Between EHR implementation, new HIPAA regulations and the transition to ICD-10, healthcare IT departments are overworked and C-level hospital execs are overwhelmed. The coordination of everything required for successful implementation of new processes and systems is a lot of work.

The news we feature in this week’s HIT Curator post addresses issues healthcare providers are facing – with a report on the delays in Meaningful Use / MIPS attestation, ICD-10 steering committee organization recommendations and the fast-approaching HIPAA compliance deadline.

As EHR use is on the rise, satisfaction levels are declining

According to the 2013 Physicians Practice Technology Survey, only 24% of physicians surveyed report not having access to an EHR. This illustrates the effectiveness of the government’s incentive program, which rewards physicians with cash incentives for the “Meaningful Use / MIPS” of EHRs to treat patients. While this is positive news, it comes with the reality of an overall sense of dissatisfaction with EHR technology vendors. Which raises the question – will there be an increase in EHR vendor transitions?

While EHR use is on the rise, Meaningful Use / MIPS attestation is stalled

A study funded by the Commonwealth Fund and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that as of early 2012, 43.5% of respondents had a basic EHR system, while only 9.8% reported that they had met Meaningful Use / MIPS requirements.

More than half of respondents reported that it was difficult for their systems to meet all Meaningful Use / MIPS requirements. This illustrates the need for the government to set higher standards for vendors.

Do you have compliance requirements to address before the HIPAA deadline?

If you’re considered a Business Associate, you do. The new Omnibus HIPAA Rule expanded the definition and responsibilities for Business Associates. A recent post on the IdExperts blog helps readers determine their status and a recent HIPAA Infographic we published, defines the new requirements.

It’s important to become familiar with the new definition and requirements before the September 23, 2013 deadline is upon us.

 Leadership led by a steering committee is a must for successful ICD-10 conversion

Without a central body of authority, the transition to ICD-10 is going to be virtually impossible for your organization. An article from EHR Intelligence emphasizes how critical it is for your hospital to identify a steering committee to drive the conversion from ICD-9 to ICD-10.

ICD-10 is a project with a firm deadline – October 1, 2014. It’s a reality that if your organization hasn’t successfully converted by the deadline, it won’t get paid for outdated ICD-9 codes used on or after the deadline.

After reading the EHR Intelligence article, we also suggest that you download the ICD-10 checklist. It provides a quick look at the phases and steps required for a successful transition.