Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in the Optometric Practice

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are transforming healthcare, particularly in optometry. EHRs are not just for efficient patient data management or insurance claims—they hold the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. Key benefits include improving care quality and safety, enhancing coordination, reducing disparities, and engaging patients and families in care decisions. Full adoption of optometry EHRs is vital for optometrists to offer top-tier patient care. https://pennsylvania.aoa.org/students-and-educators/clinical-care-and-practice-advancement/electronic-health-records-(ehr)-in-the-optometric-practice?sso=y

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is building a national EHR system to make electronic records available to all Americans by 2014. Programs like the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) provide incentives for healthcare providers to implement and utilize EHRs.

To assist optometrists, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has launched an EHR Preparedness Program. This program supports the efficient use of EHR technology to benefit patient care. https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/tools-and-resources/aoa-member-center/health-information-technology/ehr-preparedness?sso=y

The AOA Health Information Technology and Telemedicine Committee recommends that optometrists understand the government’s plans for a national EHR system and familiarize themselves with related incentive programs and deadlines. https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/tools-and-resources/aoa-member-center/health-information-technology/ten-things-optometrists-should-know-about-ehrs?sso=y Additionally, optometrists should assess various EHR systems to find the best fit for their practice.

More information on government legislation and EHR regulations is available on the AOA’s Health Information Technology page. https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/tools-and-resources/advocacy/health-information-technology?sso=y Optometrists with questions about EHR implementation or patient care enhancements should reach out to the AOA at EHR@aoa.org.

Source Links:

1. https://pennsylvania.aoa.org/students-and-educators/clinical-care-and-practice-advancement/electronic-health-records-(ehr)-in-the-optometric-practice?sso=y
2. https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/tools-and-resources/aoa-member-center/health-information-technology/ehr-preparedness?sso=y
3. https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/tools-and-resources/aoa-member-center/health-information-technology/ten-things-optometrists-should-know-about-ehrs?sso=y
4. https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/tools-and-resources/advocacy/health-information-technology?sso=y
5. https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/tools-and-resources/advocacy/health-information-technology/ehr-deadlines?sso=y