MCMS hosted its quarterly Office Manager Roundtable at the Ledges for Practice Administrators and Member Physicians in July. The topic "Meaningful Use: The Law" concerning Electronic Health Records presented by Marla Clinkscales of Management and Medical Services, LLC, was well received and provided information about newly released guidelines for electronic health records including standards and criteria that physicians must meet to demonstrate meaningful use and qualify for incentive payments.

The timetable for implementation was discussed and OMC Final Rule definitions were examined, as well as Medicaid and Medicare distinctions. Mike Bice introduced the Alabama Regional Extension Center (ALREC) which was authorized by the HITECH Act of 2009 to promote physician adoption, implementation, and Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records.

Also, discussed was the strategic plan for the Alabama Health Information Exchange. As the new documents are reviewed, MCMS is committed to sharing information to assist members in implementing EHR and qualifying for incentive payments.