blog.DrFirst

Part 1: Medicare EHR Incentive Program

Irene Froehlich — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:35:40 +0000

As we rapidly approach the beginning of the anticipated meaningful use incentives, it is becoming increasingly important to clearly define all of the details surrounded eligibility, attestation and MU requirements. To begin, the MU incentives are based on individual providers – therefore, if you are part of a group practice, each eligible professional can individually [...]

MU 101: Intro to “Meaningful Use”

Irene Froehlich — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:54:59 +0000

Our nation’s healthcare system is undergoing a massive transformation to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care. To catalyze this transformation CMS has create the ARRA HITECH incentive program for eligible Medicare and Medicaid providers who demonstrate ‘meaningful use’. These providers will not only reap benefits from the financial payments, but will see a reduction [...]

CMS Offers Toll-Free Q&A Session

Irene Froehlich — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:50:35 +0000

From 2:30 – 4:00 pm Thursday, September 2, CMS will host a national provider conference call to answer any questions regarding the 2010 Physician Quality Reporting Incentive (PQRI) and electronic prescribing incentive program. This call will directly follow a formal presentation outlining how to begin participating in these programs. If you would like to review the [...]

Health IT Hot in the Nation’s Capital

Irene Froehlich — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:06:33 +0000

There is a lot to keep up with living in DC, but in the recent article, Health IT heats up in Washington Dr. Kevin Fickenscher discuses today’s hot topics in our nation’s capital. Yes, you guessed it– Health Information Technology is at the top of the list. Dr. Fickenscher connects the dots between the recent buzz [...]

CMS provides a 90% match for state Meaningful Use payments

Irene Froehlich — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:01:21 +0000

Over the past several months there has been a surge in conversation and hype regarding the upcoming Meaningful Use incentive payments. Until now, the focus of this discussion has been centered around the requirements and payments to, what the CMS has deemed, ‘eligible providers.’ In a recent letter sent by the CMS, steps are outlined [...]

Is the mobile internet and the smartphone a “killer combination” and stealth WMD? Part 3 of 3

Tom Sullivan — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:13 +0000

As I reflect on the rapid evolution of information and communication technology, not only in our worldwide civil societies, but even in what we might describe as “uncivil” societies, I realize that at least in healthcare this has almost become a revolution. It is not violent in the form that induced Marinetti to [...]

Is the mobile internet and the smartphone a “killer combination” and stealth WMD? Part 2 of 3

Tom Sullivan — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:46:00 +0000

I just returned from a 3 day meeting in Chicago. The AMA Council on Medical Services includes approximately 18 physicians from around the country, where with the help of staff economists and researchers, we prepare the white papers that usually form the basis of the AMA socioeconomic policy. The physician participants are elected by their peers [...]

Is the mobile internet and the smartphone a “killer combination” and stealth WMD? Part 1 of 3

Tom Sullivan — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:44:43 +0000

Ninety-nine years ago in London, the Italian futurist and artist, Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, cited an inconsistency to his British audience during his “Lecture to the English on Futurism”: “You adore the beautiful flying machines that with their wheels skim the earth, the sea, and the clouds, and yet you carefully preserve even the smallest bit of [...]

Important Message to Current Rcopia Users

Irene Froehlich — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:57:14 +0000

Current Rcopia Users please note: On our new website, which was launched on Friday, the login for Rcopia will now be located at the top of the page, on the right side. Previously the login was located part-way down the page, within the column along the right. This move isolates the login [...]

New Website Launch Today!

Irene Froehlich — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:14:11 +0000

In order to better serve our clients and to better communicate exciting new product offerings, DrFirst launches a brand new website today, Friday, August 6, 2010! The new website will make it easier for users to stay on-top of developing products and federal incentives such as: ARRA “Meaningful Use” criteria EPCS: E-prescribing Controlled [...]