Serenity EMR

Software

Further Reading
• HIMSS - EMR Implementation Issues
• Get Ready for EHR Failure, But Don't Blame the Software

Q: Does the EMR/EHR have to be CCHIT Certified?
A: No it does not according to the HITECH legislation. The legislation says that the criteria you must meet is to use a "certified" EHR/EMR in a "meaningful" way. As of today (5-20-2010) the ONC has not made a final rule on meaningful use. The only certification that is being offered is the Preliminary ARRA IFR Stage 1 Certification. Until the final rule is issued, there is nothing set in stone. There are still too many unknowns about the ARRA HITECH Stimulus money. After nearly two years, terms like “meaningful use” and “certification” are still not finalized, and even Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health IT - the office charged with setting the final rules and coordinating the process - is still unable to answer the most basic question a physician needs to know: how much money, exactly, will I get?

Q: Does Serenity meet the current "meaningful use" standards?
A: Yes we do!

Q: Am I eligible to get the stimulus money if I use Serenity EMR?
A: Yes, and since the money is not tied to what you pay for your EMR/EHR, you get to pocket what you get instead of giving it to your EHR vendor! Serenity EMR is as eligible as any other EMR/EHR vendor at this time since there has not been a final rule on meaningful use. Serenity is committed to ensure that our software can meet the government requirements in time for our users to get every penny of the stimulus money to which they are entitled.

Q: What is the FINAL deadline for eligibility in receiving the HITECH stimulus funds? Does our implementation have to be COMPLETE, or just launched?
A: By October 1, 2011, a provider will have to prove they have used data in a meaningful way the year prior in order to receive bonuses. Each year after that, for five years, bonuses will decrease. HHS has not said how much time they will require for the meaningful use, but most experts say at least six months. There are a number of imaginary deadlines involved. Getting the proper programs in place, collecting the data accurately, using the data to improve care. It's not something that can happen over night.

Q: Can my old data be converted over to Serenity?
A: In some cases, yes. We ask that you provide us a backup copy of your data so our team can analyze and make a decision on if your data can be converted. This comes to you at no charge. If we decide the data can be converted, there will be a charge for the conversion. However it is recommended that you start with a clean database.

Q: What if I decide I don't like Serenity?
A: First we ask that you communicate your issues to us so we can try to address the issue. If you are still unhappy, you simply walk away. You will be able to keep your data to view, you just won't be able to add any new records. We don't require any long-term contracts. We try to keep it simple. You don't like it, you don't use it!

Q: Can I demo Serenity EMR before I make any commitment?
A: Yes, we allow a 30 day trial period that will run on a single computer. This version is fully functional minus the enhanced features such as eRx and HL7.