Prepared under contract for: The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Washington, D.C.
In late September, ONC released an electronic health record (EHR) Contracting Guide- EHR Contracts Untangled: Selecting Wisely, Negotiating Terms, and Understanding the Fine Print. This guide is a useful source for providers, and their advisors, to help maximize their health IT investments as they plan EHR-related purchases, particularly as they plan for participation in value-based payment models. The guide provides a framework for negotiating reasonable contract terms, and assists providers with communicating their requirements to potential vendors through example contract language. States supporting SIM and delivery system reform efforts should consider distributing this tool to providers and provider organizations.