HIT Tools and Educational Material

1. HCMS
2. TMA
3. AMA
4. CMS

Tools and Grids

1. HCMS
2. TMA
3. AMA
4. CMS
5. TrailBlazer

Outside Links & Web Sites

1. TMA
2. AMA
3. CMS
4. ONC
5. GCREC
6. GHH
7. SureScripts
8. TrailBlazer
9. Degrees and Certifications for HIT
10. Other Sources  

• EHR
  • HIT Parade-Great return on investment in February HCMS Physician Newsletter, Feb 15, 2012
  • HIT Parade-TMA's Meaningful Use Achievemtn Toolkit HCMS Physician Newsletter Feb 15, 2012
  • Roadmap for EHRs-Your travel made easy HCMS Physician Newsletter, Aug 2011 issue
  • Buying an EMR-Do your homework! Part I HCMS Physician Newsletter, Oct 1, 2011 issue
  • President's Page - Are you plugged in? HCMS Physician Newsletter, Oct 1, 2011
  • President's Page - Buying an EMR? - Do your homework! Part I - HCMS Physician newsletter, Oct 1, 2010
  • Texas RECs offer HIT series Jan/Feb 2012 - Jan 4 webinar on Legal Issues for EHR Contracting HCMS Physician Newsletter, Dec 15, 2011
  • The HIT Parade - EHR buyer beware and you selected an EHR-now what? HCMS Physician Newsletter, July 15, 2011
  • Hot Topic - Medicaid e-Prescribing easier HHSC has implemented new procedures to allow physicians in the Medicaid program to write prescriptions for brand name drugs using an EHR. HCMS Physician Newsletter, Nov 1, 2011
  • Refining EHR usage HCMS Physician Newsletter, May 1, 2011 issue
  • Gaining the most from your EMR-Part II HCMS physician Newsletter, Oct 1, 2010 issue
  • Registration for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs is now open HCMS Physician Newsletter, February 1, 2011 issue
  • HIT Parade - Texas Medicare, Medicaid EHR incentives reach $30 million HCMS Physician Newsletter, Nov 1, 2011 issue.
  • HIT Parade - Education and Assistance. TMA HIT hotline, what EHR incentive programs are right for my office? What steps are required to earn EHR incentives? HCMS Physician Newsletter, Aug 2011 issue.
  • Established EMR users - This article is for you! Meet meaningful use and receive bonus payment. HCMS Physician Newsletter, Nov 15, 2010 issue.
  • HIT Parade - Successful reporting of clinical quality measures (CQMs) HCMS Physician Newsletter, Oct 1, 2011
  • HIT Parade - Attestation worksheet for Medicare EHR incentive program, HCMS Physician Newsletter, Oct 15, 2011 issue - for help to log meaningful use measures
  • HIT Parade - Attestation worksheet for Medicare EHR incentive program HCMS physician Newsletter, Oct 15, 2011 issue - for help to log meaningful use measures
  • HIT Parade - EHR incentive Q&A - I see patients in multiple locations, so should I include all patient encounters in the denominator? HCMS physician Newsletter, Sept 1, 2011 issue.
  • Medicare EHR incentives different for participation in Medicare Advantage Plans HCMS physician Newsletter, February 1, 2011
  • Texas Medicaid EHR incentive payments begain in May 2011 HCMS Physician Newsletter, March 1, 2011 issue
• E-PRESCRIBING
• Avoid 1.5% 2013 E-Prescribing penalty -Hit Parade, HCMS Physician Newsletter, April 1, 2012
• Deadline December 31, 2011, to receive the e-RX 2011 Medicare bonus - HIT Parade,HCMS Physician Newsletter, Nov 15, Dec 1, and Dec 15, 2011
• The HIT Parade - Avoid the 2013 eRx penalty HCMS Physician Newsletter, Sept 1, 2011 issue
• Final rule on 2012 Medicare e-precribing penalty HCMS Physician Newsletter, Sept 15, 2011
• VERSION 5010 AND ICD-10-CM
• Version 5010 delayed until July 1 - Hit Parade, HCMS Physician Newsletter, April 1, 2012
• HIT Parade-HIPAA 5010 can I revert to paper claims If you are still struggling with conversion to HIPAA 5010, there are only 2 possible ways that you can file paper claims HCMS Physician Newsletter, Feb 1, 2012
• HIT Parade-5010 Update find out which payers will not pay physicians as of Jan. 1, 2012 if they are not using Version 5010 to submit their claims HCMS Physician Newsletter, Jan 15, 2012
• HIT Parade - Jan 1 deadline for 5010 implementation HCMS Physician Newsletter, Dec 1, 2011 new
• Hit Parade - Jan 1, 2012, deadline for 5010 implementation HCMS Physician Newsletter, Nov 15, 2011
• Hot Topics - Countdown to 5010 HCMS Physician Newsletter, August 2011 issue
• The HIT Parade - 5010 implementation clarification HCMS Physician Newsletter, July 2011 issue
• Version 5010 - You should be doing external testing now HCMS Physician Newsletter, March 1, 2011 issue
• HIPAA alert! 4010 to 5010 HCMS Physician Newsletter, Dec 1, 2010 and Dec 15, 2010 issues
• HIPAA alert! Mandated change in the near future HCMS Physician Newsletter, Nov 15, 2010 issue
• HIPAA change begins in January HCMS Physician Newsletter, Nov 1, 2010 issue
• HIPAA Alert! Mandated change in the near future (version 5010) HCMS Physician Newsletter, Oct 15, 2010 issue
• Prep for another HIPAA change (version 5010) HCMS Physician Newsletter, June 2010 issueICD-10-CM
• Texas RECs offer HIT series - ICD-10 (Webinar Feb 1, 2012) HCMS Physician Newsletter, Dec 15, 2011 new
• Organized medicine opposes ICD-10 implementation HCMS Physician Newsletter, Dec 15, 2011 new
• ICD-9 Comparison to ICD-10 = Effective 10-1-2013 - comparison chart - HCMS Physician Newsletter (Hot Topics), Nov 1, 2011 issue
• HIT Parade - 5010 Deadlines HCMS Physician Newsletter, Dec 15, 2011 new

