The University of North Carolina Area Health Education Center (NC AHEC) Regional Extension Center aids physicians in the adoption of health information technology (HIT). This North Carolina Regional Extension Center provides physicians with technical assistance and education on electronic health record (EHR) systems, so these physicians may implement EHR systems and improve their practice. This Regional Extension Center was created under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act’s Health Information Technology Extension Program.
Purchasing certified EHR software is the initial step towards achieving meaningful use of EHR systems for a physician. However, choosing a suitable EHR software is a daunting and time-consuming task because many different EHR vendors offer a complexity of software choices. North Carolina AHEC Regional Extension Center can guide physicians through the EHR software selection and implementation processes, and they are dedicated to the broader long-term goal of supporting the development of Health Information Exchanges.
Some Regional Extension Centers have also chosen to offer a list of preferred EHR vendors, which include a carefully selected group of EMR (electronic medical record) companies that underwent a significant qualification and selection process. These preferred EHR vendors have demonstrated a commitment to the development of health information technology. They have also agreed to a higher base level of functionality and interoperability, enabling more meaningful use of EHR software for physicians. Additionally, the electronic health records vendors offer discounted prices and standardized terms and conditions to facilitate quick and smooth adoption for these Regional Extension Center participants.
There are no preferred EMR vendors recommended by the University of North Carolina AHEC Regional Extension Center.
