AMA pushes for changes to EHR regulations

As the medical field begins the adoption of electronic health records (EHR),  the American Medical Association (AMA) says that the federal regulations will create barriers for some physicians to transfer from paper to electronic.  The regulations that were released last week determine how hospitals and physicians’ offices become eligible for incentive payments for the early adoption of electronic records.

AMA board member Steven Stack stated “The final requirements for the meaningful use of EHR’s are an improvement over previous drafts, but challenges still remain that will make it difficult for physicians to meet the requirements-especially physicians in solo and small practices.”

As of now, physicians are required to meet 20 criteria in the first year of EHR adoption.  AMA claims that is too much for smaller practices.  AMA advocacy has already resulted in modifications to the regulations, such as flexibility for physicians to choose options that are best suited for their practice and removal of criteria that is not directly related to EHR.

Stack stated that the AMA  is committed to EHR adoption and will continue to address issues to ensure physicians can successfully transition to electronic records.

To read the full statement, visit The Hill.