Since the announcement of HITECH funds, hospitals and physicians have been looking for answers. With the ‘final’ rules in place for 2011/12, now is the time to take action. LBMC has developed an approach to ARRA HITECH funding for both physicians and hospitals. Whether your need is for the entire process or with specific areas, LBMC has a group of healthcare experts to help you achieve your goals of implementation, compliance and receipt of funds.

Important facts:

• Final rules were issues on July 13. The clock for compliance has started. The US federal government is providing $19.2B in incentive dollars hospital and physician practices for acquiring EHR/EMR technology and implementing it in 3 reimbursement phases over 4 years. Those not taking advantage will face reductions in Medicare and/or Medicaid reimbursement beginning in 2015.
• The goal is to promote the sharing of patient information and to elevate the quality of care for all individuals, minority populations, public health, as well as rural areas. The primary effort is to implement certified technology solutions that support the features required for EHR and to modify facility workflows to work in conjunction with the solutions. As of the final rule, there are 25 meaningful use functions that must be satisfied. For 2011/2012 compliance, 10 core functions must be implemented, and 5 optional functions must be performed from the 10 optional (menu) functions.
• Physicians – $44k Medicare base, $65k Medicaid base, per doc payable over a 4 year period beginning in 2011 – for those that comply with HITECH criteria.
• Hospitals – Federal funding for implementation of a qualified EHR system. Varies by hospital size and percent of Medicare/Medicaid services provided. Paid over a 4 year period beginning in 2011 – comparative estimates below (from HIMSS).


Estimated EHR Averages by hospital beds

• 75 Beds $3.5 Million
• 250 Beds $5.7 Million
• 750 Beds $11.2 Million

  LBMC HITECH Brochure

To arrange a meeting please contact Andrew McDonald at (615)309-2474 or e-mail amcdonald@lbmc.com.