcontact.com to provide NPI numbers and contact information for any provider in the United States. For further information, Mr. Hilal can be reached at lbh182@gmail.com

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