Rhode Island Doctors Adopt Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems

Thursday, January 27, 2011

GoLocalProv Health Team

Just as technology has advanced the managerial demands and efficiency of private sector business, it is increasing assisting the daily functions of physician practices throughout Rhode Island. In an effort to highlight interest-free financing resources that complement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), UnitedHealthcare is launching an education and awareness campaign aimed at helping more Rhode Island doctors adopt electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Targeting Small Practices

The healthcare conglomerate is providing educational materials to physicians and hosting workshops and meetings for local practices with 10 or fewer doctors. Such practices provide primary care to the majority of Rhode Island residents, but have been slow to adopt EHR technology largely because of cost. The awareness campaign also will include information on how to take advantage of an ongoing interest-free loan program that Ingenix, a health care information and research company providing a line of clinical and cost management solutions, is offering nationwide.

The Ingenix CareTracker™, an EHR system that enables physicians to receive instant updates and immediate connections to labs, pharmacies and hospitals in the area, offers qualifying Rhode Island physicians the cutting edge technology via an interest-free loan. The financing covers installation and monthly subscription costs until Nov. 30, 2015. Physicians who implement an EHR and demonstrate “meaningful use” of the technology can repay the loans with federal government incentives authorized by the ARRA. Under it terms, physicians who meet all the requirements can receive up to $44,000 in Medicare or up to $63,000 in Medicaid reimbursements over five years.

Streamlining the Process

“UnitedHealthcare is committed to helping Rhode Island physicians gain access to technologies that enhance patient care, strengthen the patient-physician experience, and reduce costs for physicians,” said Stephen J. Farrell, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of New England. Pablo Rodriguez, M.D., president and CEO of Women’s Care, a multisite OB/GYN practice in Providence, has been using the CareTracker for more than a year. "And it has created a real improvement in our workflow, billing and management,” he said. "We had a smooth transition and started saving money immediately.”

For more information about Ingenix CareTracker and the financing program, visit www.ingenix.com/ehr or call (877) 347-0845.