Kambrie Kato MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Joshua Jay Reicher MD, Abstract Co-Author: Medical Advisory Board, Health Companion, Inc Investor, Health Companion, Inc

Alberto Kywi MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael A. Trambert MD, Abstract Co-Author: Medical Advisor, DR Systems, Inc

11 radiologists qualified attesting to the EHR Incentive Program in 2012, possibly making this group the first community hospital-based outpatient radiology practice in the U.S. to do so. Compliance was achieved using a complete cloud-based EHR. Benefits extend beyond the incentive payment, including real time access to clinical data by the radiologist and increased patient engagement.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services EHR Incentive Program provides financial incentives to providers who "meaningfully use" a certified EHR. Although temporary exemptions to penalties, which begin in 2015 are available, failure to comply threatens to isolate radiologists from physicians, patients, and hospitals that have rapidly adopted the specified technologies. With over 350,000 eligible providers participating as of 12/31/2012, the ability to exchange information according to these standards may soon be a "must have" feature of any successful radiology practice, though a minority of radiologists have attested to date.

Successful implementation of a complete cloud-based certified EHR in a community hospital-based outpatient radiology practice is reported, with shown benefits of greater clinical relevancy and direct patient engagement.

The medical group discussed herein uses a cloud-based EHR system (DR Systems, Inc., San Diego, CA) that can be incorporated into any third party RIS or PACS. Cloud-based architecture results in rapid deployment of updates and the ability to communicate with patients via a personal health record (PHR) (Health Companion, Inc., San Diego, CA). As a result, patients can provide required data prior to the appointment and can automatically access required information via the web. An upstream electronic interface enables automated input of some data. Patients can pre-register using the PHR over the web, and data is collected via a single-page paper questionnaire. Relevant EHR data is single-click accessible to the radiologist during the exam interpretation. An unanticipated benefit was leveraging the EHR to satisfy a joint commission request for access to outpatient medication and allergy data.

Kato, K, Reicher, J, Kywi, A, Trambert, M, Truly Meaningful Use.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13019050.html