Yesterday, we pointed to a CDC study which revealed that while many providers intend to try to attest to Meaningful Use, many are still not prepared due to inadequate technology.

There is, however, another way: web-based services that offer providers a broad range of online practice management options.  One such service is ZH Healthcare, which has just announced a new educational program to share knowledge and experience with the OpenEMR community. OpenEMR is an ONC-ATB Ambulatory EHR 2011-2012 certified electronic health records and medical practice management application. It features fully integrated electronic health records, practice management, scheduling, eRX, and electronic billing.

According to ZH Healthcare chairman Shameem C. Hameed, “Because of the rich full features of the OpenEMR software coupled with the open source development approach of continual updates and enhancements, we recognize the need to have a better way to support and educate the growing community of OpenEMR users as well as those who are interested in learning more about an alternative EMR solution to the one they have.”

The new OpenEMR education program will provide online webinars two times per month on specific features and usage techniques of the OpenEMR system. Upcoming topics include Using Encounter Notes, Using eRX (New Crop), An Introduction to Meaningful Use, Optimizing Your Forms, and Using the Patient Portal.

The OpenEMR system was developed and is supported by the open-source development community with over 50 developer organizations having contributed to the project. ZH Healthcare, based in McLean, VA and Cochin, India, is one of only six recognized OpenEMR Certified Contributors.

With a team of over 75 information technology professionals, ZH Healthcare’s contributions to OpenEMR software include revenue cycle management features to enhance productivity, a patient portal to improve office and patient communication, eRx integration, lab integration and a notes editor to help physicians chart their client visits.