“Cash for Clunkers” Hits Health Care
The government's "Cash for Clunkers" program was a clever idea--and a pretty successful one to boot. Dealerships swelled with drivers ready to trade in their rag-tag autos for a sleek new ride. Salespeople moved inventory, the environment got some smog relief and buyers got a few Gs of credit. Automakers even joined the trend, offering their own cash back options.
Then funds ran out. A little too quickly for some who were saving up for a trade in, say, next month. It's not clear yet whether the program has long-term benefits, but the concept is already spreading.
On Sept. 1, MedPlexus, a practice management and EHR supplier, launched its own version of "Cash for Clunkers." Physicians who "trade in" their outdated practice management or EHR system for a MedPlexus integrated platform will earn $3,000-5,000 in cash payments. The company's products are CCHIT-certified, which--as of now--is the only certifying body that ensures alignment with "meaningful use" requirements. Doctors who effectively deploy certified systems can qualify for up to $64,000 in EHR incentive payments.
It's a tempting offer, especially for small practice physicians struggling to scrounge up the dough for a quality system. The press release is short on details; it's not clear how exactly to qualify, what determines the amount a doctor receives or how those payments will be levied. But contractual clauses and fine print are probably left for the wheeling and dealing once you sign on.
The gimmick may work, or it may flop. Like everything about EHRs these days, it all depends on physician response. If they're not ready to upgrade, a few thousand bucks won't send them shopping. But hey, if they just cashed in on the government program, maybe they'll dump their junk in one swoop.