• EHR
• TMA - 2009 EMR SURVEY
  • TMA 2009 EHR Special Survey Flyer
  • TMA 2009 Fall EMR full survey Report
  • TMA EMR Survey - Harris County Comparison
• The Gift of Sharing - Health Information Exchanges Can Improve Patient Care Texas Medicine (TMA), Feb 2011 issue members only
• TMA comments to HHS on proposed rules for Stage 2 meaningful use (Feb 25, 2011) (Medicare/Medicaid)
• TMA comments to CMS about EHR Incentive Program and meaningful use (March 15, 2010) (Medicare/Medicaid)

• EHR
• AMA - Answer to HIT FAQs

• Incentive Calculator HCMS has developed a calculator to assist you and your staff in evaluating the Medicare incentives. The calculator gives you an opportunity to see how penalties and the incentives will affect you in different scenarios new 2012(members only)
• Compliance Calendar HCMS has developed a interactive Calendar to help you and your staff keep track of all the various government agency deadlines and key health policy issues that impact Harris County physicians new 2012
  

• EHR
• TMA Implementation Guide
• EMR Implementation Guide, 2nd Edition - Texas Medical Association. This implementation guide offers a nontechnical view of the steps necessary for the successful introduction of HIT with an emphasis on the needs of a smaller practice. This publication will walk you through the process of acquiring and learning to use HIT
• Medicare and Medicaid EMR Incentive Comparison TMA comparison chart
• Meaningful Use Stage 1 Criteria-Final Rule TMA chart (Medicare/Medicaid)
• EHR Buyer Beware:Issues to Consider When Contracting with EHR Vendors-Texas Medical Association. This information discusses eight important EHR contract terms to consider before signing an EHR contract
• EMR Product Evaluation Tools - Texas Medical Association. For product and price comparison tools for the top vendors...members only
• TMA-Meaningful Use Achievement Toolkit (NextGen, GE/Centricity, e-MDs, Greenway Medical) - EHR product specific screenshots and video demonstrations giving detailed demonstrations on meeting any one of the 25 meaninful use criteria.

• E-Prescribing
• CMS Web site on e-prescribing
• ICD-10
• ICD-10 Education and Tools Grid provides a list of courses and tools being offered by various institutions. 
• Simple Solutions ICD-10 Transition Software to assist practices with the transition to ICD-10. This tool, available as a download or web-based, will help you quickly and easily identify which ICD-10 codes replace the ICD-9-CM codes your practice uses now.
  
• An on-demand webinar, ICD-10 Starts With Physicians: A Primer for Beginning the Process.
  
• On-site ICD-10 training. The one-hour and half-day programs are customized to your needs.
  
• You can start by watching the short TMA video, "Doctor, What's Your Role in Transitioning to ICD-10?
  
• TMA Practice Consulting offers a variety of services to help ensure your reimbursement doesn't suffer during the ICD-9 to ICD-10 transition. Contact TMA Practice Consulting by telephone at (800) 523-8776 or email practice.consulting@texmed.org. 

