NEW YORK, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With its electronic, patient self-service check-in solution, Phreesia collects comprehensive, up-to-date electronic information from each patient at every visit, ensuring that medical practices have the necessary data to satisfy several core meaningful use objectives. When used in conjunction with a certified meaningful use system, Phreesia helps practices achieve eligibility for government funding.

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The concept of meaningful use came out of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The legislation designates financial incentives to practitioners who implement electronic medical records and electronic health records technology into their practices. The goal of HITECH is to encourage "meaningful use" of EMRs/EHRs, defined as their use by providers to provide an improved level of patient care. The Act stipulates that, beginning in 2011, health providers must meet a set of meaningful use criteria in order to be eligible for government funding. Incentives will be offered until 2015, at which point penalties may be imposed for practices who fail to demonstrate meaningful use.

Currently used by over 10,000 clinicians in all 50 states, Phreesia replaces the patient clipboard with an easy-to-use portable, touchscreen kiosk—the PhreesiaPad. This, together with the Phreesia software, collects and updates critical patient information, verifies patient insurance and collects payments automatically during the check-in process. By collecting comprehensive patient information at every visit, Phreesia assists with the following meaningful use objectives: maintaining an active medication allergy list; recording smoking status for patients 13 years old or older; recording demographics (gender, race, ethnicity, date of birth, preferred language); maintaining an up-to-date problem list of current and active diagnoses.

Phreesia Chief Technology Officer Evan Roberts says, "Phreesia strives to maximize efficiencies at medical practices, while simultaneously improving the quality of patient care. Our meaningful use capabilities achieve both of those goals: While automating the check-in process and helping practices satisfy core meaningful use objectives, we encourage patient engagement in their own healthcare outcomes. This is a win-win for all key stakeholders."

About Phreesia

Phreesia, the patient check-in company, automates patient intake, allowing medical practices to collect patient information effortlessly, verify insurance and collect payments at the point of care. Phreesia delivers fully interactive content direct to patients, and is designed to interface with clinicians' existing and future technology. Phreesia is committed to enhancing the patient experience and enabling clinicians to stay at the forefront of patient care. For more information, visit www.phreesia.com.

SOURCE Phreesia