IRVINE, Calif., July 14, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abraxas Medical Solutions, Inc. (Abraxas), a leading provider of Electronic Health Records (EHR) software, announces its support for the long-awaited final rule on Meaningful Use of an EHR, as well as EHR Standards and Certification regulations released yesterday.
CMS' final rule clarifies provisions under the HITECH Act, a section of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) that provide incentive payments to qualified physicians for the adoption and meaningful use of certified EHRs. The incentive payments of up to $44,000 for Medicare providers, and $63,750 for Medicaid providers, are expected to play an instrumental role in accelerating the adoption and meaningful use of EHRs, resulting in a more connected and coordinated healthcare system, less medical errors and lower overall cost.
"We are pleased that with the release of the final rules yesterday, leading EHR vendors, such as Abraxas, can confirm their readiness to become a certified EHR vendor with confidence," said Ariel Shenhar, CEO of Abraxas. "Likewise, with final clarification on the requirements of Stage 1, providers are enables to make more informed decisions, and are encouraged to move ahead with their EHR selection and implementation plans following a much more clear road map to receive their incentive payments."
Since the release of the Interim Final Rule (IFR) on certification criteria, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Meaningful Use in December 2009, Abraxas has been studying the proposed objectives, their associated measures, and related guidelines, preparing its Abraxas EMR software to meet and exceed all the expected requirements to become a certified EHR software for ARRA purposes. In addition, Abraxas has been rapidly expanding its implementation team expecting a big surge in the market demand for its software products starting the second half of this year.
To educate the medical community and to help its clients and prospective clients receive the maximum incentive payments, Abraxas has been conducting a series of "Stimulus 101" webinars, and it will continue to do so at a more frequent pace. (For the most recent schedule, go to: Abraxas Events) In addition, Abraxas has participated in many educational seminars and events covering ARRA incentives. On the financial front, Abraxas has been a pioneer in facilitating purchase of its software products with no payments for six months.
"Already holding CCHIT certification, we are anxiously waiting for the next major milestone, the announcement of ARRA certifying bodies, so that we can apply to become a certified EHR for ARRA purposes," said Michael Bina, president of Abraxas. "Meanwhile, we continue our Stimulus Guarantee program so that medical providers can obtain and start implementing Abraxas EMR with confidence."
Useful Links:
-Final rule on standards and certification criteria for EHR technology
ABOUT ABRAXAS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
Abraxas, located in Irvine, California, develops and markets comprehensive Electronic Medical Records and Practice Management software to medical offices of different specialties nationwide. Abraxas Medical Solution's EHR software, Abraxas EMR Version 4.1 is a CCHIT 08 Certified® Ambulatory EHR. For more information please visit www.abraxasmedical.com.
Abraxas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OISI (OTCBB:OISI)
The Abraxas Medical Solutions logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7737