CAP offers complimentary EHR support services for members

To help its physician members and their office administrators make informed decisions when implementing or upgrading an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, this month the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) began offering complimentary EHR support services exclusively to its more than 11,000 members.

Under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009, eligible health care professionals and hospitals can qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments when they adopt certified EHR technology and use it to achieve specified objectives.

"Knowing that EHR systems are paramount on most physicians' minds, CAP is offering this important service to help its members successfully comply with HITECH requirements, while running smoother practices and increasing patient safety," said CAP Chief Executive Officer James Weidner.

CAP's new program was launched in early November with the publication of a specially developed reference guide, titled Guidance for Selecting Practice Management and Electronic Health Records System, which was sent via e-mail to all of the organization's members.  Guidance for Selecting Practice Management and Electronic Health Records Systems provides a comprehensive checklist of questions and suggestions that members should consider before converting to a fully electronic, paperless practice management system that is HIPAA compliant," said Waldene Drake, CAP's vice president, Risk Management & Patient Safety.