Ophthalmology Patient Portal and Online Communication Editorial

The Whirlwind of Meaningful Use

The new year's launch has been a whirlwind.  On December 30th of last year a mighty wind emerged from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). The interim final rule defining Meaningful Use requirements for receipt of federal stimulus ARRA funds together with CMS's notice for proposed rule making on the same topic have set healthcare technology companies sailing.  This doesn't mean we are all headed the same way, nor does it mean the waters are calm, but it has created a powerful force with which we must contend.

For doctors, the concept of meaningful use elicits a spectrum of reactions. Some are intent on getting federal money to pay for an investment they have already made. Others are unsure what hoops they will be asked to jump through, but are willing to give it a try.  A final constituency believes EMR technology should be pursued on its own merits and in the context of the practice's business - not to pursue a tax credit.  Predictably, these variations depend on a practice's unique 

 Marc-François Bradley
 President & CEO
 Sophrona Solutions

attributes.

On the healthcare technology side, I would liken normal market forces to the typical currents, tides, eddies, and doldrums we are all accustomed to facing.  The clarified Meaningful Use requirements represent a sheer gale attempting to push all our sails in one direction.  For some this represents a welcome wind from the doldrums, for others who were already moving along comfortably it is a face wind.  For most, it requires using the wind to our advantage, but not losing sight of what matters to our clients and making sure we continue to deliver what the market needs.

Sophrona understands the integral role patient portals and the internet can play, promoting practice efficiency and profitability. We will continue to lead the market - to innovate and deliver cutting edge solutions in ophthalmology. If a practice chooses to meet the Meaningful Use requirements, we will ensure its success with portal based communications solutions to lessen the burden. 

I close by reflecting on the below tides chart that shows the demographics of internet users. Take a minute to study it as it portends future opportunities for efficient information management and communication, a wave all want to master.  What age groups are growing the fastest? Who are your patients? And how are you meeting their needs online? A patient portal is in your future.