CAST Updates Tools, Says Most Providers Are Using EHRs Well

June 16, 2023

CAST Updates Tools, Says Most Providers Are Using EHRs Well

Home » CAST Updates Tools, Says Most Providers Are Using EHRs Well

BY CAST

Nearly two-thirds of providers are using EHRs in sophisticated ways, but full interoperability remains low. CAST’s EHR and HIE technology selection tools are updated.

A recent survey found that among the aging-services providers that CAST vendors serve, 63% take advantage of the benefits of electronic health records (EHR) and use EHRs in sophisticated ways. However, use of full interoperability capabilities continues to remain low.

In addition, LeadingAge CAST has recently updated its EHR selection tool and its health information exchange (HIE) tool. If you are looking for an EHR system or connecting to an HIE entity for your organization, these LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools can help you choose the right solution.

Majority of CAST Providers Use EHRs in More-Advanced Ways

LeadingAge CAST has released the annual results of its 7-Stage EHR Adoption Model, which shows how sophisticated providers are in their use of EHRs. To find this information, CAST asks EHR vendors about their clients’ use of EHRs, as well as the percentage of their clients along the scale of EHR adoption.

This year’s survey tracks closely with 2021 results, showing almost two-thirds of providers are in the medium to high-sophistication levels of EHR use:

Stage 4, Advanced EHR (Internal Quality-Focused) (19%)
Stage 5, External Ancillary Services Integration (24%), and
Stage 6, Engagement & Basic Information Exchange (20%).

Under 7% are in Stage 1, without the clinical elements of an EHR. Eleven percent are in Stage 2, with a basic EHR, and 11% are in Stage 3, with non-integrated ancillary and clinical administration. Only 8% are in Stage 7, allowing the exchange of information in a standards-based data format that other EHRs can both understand and consume.

7-Stage EHR Adoption Model

Stage	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4	Stage 5	Stage 6	Stage 7
2023 Weighted Average	6.66%	11.06%	11.10%	18.95%	23.74%	20.19%	8.31%
2022 Weighted Average	8.18%	12.02%	13.85%	17.37%	23.70%	17.61%	7.26%
2021 Weighted Average	6.83%	10.95%	12.02%	17.27%	23.81%	20.84%	8.29%
2020 Weighted Average	7.95%	13.53%	14.14%	18.80%	21.29%	16.70%	7.61%
2019 Weighted Average	5.76%	10.92%	12.65%	16.73%	23.91%	21.40%	8.91%
2018 Weighted Average	5.83%	10.73%	14.49%	23.25%	25.60%	15.36%	4.75%
2017 Weighted Average	6.25%	14.10%	12.73%	23.39%	20.16%	18.09%	5.24%
2016 Weighted Average	10.77%	19.94%	13.58%	19.90%	23.76%	8.77%	3.37%

LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools

Each of the 10 LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools includes a white paper with detailed information on frequently used tech solutions, plus a variety of online tools. Together, these resources help aging-services providers review the products available on the market and narrow them to meet their organization’s specific needs. CAST regularly reviews the tools and updates them with new products, new vendor information, and new case studies, as applicable.

2023 EHR Tool Update

The updated EHR Selection Tool includes updated information on 14 products in the online tool and product matrix. It also includes two new case studies.

Analytic Tools — Implementing an EHR at Newly Acquired Locations: As Senior Solutions Management Group was growing from three communities to 40, it partnered with ECP to implement its EHR and eMAR systems. The innovative training and integration program cut the implementation time for the last nine communities in half.
Realtime Data Saves Time and Money Westmoreland Manor used PointClickCare’s platform and Insights solution to create efficiencies and reduce costs of manual and paper-based processes. The solutions from PointClickCare, a LeadingAge Gold Partner with CAST Focus, provided better clinical outcomes by enabling staff to access real-time patient data, monitor health trends, and intervene quickly when necessary. This support also increased staff satisfaction and reduced burnout.

2023 HIE Update

The HIE Selection Tool now includes updated information on 38 HIEs in CAST’s HIE matrix and online selection tool. In addition, the tool incorporates five new HIEs:

South Dakota Health Link: Lets providers access real-time clinical histories and customizable notifications to facilitate better care through more complete information.
Florida HIE: Enables the secure electronic exchange of patient health information among health care providers.
Connie: Connecticut’s State-Designated Health Information Exchange: Has a vision to serve as a statewide advocate, leader, and catalyst for the adoption of health information technology and health information exchange services, which bring tangible, meaningful, and sustainable value to stakeholders across Connecticut.
Service Communities Health Information Organization (SCHIO): SCHIO is the health information utility that enables improved health care delivery and coordination of services for a healthier community.
Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services (LANES): Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services (LANES) is a nonprofit, community driven Health Information Exchange network. We enable comprehensive health data, clinical data insights and population health capabilities at the point of care throughout L.A. County’s healthcare ecosystem.

As some states, such as California, are starting to require data sharing agreements, please consider using our resource to help navigate the HIE space.

LeadingAge CAST Technology Selection Tools

Be sure to check CAST’s full list of Technology Selection Tools whenever you are choosing new technology. In addition to the ones above, CAST offers these tools: