American Well's Online Care Suite Receives ONC-ATCB Certification for Meaningful Use

BOSTON, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Well™ today announced that its Online Care Suite, the industry's leading telehealth solution, has received the federal government's "meaningful use" stamp of approval by earning electronic health record (EHR) modular certification.  The designation officially deems the software capable of enabling providers to qualify for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) when they deploy telehealth services. Tested and certified under the Drummond Group's Electronic Health Records Office of the National Coordinator Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB) program, the software is 2011/2012 compliant in accordance with the criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  

"Since its launch in 2009, Online Care has enabled healthcare providers across the country to use telehealth to grow their practices and deliver more personal, informed and convenient care to patients," said Elif Eracar, vice president of product management and professional services, American Well Systems.  "Now, with this certification, Online Care also allows providers to qualify for ARRA financial incentives – making telehealth even more accessible to all kinds of practices."

Drummond Group's ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 certification program tests and certifies that EHRs meet the meaningful use criteria for either eligible provider or hospital technology. In turn, healthcare providers using the systems of certified vendors are qualified to receive federal stimulus monies upon demonstrating meaningful use of the technology - a key component of the federal government's push to improve clinical care delivery through the adoption and effective use of technology by U.S. healthcare providers.

American Well's Online Care Suite is a complete telehealth solution that allows consumers to come together with healthcare providers for either on-demand or scheduled encounters. Using two-way video, secure text chat and/or phone, providers can review patients' clinical information, discuss symptoms, provide medical advice, diagnose and prescribe medications as appropriate. At the end of each online consultation, a record is captured automatically that the consumer can share, maintaining continuity of care.

Providers caring for patients through the latest version* of Online Care are eligible to apply for ARRA funding, regardless of whether they purchased it for their own practices or participate in the telehealth service of a sponsoring health plan or other organization.

"Meaningful use certification marks yet another important milestone in the growth of telehealth," said Joe Sawyer, vice president of marketing, American Well Systems.  "From recognition in the State of the Union address to inclusion in CMS guidelines for Accountable Care Organizations, telehealth is increasingly front-and-center in the delivery of medical services in the U.S."

About American Well

American Well™ brings healthcare into the homes and workplaces of patients. Its Online Care Suite is the industry's leading telehealth solution, connecting providers and patients for live, immediate, and clinically meaningful encounters using the Web or phone. With its patented technology, the Online Care Suite removes traditional barriers to healthcare access – such as geography, mobility, and time constraints – while enabling providers to deliver quality care in a flexible, convenient manner, generating revenue along the way.

*This EHR Module is 2011/2012 compliant and has been certified by Drummond Group, an ONC-ATCB approved to certify any complete or modular EHR both ambulatory and inpatient, in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or guarantee the receipt of incentive payments.  American Well's Online Care Suite version 5.2 was certified on June 30, 2011, Certification ID 06302011-1192-1.

Media Contacts:

American Well
Julie Goldman or Dave McKee
Schwartz Communications
781-684-0770
[email protected]

SOURCE American Well