ONC (Office of the National Coordinator) Names First 2 EHR Certification Bodies ... Let the Race Begin!

[CC-Conrad Clyburn-MedForeSight]

Colleagues,

In perhaps the last piece puzzle ... the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (U.S.) announced today the first two Authorized Testing and Certification Bodies (ATCBs) for Electronic Health Records (EHRs):

• Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) - Chicago, Ill.
• Drummond Group Inc. (DGI) - Austin, Texas

Certification by an ATCB will signify to eligible professionals, hospitals, and critical access hospitals that an EHR technology has the capabilities necessary to support their efforts to meet the goals and objectives of meaningful use ... and coincidentally, open the door to possibly garnering federal incentive payments totaling $44,000 for Medicare eligible providers and $63,750 for Medicaid eligible providers...

... As you might imagine, this is a big deal for both providers and EHR vendors ... Applications for additional ONC-ATCBs are also under review...

... With the initial two ONC-ATCBs now named, EHR vendors can apply to them for certification of their products.  In theory, by purchasing certified EHRs, providers will have assurance that the
products will support achievement of the meaningful use objectives... 

.... CMS is also working to create an online system for providers to register and attest for the EHR incentive programs. The first incentive payments are targeted to be made in May
2011...

... To learn more about the ONC-ATCBs named today visit www.cchit.org  and www.drummondgroup.com.  For more information about the ONC certification programs visit http://healthit.hhs.gov/certification.... 

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ENJOY!

CC