By now, the term "Meaningful Use" or "EHR Incentive" is embedded in our vernacular. Many practices are eager to reap the payoff promised by CMS for those who adopt and use an EHR in a meaningful way.

If you are among the practices who already have an EHR or are contemplating purchasing one this year, read on!

Is this your scenario? You have your EHR in place, your software vendor tells you your version is now "Meaningful Use Ready" and you are scurrying around the office to make sure that all of your "I's" are dotted and "T's" are crossed.

As you review the 15 Core Objectives as outlined for Meaningful Use, you see toward the bottom of the list, "Protect electronic health information created or maintained by the certified EHR technology through the implementation of appropriate technical capabilities." You think to yourself. Sure. It's protected, well, isn't it?

Dig deeper and you will find that the guidelines tell us that in order to meet this objective, as part of your risk management process you must:

Conduct or review a security risk analysis

Implement security updates as necessary

Correct identified security deficiencies

And drumroll please: Physicians and other staff handling protected health information (PHI) are required to understand HIPAA privacy and security requirements (and get HIPAA Awareness training).

But HIPAA is old hat, right? Think again! Have your policies and procedures (do you even have a HIPAA manual?) been updated to account for your new EHR or do they reference paper charts?

KZA is pleased to introduce you to our newest business partner, Med Tech USA, who can guide you through the nuances of Meaningful Use and HIPAA.

Visit http://hipaaaudit.com/Zupko/ take their quick Meaningful Use quiz.