Document Type

Research Project

Publication Date

11-1-2016

Abstract

The Electronic Health Record (EHR) has been a major player on the healthcare scene in recent years. Its use has ushered in a new phase of focus on quality healthcare combined with and aided by technological integration. Within this technological integration have come adjutant tools including Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools. Among these applications are those focused on appropriate imaging by use of CDS designed according to Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC). The imaging CDS tools are available to aid the provider in selecting the appropriate imaging study for the clinical indications present. The Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) passed in April, 2014 outlined requirements to be directed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with a mandatory implementation of imaging CDS tools for certain providers with an initial deadline of January 2017. Although the deadline has been postponed, the PAMA mandate will be a requirement in the near future. With the imaging CDS mandate implementation looming in the future, affected facilities have an opportunity to prepare their facilities for it and provide education for physicians and staff. However, with the slow adoption rate of the certified EHR, it is likely that there is also that of imaging CDS even though its efficacy has been proven. A survey of affected healthcare facilities was conducted in Bay County, Florida to determine readiness for the impending mandate. While the response rate of the survey was not low, the available sample field was small. Still, the results yielded congruent information to the state adoption rates of the certified EHR and attitudes towards imaging CDS among affected providers. This evidence will be informative to affected facilities and specifically their HIM professionals by means of the information presented. In particular, the survey respondents will benefit from the literature accompanying the survey as some may be unaware of the CMS mandate.

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