Apart from licensed health professionals, only credentialed medical assistants are eligible to enter data into the electronic health record.

1. Credentialed Medical Assistants
For EHR Data Entry

2. New certification for Credentialed Medical Assistants
for EHR Data Entry meets CMS guidelines
Though EHRs are helping in the management of health care records, most
physicians are finding it cumbersome and time consuming to enter patient
data into the system. According to a report presented at the American
Academy of Family Physicians, resident physicians are spending additional
time of 16 minutes a day on EHR documentation. Patient care and
professional satisfaction are also affected as the physician is has to enter
the data into the digital system during the consultation. Many physicians
had resorted to employing medical scribes to help with the data entry. The
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) took a cue from this
trend and introduced a new assessment based recognition (ABR) program
to meet the rules of the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) on order
entry staff.
Overcoming the Challenge of Data Entry in EHR
As EHR data entry cuts down academic learning time and the ability to
practice hands-on patient care, it is better that physicians have personnel
with necessary expertise to help with documentation. AAMA announced that
as of January 1, 2013, only “credentialed medical assistants” (apart
licensed health professionals) can enter medication, radiology, and
laboratory orders into the electronic health record (EHR). Only such entry
would be considered as meeting the meaningful use conditions of the
Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, said AAMA.
Only medical assistants who are graduates from a CAAHEP or ABHES
accredited medical assisting program are eligible for the CMA (AAMA)
Certification Examination. Working medical assistants who are not
graduates from this program are ineligible for the CMA (AAMA) Certification
Exam and cannot fulfill CMS requirements through the AAMA. It is to
provide these non-CAAHEP or ABHES medical assistants to demonstrate
knowledge of electronic order entry and meet the CMS requirements that
AAMA introduced the assessment-based recognition certification program.

3. Achieving the AAMA Credential for EHR Data Entry
ABR certification is awarded to those who meet certain knowledge and
experience requirements as well as.
During the final two year of study, applicants should have been employed at
a healthcare facility under the supervision of a licensed provider. At the end
of the course, the licensed provider has to issue a document/certificate to
prove that the applicant is proficient in the use of EHR technology based on
knowledge in the following areas:
 Anatomy and physiology
 Basic laboratory values
 Critical thinking
 Electronic health records
 Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
 Medical terminology
 Pharmacology
The applicant should also complete the following five AAMA continuing
education courses covering key knowledge elements of electronic order
entry:
 Clinical Laboratory Testing
 Disease Screening
 Legal Aspects of Patient Care Documentation
 Lost in Translation: Eliminate Medical Errors
 Medical Records: A Vital Wave
With credentialed medical assistants, physicians would be ensured of
accurate and efficient electronic order entry and also enjoy peace of mind
that their orders will be understood and appropriately transmitted. Patients
will have their EHRs handled appropriately with the ABR certified
professionals on the job. Integrating medical transcription services with
EHR can make the process all the more efficient.

4. About The Author
MTS Transcription Services (MTS) is an established medical transcription
outsourcing company in the US, offering comprehensive transcription
solutions for a wide range of clientele. Our medical transcription services
are secure and available 24/7.
Contact Information
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