09:05 - 09:55 | Thu 16 Feb | Ballroom D | ThRAF.1
The Electronic Health Record (EHR) has been a major player on the healthcare scene in recent years. Its use has ushered in a new phase of focus on quality healthcare combined with and aided by technological integration. Within this technological integration have come adjutant tools including Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools. Among these applications are those focused on appropriate imaging by use of CDS designed according to Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC). The imaging CDS tools are available to aid the provider in selecting the appropriate imaging study for the clinical indications present. The Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) passed in April, 2014 outlined requirements to be directed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with a mandatory implementation of imaging CDS tools for certain providers with an initial deadline of January 2017. Although the deadline has been postponed, the PAMA mandate will be a requirement in the near future. With the imaging CDS mandate implementation looming in the future, affected facilities have an opportunity to prepare their facilities for it and provide education for physicians and staff. However, with the current adoption rate of the certified EHR, it is likely that there is also a delay in that of imaging CDS even though its efficacy has been proven. A survey of affected healthcare facilities was conducted in Bay County, Florida to determine readiness for the impending mandate.