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Frequently Asked Questions

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hmtoggle_plus1 Is ezChartWriter software CCHIT certified? Will it be eligible for EHR bonus from ARRA?

No and Yes!  In order to keep our software very low cost (only $199 per year per location with unlimited computers/users) we are not pursuing certification at this time. However, because some of our doctors see a significant amount of Medicare patients, we have added an "Export to Online EHR" method. There is at least one free online EHR that has ONC certification. Sponsored in part by Dell Computers, they are the leading free EHR solution (you can google "free online EHR" for your options). This fits nicely with our own low cost software model. The websites are fairly limited in optometric functions (which is where our software comes into play). You simply upload a pdf of your Encounter or paste your SOAP note to the site and keep a parallel system online. So it also functions as a “backup” of your SOAP notes that can be accessed anywhere there is internet.

 

To qualify, you have to be an eligible provider who bills Medicare. Next, you need to use a certified EHR system and meet 20 criteria for Meaningful Use. For the year 2011, you will to attest to CMS that you met the Meaningful Use criteria for 90 consecutive days and your incentives will be paid with your reimbursements.

hmtoggle_plus1What are the "meaningful use" requirements?

  1. Record patient demographics (including gender, race and ethnicity, date of birth, preferred language) at least 50% of the time

  2. Record vital signs (height, weight, blood pressure, body mass index, and growth charts for children) at least 50% of the time

  3. Maintain up-to-date problem lists at least 80% of the time

  4. Maintain active medication lists at least 80% of the time

  5. Maintain active medication allergy lists at least 80% of the time

  6. Record smoking status for patients older than 13 years of age at least 50% of the time

  7. Provide patients with a clinical summary for each office visit within 3 business days, at least 50% of the time

  8. On request, provide patients with an electronic copy of their health information (including test results, problem lists, meds lists, allergies) within 3 business days, at least 50% of the time

  9. Generate electronic prescriptions at least 40% of the time

 10. Use Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) for medication orders at least 30% of the time. (note: CPOE for lab ordering, imaging ordering, and referrals are not addressed here – only medications)

 11. Implement drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction checks at least 40% of the time

 12. Be able to exchange key clinical information among providers by performing at least one test of the EMR’s ability to do this.

 13. Implement one clinical decision support rule, and ability to track compliance with the rule (this is reduced from the previous 5 rules to the final 1 rule)

 14. Implement systems that protect privacy and security of patient data in the EMR, by conducting or reviewing a security risk analysis, and taking corrective step if needed

 15. Report clinical quality measures to CMS or states – for 2011 provide aggregate numerator and denominator through attestation; for 2012, electronically submit measures (this refers to PQRI measures)

*abstracted from the web  

hmtoggle_plus1 How much does ezChartWriter cost?

The annual license fee is super simple, only $199.00 per year (per clinic location). This includes unlimited numbers of doctors, users and/or computers. No additional charges to network computers or use with multiple doctors like many systems charge.

hmtoggle_plus1What happens if I don't renew my license? Does the software lock up?

It expires after one year. We will provide you with a “read-only” version of the software to view existing data (but not enter new data) if you don't wish to renew the annual license. You can also purchase a perpetual license that gives you complete access to the software forever.

hmtoggle_plus1How can I link my AutoRefractor?

You use the FREE included ezInstrumentLink software (found in the ezUtilities folder) to import Topcon, Reichert and Marco/Nidek instrument data.

hmtoggle_plus1Does the software work on Windows 7?

The software underwent a major overhaul from version 2.5 to 4.0 to make it more compatible with Vista and Win7. You should be using version 4.1+ (available for download from the website www.ezchartwriter.com/download.php). Occasionally, Vista (and sometimes Win7) is picky about how the application runs and you may need to run in XP compatible mode. Instructions are located here: www.iccomplish.com/vista.htm

 

Sales - Pre Purchase

Hardware/System Requirements
Pricing & Annual Fees
Support Availability
Ordering, Downloading & Installing
Medicare Compliance & CCHIT Certification
Data Conversion & Scanning
Linking to other PMS systems
Linking to Instruments
Multiple Offices
International Sales

Sales - Post Purchase

Licensing Issues
Lost Passwords
Removing Demo Patients

Install Problems/Troubleshooting

Networking

Using the Software

HIPAA Requirements
Working with Encounters
Customization
Reports & Rx’s
Backup Utilities
Billing Module
Appointment Scheduler
Recall Manager
Data Exchange

Errors & Crashes

Getting Help

Uninstalling Software

Ideas and Future Plans