The Physicians' Foundation in cooperation with the Texas Medical Association has released an updated version of its physician's guide to the installation of electronic health-record systems.
The 105-page guide, “Electronic Medical Record: The Link to a Better Future, 2nd Edition,” includes an extensive updated section backgrounding newbie physicians on the benefits of EHR systems and pending EHR subsidy programs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It also includes a pre-selection practice-readiness assessment tool and even an application for continuing medical education credits after completing the “course” and taking a test on its content.
According to the guide, its target audience is composed of physicians, practice managers and administrators considering adopting an EHR. Having completed the course, its authors claim, students should:
- Know the efficiency and quality benefits of an EHR.
- Evaluate the readiness of their practice in terms of financial and operational variables.
- Know EHR vendor contract issues and legal considerations in using technology.
- Understand the steps to select, implement and maintain an EHR.
The Physicians' Foundation, which claims 20 state and local medical societies as signatory members, was founded in 2003 as part of the settlement of class-action lawsuits filed against multiple health insurance plans.
