OAKLAND, Calif. -- Nov 10, 2011 -- SuiteMed™, a leader in ambulatory clinical systems, has been named a preferred vendor of electronic health records (EHRs) by the CalOptima Regional Extension Center (COREC). SuiteMed and COREC are pairing up to take part in the national effort to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of health care through EHRs. In partnership with eight leading Orange County medical groups, COREC is working to support providers in transitioning from paper to electronic medical records.

“We are here to help Orange County providers adopt, implement and qualify for federal incentives to defray the cost of buying and transitioning to a certified EHR,” said Karynsue Frank, director of COREC. “COREC is vendor-neutral and will assist providers in selecting and implementing any EHR certified by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. However, our preferred vendors offer pre-negotiated bundled solutions to ensure enrolled physicians meet Stage 1 meaningful use and receive a suitable platform at preferred pricing.”

For a limited time, CalOptima-contracted physicians can receive $1,000 for enrolling in COREC’s program. Medicare providers can receive up to $44,000 over five years if they meet the federal requirements. Medi-Cal providers can receive up to $63,750.

The 2011–12 time frame is critical for doctors to start down the path to a certified EHR solution. Regulations allow medical professionals to qualify for a full year of federal grant payments if they demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records for only three months. In future years, medical professionals must show meaningful use for a full year.

The CalOptima Regional Extension Center (COREC) is a nonprofit public venture by CalOptima Foundation established to serve and support the community of clinical providers in Orange County in becoming a dept and meaningful users of electronic health record systems. COREC has fostered the collaboration of health information technology specialists to develop strategies and practices that streamline adoption of electronic health records. COREC is a federally designated Regional Extension Center funded by the Office of the National Coordinator, Department of Health and Human Service, Award Number: 90R C0066. For more information about COREC, visit www.corecoc.org or call 855-241-1145.