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COHIE - Central Ohio Health Information Exchange EHR & Meaningful Use Incentive Update |
June 2013
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You may have noticed the consistency of some themes throughout the past and current newsletter issues. They are the themes of time and progress.
In a way, the clock was set for COHIE the summer of 2010. The details of the incentive program were mostly in place and we needed to find a way to help the most number of practices adopt EHR in a limited amount of time. This has been our focus ever since and we've seen a tremendous amount of progress in reaching this goal. We've also seen, and in some ways helped to shape the ongoing progress of a state-wide Health Information Exchange in Ohio.
All the while, the clock keeps ticking and we continue to work with many practices so they can individually progress to Meaningful Use of their EHR system and maximize their incentive payments. As always, I encourage you to contact COHIE for any assistance you may need along the way.
Sincerely,
Tim
Tim Bangert
(614) 384-9174
timb@cohie.org |
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Updates on HIE in central Ohio
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 In early 2013, COHIE board members announced the endorsement of CliniSync as the preferred Health Information Exchange (HIE) for central Ohio providers. Since that time, further developments have occurred, all leading down a path to the development of a functional HIE in our community.
In late May, Nationwide Children's Hospital announced that it had contracted to become part of the the CliniSync exchange. They have joined 89 other Ohio hospitals that are already part of the exchange. Click here to see a listing of all CliniSync-contracted hospital systems. Of course, the participation of hospital systems in a HIE is vital to the success of the exchange as a whole. The remaining hospitals continue to carefully consider available options to make sure their selection serves the needs of their patients and organization.
Another exciting announcement was made that will be critical in the development of a functional HIE throughout Ohio. In June, CliniSync and HealthBridge (a HIE provider prominent in the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana) announced their agreement to exchange information with each other via the use of Direct (a standard for securely exchanging health data between providers). This agreement provides another piece to the puzzle of connecting and sharing health information throughout the state. To read additional information about the CliniSync/HealthBridge announcement, click here.
COHIE will keep you informed as more additional and more specific information about the HIE in central Ohio develops, particularly as it relates to medical practices. In the meantime, please contact us with specific questions.
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The Life-Cycle of the COHIE REC Program | |
The progression of practices reaching Meaningful Use of their EHR system continues, with 40% using their systems in a 'Meaningful Way'. As the October 3rd deadline draws closer, we expect a rapid increase in those hitting Milestone 3.
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Important Dates & Deadlines | |
 October 3, 2013 is the last day for eligible providers to begin the 90-reporting period for Medicare Incentives. As the deadline fast approaches, it is clear that waiting until the last minute could have negative consequences. COHIE is here to help practices prepare and avoid unexpected challenges. "We are hoping that practices will reach out for help before the eleventh hour so that we can make sure they are set before October 3rd," explained COHIE's Interim Director Tim Bangert.
Click here for an HIT timeline produced by the CMS.
For questions and additional assistance, please contact Tim Bangert at (614) 384-9174 or timb@cohie.org
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What do you know about the Sunshine Act? | |
Effective August 1, 2013, manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and medical supplies that participate in Federal health care programs must begin reporting on their financial interactions with physicians. The overwhelming majority of physicians are not familiar with the major provisions of the Sunshine Act and are not prepared for the eventual public reporting.
The Columbus Medical Association (CMA) has arranged for Kevin Hilvert, JD, with Taft Stettinius & Hollister, to host a free webinar for members on June 27, 2013 from 7:00 - 7:45 pm, on how the Sunshine Act will impact physicians. Participants in the webinar will learn the following:
- The purpose and anticipated benefits of the Sunshine Rule as well as potential unintended consequences.
- The types of payments and items of value physicians may receive from drug and device manufacturers and group purchasing organizations that will be subject to public disclosure under the Sunshine Rule.
- The types of ownership interests physicians or their immediate family members may hold in entities that will be subject to disclosure under the Sunshine Rule.
- How the payment disclosure process will unfold and how physicians can participate in the process to ensure information disclosed about them is accurate.
Contact CMA Director of Member Relations Diane May at (614) 240-7410 or email her at dmay@goodhealthcolumbus.org to register for the webinar. At that time she will provide you with log in information.
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Ohio Health Information Partnership is funded through the Office of the National Coordinator, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, grant numbers 90RC0012 and 90HT0024 |
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