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Answer to Your Question

What are certified electronic health records? Should I only choose a product that is ONC-certified?

Certified electronic health records External Links Disclaimer (EHRs) are EHRs that have been tested and certified under the Temporary Certification Program maintained by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).

Certified EHRs have the capabilities, functionalities, and security necessary for you to achieve meaningful use and qualify for incentive payments. There are now more than 1,000 certified products listed on the Certified Health IT Product List External Links Disclaimer (CHPL), which is updated as new products are certified.

You should choose an EHR product that is ONC-certified. Eligible health care professionals and eligible hospitals must use certified EHR technology in order to achieve meaningful use and qualify for incentive payments.

To view a full list of certified EHRs and learn more about EHR certification, see “Where can I find a full list of certified electronic health records?”

Implementing EHRs – Selecting or Upgrading to a Certified EHR

How do I select a vendor?
Timing of the Vendor Selection Process There are several different options for how you might select a vendor. Some practices go through the planning electronic health record (EHR)...
How should rural health providers evaluate electronic health record (EHR) vendors?
When selecting an electronic health record (EHR) system, pay special attention to the type of provider and market that each vendor typically serves, as well as the amount of support a vendor provides...
What should I include in a vendor RFI/RFP?
Timing & Basics After you assess your electronic health record (EHR) needs, set EHR goals, make key decision about must-have EHR capabilities, and narrow the vendor field, you should draft a...
What factors should I consider when selecting a vendor?
Key Factors to Consider The following are several considerations for electronic health record (EHR) vendor comparison that Regional Extension Centers (RECs) have found useful. Consider these...
Where can I find a full list of certified electronic health records?
The Certified HIT Product List The Certified HIT Product List (CHPL) provides the authoritative, comprehensive listing of complete electronic health records (EHRs) and EHR modules that have been...
Which electronic health record (EHR) system should I purchase?
The good news is that there are plenty of options. In fact, there are over 440 complete Certified EHR products for the ambulatory market. Consequently, the selection process can take time. The...
What are important items to include in a vendor contract?
Factors to Consider in Contract Negotiations To avoid costly mistakes, make sure to consider the following factors when negotiating your vendor contract.1,2 Contract negotiation is a critical...
What is an ONC-authorized testing and certification body?
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) authorized six organizations to perform complete electronic health record (EHR) and/or EHR module testing and certification. These six...
What does "interoperability" mean and why is it important?
The Basics A complex health care system requires diverse electronic health record (EHR) products. Interoperability refers to the architecture or standards that make it possible for diverse...