Mass BCBS Pressures for CPOE Implementation
Medical Economics noted the increasing pressure faced by providers to adopt information technology tools to support clinical care. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is modifying their program by which hospitals earn quality-of-care bonuses. Starting in 2012, facilities must commence use of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems to earn these rewards.
CPOE systems allow clinicians to order tests, medications, and procedures electronically. The system is noted to decrease the incidence of medication errors, in particular. These are prevented as clinicians can be warned about potential drug interactions and patient allergies.
BCBS Massachusetts also notes that CPOE systems are both cost effective and improve efficiency. According to the insurer, over 13 different hospitals across Massachusetts have implemented CPOE systems, yielding a savings over $2.7 million annually for each facility. While the insurer cannot force hospitals to implement the system, tying that to participation in a pay-for-performance (P4P) program is quite an incentive.
Benefits of CPOEs have previously been evaluated, as published on HospitalBuyer. The Journal of the American Informatics Association published a review article, evaluating thirty previously completed studies of CPOE use, last summer detailing benefits and drawbacks of the systems.
February 28, 2008 Related topics: Trends, Quality, Safety, Errors