The Connected Rheumatology Practice
Monday, November 12, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
The adoption of an electronic health record (EHR) system can be an overwhelming process. As health information technology (HIT) becomes more of a necessity for the practice of medicine, finding the right information to help guide practice personnel through the process of EHR adoption is critical.
In addition to addressing IT prevalence inside the practice, today’s rheumatology providers must also address the evolving role of the technology-enabled patient. Surveys have shown that 81% of Americans between the ages of 30 and 49 are online daily, and that online access is so important that half would consider switching doctors for a practice that offered the ability to communicate and complete important healthcare tasks online.1 A strong online presence is instrumental in getting patients in the door, and then can be used to engage them in their own care.
To learn from others’ successes, and failures, attend “The Connected Rheumatology Practice—EHR, and Social Media Implementation and Customization” on Monday, November 12, from 11:00 AM–12:30 PM.
This session will cover how to anticipate and address key obstacles to EHR adoption, determine important features to ensure your EHR system meets your practice’s needs, and understand how to work with EHR vendors to develop rheumatology-specific templates. Also, learn tips and tricks to optimize your EHR system to develop strong marketing programs and promote patient engagement through a variety of web-based mediums, including search engines, social networking, blogging, and patient reviews.
Reference
The Guide to Meaningful Use and Beyond
Tuesday, November 13, 9:00–10:30 AM
The meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR) criteria span the health IT landscape, affecting EHR adoption and use, clinical decision support, interoperability, privacy, safety, quality of care, and much more. With the influx of federal funding, initiatives, and requirements for the use of health information technology, you may be in the beginning stages of Meaningful Use attestation in order to receive federal incentive payments.
To learn details of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services EHR Incentive Program and discuss key learning points and experiences from early adopters who have attested to meaningful use, attend “The Guide to Meaningful Use and Beyond” on Tuesday, November 13, from 9:00–10:30 AM, and create your roadmap to successfully meet the regulation criteria.
Unintended Consequences of HIT
Wednesday, November 14, 7:30–8:30 AM
As the number of practices implementing health information technology (HIT) grows, unintended consequences are becoming increasingly apparent. Possible adverse effects from electronic communication, coordination, and data management processes range from time spent adapting to workflow changes to serious clinical errors.
When you are aware of the various kinds of unintended consequences, you are better positioned to avoid adverse events and clinical errors related to IT. Attend “The Unintended Consequences of Health Information Technology” session on Wednesday, November 14, from 7:30–8:30 AM to identify best practices and potential solutions to mitigate unintended consequences of health information technology in the rheumatology practice, including human, organizational, and environmental factors that have occurred in other healthcare organization during their implementation and maintenance of health information systems, and to gain an understanding of existing best practices and solutions.
Workshop Session: Getting Electronic Health Records Right*
Monday, November 12, 4:00–6:00 PM
The successful adoption of EHRs and other health information technology can support rheumatology providers’ efforts to reduce risk, improve coordination of care, increase adherence to guidelines, and improve health outcomes for patients. For many rheumatology practices, however, successfully selecting and implementing an EHR system that has the necessary features and attributes can be difficult. Practice personnel often do not have the technical knowledge or the resources to select and fully integrate an EHR into practice workflows. As a result, many practices struggle to realize the financial and operational benefits of an EHR, and the cost of failure can be high in terms of morale and dollars.
Attend “Getting Electronic Health Records Right” on Monday, November 12, from 4:00–6:00 PM to learn from the a practicing rheumatologist who works with and understands EHRs.