Successfully implementing HIT into an office practice can bring improvements in both quality of patient care and practice profitability.  The implementation guide offers a nontechnical view of the steps necessary for the successful introduction of HIT with an emphasis on the needs of smaller practices.  This publication will walk you through the process of acquiring and learning to use HIT.

Viewing the publication is free ; however, if you would like to receive AMA PRA Category 1 credit™ , follow the online course instructions below. 

1. Download and read the Implementation Guide  ( PDF ).
2. Complete the  course evaluation  online.
3. Submit  CME processing fee  of $25.
4. Please note that your program evaluation and payment must be completed in order to receive CME credit.
5. TMA will mail you a CME transcript within two weeks. If you are insured by TMLT, TMA will forward your completion information directly to TMLT as a request for the premium discount. 

Direct questions regarding the course to the TMA Health Information Department, 401 W. 15th St., Austin, TX 78701-1680, or (800) 880-5720, or email  HIT .  

CME Accreditation

The Texas Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. TMA designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits . Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The Texas Medical Association designates this activity for 3 credits in ethics/professional responsibility education.

CME credit is available for the period of April 30, 2007, to April 30, 2010

Liability Insurance Discount

Physicians who are insured with Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT) may earn professional liability insurance discounts by participating in approved continuing education activities. TMLT policyholders who complete this course may earn a 3-percent discount (not to exceed $1,000), which will be applied to their next eligible policy period.

In conjunction with a practice review, TMLT policyholders may receive an additional 2.5-percent risk management discount for the use of EMRs or electronic prescribing (e-prescribing). Eligibility for this discount is contingent upon documented use of a system for a minimum of one year.  The program also must meet specific risk management criteria.  Call TMLT at (800) 580-8658, ext., 5912, for more information.

Target Audience

This publication is developed for physicians, practice managers, and administrators considering adoption of an electronic medical record system.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Discuss the efficiency and quality benefits of an electronic medical record (EMR) system;
• Evaluate your practice with a needs assessment to determine EMR readiness in terms of financial and operational variables;
• Discuss common EMR vendor contract issues and legal considerations for utilizing technology;
• Summarize necessary steps for selecting, implementing, and maintaining an EMR system.

Study Schedule

Disclosure of Commercial Affiliations

Policies and standards of the American Medical Association and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) require that authors and contributors for continuing medical education activities disclose any significant financial interests, relationships, or affiliations they have with commercial entities whose products, devices, or services may be discussed in their contribution to the material.

In accordance with the above policies, please note that authors and contributors have nothing to disclose.

Educational Support

TMA gratefully acknowledges educational support from BMD Services; DocSite; e-MDs; Greenway; MedcomSoft; and Pulse Systems, Inc.