Why Your EHR’s Certification Matters: Insights from Dr. Sara Pastoor on KevinMD

Your Electronic Health Record (EHR)'s matters more than you think. In a recent KevinMD.com article, Dr. Sara Pastoor, Elation Health’s Head of Primary Care Advancement, highlights why Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT) is crucial for primary care practices.

What is CEHRT and Why Does It Matter?

CEHRT indicates that an EHR system meets the federal standards set by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). These standards ensure:

• Seamless Interoperability: Secure and efficient data sharing between providers, patients, and healthcare organizations to support coordinated care.
• Robust Functionality: Essential tools like e-prescribing, clinical decision support, and quality reporting help optimize workflows in primary care settings.
• Data Security and Compliance: Adherence to HIPAA regulations, encryption protocols, and secure access controls protect patient information.
• Alignment with Federal Programs: Certified EHRs enable participation in Medicare and Medicaid Promoting Interoperability and Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
• Success in Value-Based Care: With built-in tools for population health management and quality reporting, CEHRT-certified systems support the shift toward value-based care models.

CEHRT: A Must-Have for Modern Primary Care

For primary care practices, using a CEHRT-certified EHR isn’t just about checking a regulatory box—it’s about ensuring better patient outcomes, data security, and long-term practice success. As Dr. Pastoor emphasizes, understanding and prioritizing EHR certification is key to navigating today’s healthcare landscape.

Want to learn more? Read Dr. Sara Pastoor’s full article on KevinMD.com.