• E-Prescribing
• A Clinician's Guide to Electronic Prescribing (eHealth Initiative Foundation)

• EHR
  • Eligible Professional (EP) Health Info Technology Incentive Planner 2010-2012  
• Version 5010 and ICD-10-CM
  • Version 5010
    • Version 5010 Resource Card - Taking Electronic Billing and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to the Next Level
    • Important Update Regarding 5010 Implementation - Action Needed Now (CMS MLN SE1131)  
    • Checklist for Level 1 Testing Activities (checklist)  
    • The Transition to Version 5010 (fact sheet)  
    • Provider Action Checklist for a Smooth Transition (checklist)  
    • Talking to Your Vendors About ICD-10 and Version 5010: Tips for Medical Practices (PDF)  
    • An Introductory Overview of the HIPAA 5010  
  • ICD-10-CM
    • The ICD-10 Transition: An Introduction - intro fact sheet (CMS)  
    • ICD-10-CM: An Introduction - overview sheet (CMS)   
    • ICD-10-CM: Myths and Facts (CMS)   
    • ICD-10 Overview PowerPoint presentation  
    • ICD-10 Basics for Medical Practices - prep checklist  
    • Talking to Your Vendors About ICD-10 and Version 5010: Tips for Medical Practices  
    • GEMs-Crosswalk - General Equivalence Mappings - basic facts  
    • GEMs-Crosswalk - General Equivalence Mappings - technical facts  

• Version 5010 and ICD-10-CM
  • ANSI Version 5010 Testing Procedures... (booklet)
  • Are You Ready to Test Q&A... (brochure)
  • Medicare-Fee-For-Service Standard Companion Guide-Intructions for 5010 Implementation (revised July 2011)
  • Are You Ready to Test Q&A (brochure)
  • ANSI Version 5010 Testing Procedures (booklet)
  • Version 5010 to CMS-1500 Crosswalk (PDF)-Document from TrailBlazer to help with correct claims submission during and after your transition from 4010 to 5010

• EHR
  • Can I benefit from these three incentive programs at once? TMA discuss PQRS, e-RX, and EHR incentive programs  
  • TMA Web site on HIT
    • TMA offers free 30 minutes phone consultation (1-800-880-5720)  
  • TMA - HIPAA and HITECH  
  • TMA Implementation Guide (TMA)   
• E-Prescribing
  • TMA Health Information Technology (HIT department)
    • Free 30 minute phone consultation with the TMA HIT department.   
    • To schedule consultation e-mail: HIT@texmed.org TMA HIT helpline: 1-800-880-5720   
  • Get RX Connected This website from TMA will help guide you through the steps of establishing a secure electronic prescribing connection to your local pharmacies.  
  • Practice Technology  
  • E-Prescribing (eRX)  
  • Stimulus Funds for HIT  
  • Federal Stimulus Package  
  • HIPAA Security  
  • Electronic Signatures : What they are, and are they legally valid?  
• Versio 5010 and ICD-10-CM
  • TMA HIPAA 5010 Resource Center  
  • Affected by HIPAA 5010? You need to test claims transactions even if you or your practice does not submit electronic claims directly to payers, you have a stake in the sucessful testing to ensure billing claims will result in payment for your services (e.g., using a clearinghouse and locum tenens physicians) new  
  • 5010 Vendors - Questions and Contacts - key questions to ask and a list of popular Texas vendors new  
  • HIPAA 5010 testing takes a coordinated effort  
  • Why you want to be on board with Version 5010 by Jan 1, 2012  
  • Avoid a cash flow logjam with the 5010 transition  
  • TMA Resources on ICD-10  
  • ICD-10 Webinar series  

• EHR
  • AMA-Implementing Health IT
  • AMA - HIT
• E-Prescribing
  • AMA Health Information Technology (AMA) For an overview of Health Information Technology.
  • Health IT Basics on E-Prescribing (AMA) for help with understanding how e-prescribing systems work.
  • Implementing Health IT (AMA) Follow a four-step program: prepare, select, implement and maintain.
  • Zero-In RX ePrescribing Learning Center (AMA) find a system, read reviews, calculate time savings and Medicare incentive program, determine practice costs, learn about implementing a system
• Version 5010 and ICD-10-CM
  • AMA Resources on Version 5010
  • AMA Resources on ICD-10

