Things You Should Know About CCHIT

The CCHIT provides important certification and services for EMR companies - but few know exactly what it means.

The CCHIT - or the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology - is a nonprofit organization aimed at spreading and speeding the adoption of EMR and EHR systems by physician practices and hospitals nationwide. While "CCHIT Certified" has become a key word in EMR language, few take interest in the history and detailed inner workings of the organization with such a strong influence over EMR processes.

The CCHIT was formed in 2004 with the intention of increasing EMR awareness and supporting its adoption by medical practices. One of their main goals has been to reduce the risks associated with the adoption of electronic healthcare technological systems, as well as to protect personal privacy of patients and ensure that EMR systems are interoperable. In 2006, the agency began certifying EMR technology for the US government, and the CCHIT Certification program serves as a separate and independently-developed certification of usefulness and interoperability.

The CCHIT regularly releases lists of certified vendors that it has deemed fit to sell a quality and functional EMR product. As "meaningful use" legislation pushes forward, EMR and CCHIT standards become increasingly important and EMR companies become more competitive for medical clients. Consulting companies provide free consulting services to physician practices and hospitals - a great way for doctors unsure of their options or who simply have no time to research to select an EMR vendor. Electronic medical record companies may be plentiful and offer a range of products, but smart selection and consulting simplifies the process and streamlines medical offices.