DOCTORS ADVOCATE IT SPECIALISTS

As you may already know, the HITECH Act of 2009 allocates incentive payments to physicians through Medicare and Medicaid billings who demonstrate "meaningful use" of an EMR system. The program effectively begins in January 2011.

August eTech is an IT consulting firm that helps medical practices plan and implement a solution amid the issues and confusion that may arise in making the transition to an electronic medical records system. We are an independent consulting firm and not affiliated with any software or hardware company. We represent our clients' interests only.

There are hundreds of companies offering EMR and EHR software and solutions. Physicians need an advocate to best represent their interests. August eTech can be that advocate. We bring broad and unique skills to help physicians and their office staff adopt an EMR/EHR system that will meet the meaningful use standards.

August eTech understands that this is not just a technology issue. We deliver knowledge and experience that support the entire EMR/EHR implementation process for the practice:

IT systems, software (general and medical) and hardware. We analyze what the client practice currently has and assess how new software may impact current configurations. We then manage the entire implementation process including pre-implementation preparation, implementation, training, and post-implementation trouble shooting.

Vendor management, including contract negotiations. We research and solicit bids from appropriate vendors on behalf of the practice and present our findings in an easy, understandable format. Once a vendor is chosen, we take the lead in the contract negotiations.

Project/process management. We create a project plan with timelines to ensure a smooth implantation process. The project plan is designed specifically for the needs of the individual practice.

Change management. We assess the impact the implementation will have on day-to-day functions and routines, and create a process to minimize and manage any disruptions that may occur. We also work with the staff in order to make sure that everyone is comfortable with the change that will be taking place.

Financial and business management. We develop a business plan and budget for the EMR/EHR element of the practice to ensure that return on investment goals are planned and mutually agreed upon. We manage the budget for the implementation and the ongoing use of the new system to make sure that costs are controlled, and risk is managed. This process is transparent to the practice.

In depth understanding of the HITECH act and requirements for incentive payments. We bring a comprehensive understanding of the legislation so that each practice can benefit and receive the maximum amount they are qualified to receive.

What are the benefits of using August eTech for the EHR implementation process?

Advocacy: We are an independent company and are not affiliated with any software or hardware company. We will represent only your best interest throughout the process. We are your advocates.

Efficiency: As a doctor, your time and your staff’s time is extremely valuable. Do you really want to be sitting on the phone for hours with an EHR vendor during the process or trying to gather information? We can streamline everything, work with the vendor and it make it as hassle-free as possible so that you and your staff can do what you do best, treat your patients.

Clarity: There is a lot to sort through between all the of technological issues and HITECH rules and regulations. We will aggregate all of the necessary information vital to the process and organize it for you in an easy-to-understand way.
Value: As an independent company, we will work to help you implement the EHR system in the most cost efficient way by analyzing your workflow, current technology and the offerings from EHR companies. By knowing what questions to ask and what to look for, we can make sure that you get the system that best serves your needs and you do not pay for what you do not need.

Experience: We have over 20 years of experience in the technology field, 10 years working with medical technology and over 20 years in project management. We have the experience needed to tackle this major event and help you and your staff through what will be a radical change to how you conduct business with the least amount of disruption possible.

Power: Don’t get caught in the position of relying on the EHR vendor for objective information vital to your decision making. We will provide you with the knowledge and support you need to level the playing field with EHR vendors and get the right information to make the best decisions.

Commitment: We will be there with you every step of the way from the very beginning and throughout implementation period and stay with you after to make sure everything goes smoothly and troubleshoot any problems. We are at your service until meaningful use is successfully demonstrated.

Peace of Mind: We are proactive so you don’t have to be reactive. We have your back and will make sure that nothing is left to chance so that you can feel confident in the process and know things are properly being taken care of. We will focus on the details to ensure that your system will be implemented in a way that is it user friendly and will allow you to prove meaningful use. We do not want you to go through this expense and change only find out in the end you can’t prove meaningful use and don’t qualify for the funds.

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