HIT Arkansas Regional Extension Center EMR Incentives

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In order to facilitate the adoption of health information technology (HIT), Arkansas has one Regional Extension Center (REC), the Health Information Technology Arkansas. HIT Arkansas Regional Extension Center was created under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act’s Health Information Technology Extension Program. Specifically, the purpose of the this Regional Extension Center is to provide education, outreach, and technical assistance necessary to help providers in Arkansas improve the quality and value of care they furnish by exceeding meaningful use of electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Selecting and purchasing certified EHR software is the first step toward achieving meaningful use of EHR systems. However, this is a challenging task for physicians due to the large number of vendors and the complexity of the many software options available to them. The HIT Arkansas Regional Extension Center can play an important role in guiding physicians through the implementation and use of EHR software they have purchased. This center is also dedicated to the broader long-term goal developing Health Information Exchanges.

Some Regional Extension Centers have also chosen to offer a list of selected EHR vendors (also known as preferred EHR vendors) that have been prequalified or otherwise vetted. These EHR vendors include a select group of EMR (electronic medical records) companies that have demonstrated a commitment to the health information technology mission. In order to be selected, the electronic health records vendors agreed to a higher base level of functionality and interoperability that will enable practices in Arkansas achieve meaningful use and best participate in the Health Information Exchange. In many cases, Regional Extension Center members may receive group purchasing discounts from the vendors. Participants will also be given discounted pricing and standardized terms and conditions by the EHR vendors to facilitate adoption quickly and smoothly.

HIT Arkansas Regional Extension Center recommends the following preferred EHR vendors: