Definition
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) refers to an independent, non-profit organization that ensures the quality of health information technology systems. It provides certification to health IT products and systems, signifying that they meet certain standards for functionality, interoperability, and security. CCHIT’s certification assures healthcare providers that the product meets the needs of modern healthcare practices while maintaining the privacy and security of health information.
Phonetic
The phonetic pronunciation of “Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology” is: “Surt-uh-fi-kay-shun Com-mish-un for Health-care In-fohr-may-shun Tech-nol-uh-jee”
Key Takeaways
- Role and Influence: The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) played a significant role in building standards and certification criteria for Healthcare Information Technology (HIT). Their certification programs were widely recognized and influential in the HIT industry until they ceased operations in 2014.
- Impact on Quality and Efficiency: The main goal of the CCHIT was to ensure the deployment of safe and effective HIT systems. Their certified products helped in improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare, thereby enhancing patient care.
- Evolution and Dissolution: Initially recognized by the US Department of Health and Human Services as a certification body, the CCHIT later adapted its certification program to meet the requirements of the Meaningful Use program. Eventually, the organization shut down in 2014 due to financial constraints.
Importance
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) is important because it is an independent, not-for-profit group that certifies electronic health record (EHR) technology in the United States. It establishes standards and tests software to ensure its functionality, interoperability, security, and usability for healthcare professionals. This certification legitimizes EHR products and provides assurance to health provider organizations looking to implement such systems. Additionally, the CCHIT contributes to fostering a more efficient, effective, and high-quality health care delivery system through its rigorous certification process. By doing so, it promotes public trust in health IT and aids towards the enhancement of health care services.
Explanation
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) is an entity that served a fundamental role in maintaining and advancing the quality of health information technology. Its main purpose was to provide a clear, comprehensive certification process for these health information technology systems in place. Ambulatory electronic health records, inpatient electronic health records, and e-prescribing applications were among the systems it catered to. This certification process was beneficial as it empowered healthcare providers with the certainty that the technology they were using met a certain sets of standards, which would ensure patient safety and efficient healthcare delivery.CCHIT certified health information technology facilitated the healthcare sector’s shift from paper-based systems to electronic systems, allowing for a more streamlined approach to data management, improved patient care, and increased operational efficiency. With the standards set by CCHIT, providers had the confidence that their digital infrastructure was secure, interoperable with other systems, and up-to-date with the latest technology. Though the CCHIT ceased operations in 2014, its substantial impact on facilitating a structured and benchmarked approach to healthcare technology has remained influential in the continual evolution of the health information technology industry.
Examples
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 to certify electronic health record systems. The goal of certification is to promote the adoption and effective use of health information technology (HIT) in order to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.1. Electronic Health Record (EHR) Certification: The EHR certification program was one of the fundamental roles of the CCHIT. The purpose of this program was to test and certify EHR products to ensure they met the required standards and functionalities for managing patient health information. Tech companies creating these systems could get them certified by CCHIT to ensure their product’s safety, security and functionality. 2. Interoperability Certification: CCHIT also played a significant role in certifying the interoperability of HIT systems. This function assured the ability of health information systems to work alongside each other and exchange data accurately, effectively, and consistently. For example, in 2007, the CCHIT awarded interoperability certification to several health information exchange (HIE) systems.3. Certification of Healthcare IT Standards: CCHIT developed certification criteria for health IT products based on standards recognized by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). This function helped to advance the compliance of products to mandatory standards. For instance, Allscripts’ enterprise electronic health record (EHR) solution received 2011/2012 EHR certification from the CCHIT, demonstrating that it met the criteria defined by the ONC.It should be noted that although CCHIT ceased operations in 2014 due to financial issues, the adoption and certification of health IT standards still continue under other entities guided by the ONC.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Q: What is the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT)?A: The CCHIT is a not-for-profit organization with the public mission of accelerating the adoption of robust, interoperable health information technology. The Commission certifies electronic health record technology compliance with a comprehensive set of functional, interoperability, and security criteria.Q: How does the CCHIT certification process work?A: Companies that create electronic health record technology (EHRs) send their product to CCHIT. CCHIT uses a comprehensive set of criteria to ensure that the product meets high quality, security, and interoperability standards. If the product passes all tests, it’s CCHIT certified.Q: What are the benefits of CCHIT certification?A: CCHIT certification serves as a seal of approval indicating that a health information technology (HIT) product meets high standards for functionality, interoperability, and security. This can help healthcare providers feel confident in their selection of EHR technology.Q: Is CCHIT certification mandatory for a Healthcare IT product?A: No, CCHIT certification is not mandatory. It is a voluntary certification process that vendors can use to demonstrate the quality and reliability of their products.Q: Can healthcare providers receive incentives for using CCHIT-certified products?A: Yes, healthcare providers may be eligible for incentives under programs like the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs if they adopt and meaningfully use certified EHR technology.Q: How often is the CCHIT certification renewed?A: Once a product is CCHIT certified, the certification is valid for a period of three years. After that, the product must be re-evaluated and re-certified.Q: Can the CCHIT certification be revoked?A: Yes, if a company doesn’t continue to meet its certification criteria, CCHIT has the right to revoke its certification. Q: What happens if a product fails the CCHIT certification process?A: If a product fails the certification process, the vendor is given an opportunity to rectify the issues and then they may choose to have the product retested. Failure to meet the criteria could potentially limit the product’s marketability and interoperability with other systems.
Related Finance Terms
- Electronic Health Record (EHR)
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare Interoperability
- Technology Certification
- Healthcare IT Standards
