New rules increase use of health information technology

The U.S. Health and Human Services department published a new proposed rule last month that would “provide eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals more flexibility in how they use certified electronic health record (EHR) technology (CEHRT) to meet meaningful use,” HHS reported.

In a press release about the proposed rule, HHS reported that the rule proposal is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), and would let providers use the 2011 Edition CEHRT or a combination of 2011 and 2014 Edition CEHRT for the EHR reporting period in 2014 for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.

“Beginning in 2015, all eligible hospitals and professionals would still be required to report using 2014 Edition CEHRT,” HHS reported. “Since the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs began in 2011, more than 370,000 hospitals and professionals nationwide have received an incentive payment.”

Health information technology is a growing industry and more health care systems are participating in this new way to achieve more efficient health care.

“We have seen tremendous participation in the EHR Incentive Programs since they began,” said CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner. “By extending Stage 2, we are being receptive to stakeholder feedback to ensure providers can continue to meet meaningful use and keep momentum moving forward.”

HHS also reported that the “proposed rule also includes a provision that would formalize CMS and ONC’s previously stated intention to extend Stage 2 through 2016 and begin Stage 3 in 2017. These proposed changes would address concerns raised by stakeholders and will encourage the continued adoption of Certified EHR Technology. “

Healthcare providers see continued buy-in form health systems into technology programs as the future for the growing health care industry.

“Increasing the adoption of EHRs is key to improving the nation’s health care system and the steps we are taking today will give new options to those who, through no fault of their own, have been unable to get the new 2014 Edition technology, including those at high risk, such as smaller providers and rural hospitals,” said Karen DeSalvo, M.D., M.P.H, M.Sc., national coordinator for health information technology.

Due to the growth in the health information technology field, there is a growing demand for professionals with training in this area. A Technical College’s health information technology training program prepares students for an entry-level career at a hospital or clinic, with a focus on such things as managing and organizing patient day, electronic medical and health records, medical software and hardware and patient care coordination. As technology continues to advance, it becomes more and more important in all workplaces, including hospitals and clinics. If you’re looking to work in both the Healthcare and IT fields, then working as a Healthcare IT Technician may be right for you.

Working as a health information technology professional can lead to a long-term career in the growing healthcare field. These positions are expected to be in high demand over the next several years and can be great options for jobseekers looking to enter the growing medical field, but lack a medical degree. Training from A Technical College can also prepare a person for a variety of specific careers within the healthcare field.

The medical field is consistently ranked one of the nation’s fastest growing job sectors and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects health information technology (which is home to both medical office professionals and medical assistants) will be one of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the country.

With professional training as a health information technology professionals at A Technical College, students are prepared for a variety of in-demand careers throughout the medical industry that require specific medical knowledge and experience that A Technical College specializes in teaching its students.

One of the advantages to working as a health information technology professionals is that it opens the door to a variety of specific career options throughout the healthcare field. This is also a career in growing industry that is showing no signs of slowing down. In a time when long-term employment can be hard to come by, the medical field offers many long-term positions in a stable industry. Now is a great time to consider a new career as a medical office professional or medical assistant, especially if you are looking for a career in a growing industry that offers a variety of options.