• EHR
  • CMS Web site on Certified EHR Technology  
• Version 5010 and ICD-10-CM
  • Version 5010
    • CMS Web site on Version 5010 (overview main page)  
    • GetReady5010 -CMS Web site with resources and regular FREE webinars to assist entities with implmentation of and compliance with the new 5010 electronic standards.  
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Version 5010  
    • CMS Web site on Version 5010 Educational Resources  
    • CMS 5010 National Educational Conference Calls (with downloads from past calls)  
    • CMS Web site on Electronic Billing and EDI Transactions-5010 and D.0 - side by side comparison documents - 4010 to 5010   
  • ICD-10-CM
    • CMS Web site on ICD-10-CM (overview main page)  
    • CMS Web site on ICD-10-CM Latest News  
    • CMS Web site on ICD-10-CM Provider Resources
    • CMS Web site on ICD-10-CM Medicare Fee-for-Service Provider Resources  
    • CMS Web site on ICD-10-CM Latest News  
    • CMS Web site on ICD-10 Industry Email Updates  
    • CMS Web site on CMS Sponsored ICD-10 Teleconferences  
    • 2012 ICD-10-PCS and GEMs 2012 what's new, coding guidelines, code tables... (CMS) new  
    • 2011 ICD-10-CM and GEMs 2011 reimbursement mappings, descriptions... (CMS)   
    • 2011 ICD-10-PCS and GEMs 2011 official coding guidelines, code descriptions... (CMS)  

• Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
• ONC Certified HIT Product List (CHPL)
• Temporary Certification Program

• Texas RECs
  • Texas RECs offer HIT series Jan/Feb 2012 - Jan 4 webinar on Legal Issues for EHR Contracting HCMS Physician Newsletter, Dec 15, 2011
• Gulf Coast Regional Extension Center (GCREC)
  • Gulf Coast Regional Extention Center (GCREC) - assistance for physicians Now Through February 29, 2012, new members can enroll for a reduced cost of $150. new

• Greater Houston Healthconnect (GHH)-formerly known as Greater Houston Health Information Exchange (GHHIE)
  • GHH is a Texas non-profit corporation whose mission is to develop and implement an electronic health information exchange for the greater Houston region.

• E-Prescribing
  • How E-Prescribing Works (SureScripts)
  • E-Prescribing 101 (SureScripts) documents and resources such as a Quick Start Guide, Clinician's Guide to e-Prescribing, Understanding the Benefits of E-Prescribing, etc.
  • Certified E-Prescribing Software

• Version 5010 and ICD-10-CM
• Important update regarding 5010 implementation - Action Needed Now (TrailBlazer Notice 14576, 10/5/2011)
• 5010 Information (main page)
• calendar of events...
• Approved ANSI v5010 Errata Vendors Web page
• ERA 835 Testing for 5010
• PC Print software
• ICD-10 Implementation - TrailBlazer Health Enterprises

• Houston Community College-Coleman College for Health Science
  • 2 year Associate Degree in Applied Science.  Upon completion of the program, graduates can apply for certification examination to become:
    • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
    • Certified Coding Associate (CCA) sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
    • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
  • Six Month Continuing Education Program (online)
    • This is a six month program geared toward individuals already working in the healthcare or information technology field who would like to learn more Health Information Technology
    • Students focus on one of the follwing six workforce roles:
      • Practice workflow and information management redesign specialist
      • Clinician/practitioner Consultant
      • Implementation Support Specialist
      • Implementation Manager
      • Technical/Software Support Staff
      • Trainer
    • Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to sit for the national competency exam developed by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
• Lone Star College System-Health Information Technology Program
  • 2 year Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.  Upon completion of the program, graduates can apply for certification examination to become Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT)
  • 1 year certification program.  Upon completion, graduates can apply for certification examination to become a Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston-School of Biomedical Informatics
  • Graduate certificate program
    • For professionals with a Bachelor's degree already working in the healthcare or information technology field who would like to learn more about Health Information Technology (HIT)
    • The program consists of 5 semester long classes.  Individuals can choose to participate in a set of 5 classes focusing on health informatics or choose any 5 classes from the catalog
  • Master of Science in Health Informatics 
    • Traditional or on-line format offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Health Informatics  

• Health Plans and Clearing Houses
• Aetna - Electronic connectivity - 5010 transaction upgrade
• BCBSTX - Preparing for ANSI 5010 and ICD-10 Overview
• CIGNA - Web portal for healthcare professionals
• Molina Healthcare - HIPAA 5010 Readiness
• TrailBlazer Health - 5010 Information and ICD-10 Implementation
• United Healthcare Online - HIPAA 5010 and ICD-10
• Availity - 5010 and ICD 10
• Emdeon - HIPAA 5010 FAQs
• For links to some other health plan Web sites, please see our
• Managed Care Info Web page