When choosing a vendor, ask all pertinent questions. For instance, history of the vendor, current and past clients, ownership of data, past legal issues, cost, and responsibility for accuracy of data. Always obtain a list of references.

In October, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its final rule for Stage 3 of the Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, along with numerous changes to Stages 1 and 2, as well as 2015 EHR certification criteria.

Bandwidth advancements and greater device capacity have enabled the sharing of high-density files like PACS and other diagnostic images, so physicians can join in on consults even from remote locations. Yet despite the convenience and immediate response capabilities, there are various security issues that must be addressed before confidential patient image files are viewed in public, says Allan Ridings, senior risk management and patient safety specialist with the Cooperative of American Physicians.

Many offices neglect to realize converting to an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system is different for each person. Each individual has different levels of comfort with a computer.

When documenting patient encounters, CAP physicians are encouraged to review their notes prior to signing. If there is a need to correct, modify, or change the record, you should identify the note, enter the new data, and/or refer to the specific encounter, if necessary.