Media Contact: Debra Steen
866-208-4308
debra.steen@xlemr.com

Atlanta, February 18, 2011 - XLEMR, a developer of custom electronic health records (EHR) that focuses on practices that seek a simple, mobile, and efficient solution, announced today that its EHR software has achieved certification as a Complete Ambulatory EHR under the Office of the National Coordinator’s (ONC) certification program.

Testing was performed by InfoGard Laboratories, an ONC-designated Authorized Testing and Certification Body ONC-ATCB for EHR systems, on January 26th and 27th, 2011. During the test, XLEMR demonstrated their software meets the requirements for meaningful use. Eligible providers can now use XLEMR to qualify for HITECH stimulus funds, which can result in up to $44,000 per provider under Medicare or $64,000 under Medicaid.

“XLEMR offers a unique solution to medical providers that want a simple, custom solution,” says Tripp Weeks, President of XLEMR. “Most other EMR systems are rigid and complex, but XLEMR is built on Microsoft Office, which allows us to create simple, easy solutions that we can tailor to our clients’ needs.”

Providers using XLEMR’s certified product will have the benefit of the familiar interface in addition to all the features required by meaningful use. For example, providers can take advantage of XLEMR’s interface to Microsoft Health Vault, which allows information sharing between the health record, the patient, and any other care givers authorized by the patient.

E-prescribing is another important feature that allows providers to check drug interactions, medicinal allergies, and formulary compliance. Sending prescriptions electronically is more efficient than script pads or faxes; it also helps reduce fraud. XLEMR’s unique approach to e-prescribing allows providers to enjoy all the benefits without additional monthly fees.

“One of the challenges for any vendor is how to incorporate the meaningful use functionality into a system without making it slow or difficult to navigate. Complexity is one of the things medical professionals fear most in an EHR system. Many providers hesitate to implement EHR, because they fear the software will be confusing and negatively impact productivity. XLEMR’s architecture allows us to include all of the meaningful use requirements, while still maintaining our trademark simple interface,” Tripp elaborates.
Providers that want to participate in the stimulus program must first meet eligibility requirements under the Medicare or Medicaid program. Next, providers must purchase an EHR system certified by an ONC-ATCB. Finally, providers must use their software according to the measures outlined in the meaningful use rules to qualify for the stimulus funds.

About XLEMR, LLC
XLEMR, LLC is a leading developer of simple, mobile, and efficient electronic health records. XLEMR focuses on a custom, hand-holding approach to implementation and development that allows their clients to experience a comfortable transition to EHR. Their core product is based on Microsoft Office which provides an interface familiar to most users. This architecture allows providers to be mobile without needing an internet connection or wireless data plan. XLEMR provides efficiency by incorporating existing paper forms into the EHR to minimize training requirements. For more about XLEMR visit www.xlemr.com.

We talk to many physicians, practice mangers, and others associated with the medical industries, that ask us about the “EMR Mandate.” Many people are under the assumption that there is a law that requires medical practices to adopt EMR. As of yet, Congress has not passed any laws that require EMR adoption. However, the HITECH stimulus act does threaten non-adopters with cuts in their Medicare reimbursements. The cuts would begin in 2015 and increase to a maximum of 5% of the reimbursements. Think of the HITECH act as an “encouragement,” not a mandate or law requiring EMR adoption.

However, the free market may have its own EMR “mandate” in the near future. NORC at the University of Chicago published a study late last month which found wide popular support for EMR adoption. Among the findings, the report states 78% of Americans believe EMR could prove patient care. 59% believe EMR could reduce health care costs. 72% support interoperability and information sharing. 80% support e-prescribing, and 79% thought personal health records could benefit patient care. Perhaps the most interesting statistic claims that 64% think the benefits of EMR systems outweigh the associated privacy concerns.

The survey makes it clear that there is broad popular support for electronic health records. However, despite the “carrot and stick” approach of the HITECH Act, many physicians and medical practices are reluctant to invest in EMR systems. The public will gain more exposure to EHR systems over the next few years as those practices who are participating in HITECH come online.

Patients will see the benefits of EMR systems, which should include things like filling out less paperwork, easier visit check-in, online access to their medical records, the ability to easily share their records between multiple caregivers, less hassle with insurance formularies, and many other benefits. We can imagine that patients will come to enjoy and expect these features from their doctors. There will likely be such a large difference in the quality of service that patients will tend to avoid practices still using paper records in favor of those who have switched to EMR.

Although there is no law that requires EMR adoption, market pressures may force practices to make the switch or risk losing a large percentage of their patients. Think of the places you shop. Almost every retailer out there, from giants like Target and Wal-Mart, all the way down small mom and pop boutique stores use electronic point of sale systems. We are so used to seeing these systems, that we take it for granted. It can be surprising to wander into small store that only accepts cash or worse yet, figures sales tax using pencil and paper. In time, medical practices that use paper charts will be quaint relics like the ancient small town general store that still figures sales tax with pencil and paper. If your practice is has not switched, consider all the benefits it can bring to your patients. It is better to change now while the federal government is offering incentives than to wait until your reimbursements are cut and your schedule is empty. Please let us know if you would like information about how you can participate in the HITECH Act.