When it comes to Stage 2 Meaningful Use, preparation is key to achieving success and minimizing problems, says Frank Beaman, CEO of Faith Community Hospital. The Texas-based hospital ramped up its Stage 2 focus at the beginning of 2014, making sure it had strong external support, the right technology in place, and the entire hospital team informed and engaged in the process.
Beaman says the phrase “failure and lack of participation is not an option” became the battle cry for the organization as it negotiated the challenging Stage 2 journey. Beaman shared his perspective on the key steps to Stage 2 success.
Compiled by Scott Westcott, Contributing Writer
Providers that have met three consecutive years of Meaningful Use are now focused on engaging staff and leveraging smart technologies as they work to successfully meet Stage 2 criteria.
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When it comes to Stage 2 Meaningful Use, preparation is key to achieving success and minimizing problems, says Frank Beaman, CEO of Faith Community Hospital. The Texas-based hospital ramped up its Stage 2 focus at the beginning of 2014, making sure it had strong external support, the right technology in place, and the entire hospital team informed and engaged in the process.
Beaman says the phrase “failure and lack of participation is not an option” became the battle cry for the organization as it negotiated the challenging Stage 2 journey. Beaman shared his perspective on the key steps to Stage 2 success.
Q: When did Faith Community Hospital successfully attest for Stage 1 MU, and when did you begin your Stage 2 journey?
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A: We attested Stage 1 on June 3, 2011. We were successful in Stage 1 for three years, and we started the journey toward Stage 2 at the beginning of 2014.
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of making the leap from Stage 1 to Stage 2?
A: The biggest hurdle Faith Community had to overcome was a change in EHR vendors in April of 2014. Our team was well-versed in the MU requirements and had a willing attitude; however, changing software added a level of stress to the equation.
Q: How did you successfully address this challenge?
A: We first helped all of our employees understand the financial implications the hospital would face if we were not successful. We engaged our employees throughout the entire conversion and attestation process. Our new EHR vendor, RazorInsights, also understood the importance and made the conversion process as seamless as possible. Engagement took place at all levels. I kept the board informed, and the department heads were communicated with through the executive team, and so on throughout the organization. We held weekly user group meetings as well as monthly department head meetings. It’s important not to underestimate keeping the board informed. They are community members who hear both good and bad from employees. Keeping them informed helps communicate the urgency and necessity of participation.
Q: What technologies and processes were instrumental in helping you meet Stage 2 MU objectives?
A: By enlisting RazorInsights, we made a change and adopted their cloud-based system called ONE Electronic Health Record. We were then able to track our progress and make sure we were meeting the core objectives we needed through RazorInsights Meaningful Use Dashboard, a scorecard within our ONE EHR.
RazorInsights also spent two weeks at our hospital during our go-live period. During that time, they assisted us 24/7 and were there to answer any questions and help with bug fixes. Having the on-site help and real-time fixes definitely made the conversion much easier and was instrumental in successfully attesting for Stage 2.
Q: How are you coping with the year-long reporting requirements for Stage 2?
A: Truthfully, the year-long MU reporting requirements have not been an issue for us. As I mentioned, our team has been well aware of the requirements and is working hard to stay ahead of the game. That has made all the difference.
Q: What advice would you give other providers on how to solidify the Stage 2 MU efforts at their own facilities?
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A: I would say to make sure you get ahead of the implementation with your lead team. It’s important to be proactive with employees or groups that may not be highly tech-savvy and prepare them in advance. It’s also important to remember that, as a provider, participation is not optional. Therefore, communicate this to your employees and hold them accountable. If you are looking for a vendor or for a change in vendors, find one that understands your particular budget, work environment, and tech IQ. Make sure they can adjust the system and training to meet your specific needs.
Q: Beyond the incentive dollars, what benefits has being a Stage 2 MU hospital meant to your facility and its patients?
A: I think the consistent level of care we are able to provide is a great benefit to our patients. The continuity of care is also highly beneficial. The clinic is located inside the hospital, and we also have a fairly busy ER. When the records are all “under one roof ” in the cloud, the speed of access to these records helps the continuity of care. When employees are working with one integrated system as opposed to multiple interfaced systems, you have a better workflow.
When it comes to Stage 2 Meaningful Use, preparation is key to achieving success and minimizing problems, says Frank Beaman, CEO of Faith Community Hospital. The Texas-based hospital ramped up its Stage 2 focus at the beginning of 2014, making sure it had strong external support, the right technology in place, and the entire hospital team informed and engaged in the process.
A: We attested Stage 1 on June 3, 2011. We were successful in Stage 1 for three years, and we started the journey toward Stage 2 at the beginning of 2014.
A: I would say to make sure you get ahead of the implementation with your lead team. It’s important to be proactive with employees or groups that may not be highly tech-savvy and prepare them in advance. It’s also important to remember that, as a provider, participation is not optional. Therefore, communicate this to your employees and hold them accountable. If you are looking for a vendor or for a change in vendors, find one that understands your particular budget, work environment, and tech IQ. Make sure they can adjust the system and training to meet your specific needs.
