APTA's new Guide to Understanding and Adopting Electronic Health Records (EHR) aims to help physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) assess and implement EHRs.

Although PTs are not yet required or incentivized to adopt EHR systems for such initiatives as Medicare's Meaningful Use Program, which in 2015 will penalize eligible providers who do not meet the requirements for "meaningful use," physicians and facilities that are included in the program will expect PTs and PTAs with whom they share patients to use compatible EHR systems.

The guide takes users through 4 steps:   

• Part 1 – Decision: This section provides background information on why there is a push to adopt EHR and a brief introduction to the federal issues that impact physical therapist practice.

• Part 2 – Preparation: This section provides basic information on what PTs and PTAs will need to understand for successful adoption of an EHR system, including what constitutes an EHR and provides suggestions to help consider your current environment and workflow.

• Part 3 – Selection: This section will expand the user's knowledge about the available types of EHR software and hardware, and also provides considerations for choosing the right partner.

• Part 4 – Implementation: This section shows how successful implementation makes a smooth transition when adopting an EHR. An organized approach and clear communication with all members of a facility's staff is described and suggestions for implementation are provided.