Enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the HITECH Act was created to stimulate the adoption and meaningful use of EHRs and supporting technology, with the goal of improving the quality, safety and efficiency of patient care. Philips' decision to pursue ONC-ATCB certification of OB TraceVue reflects the company's commitment to helping hospitals comply with industry standards and clinical guidelines with the end objective of improving financial outcomes and helping to improve and save lives.

"This EHR modular certification allows health systems and caregivers to choose the best technology to support their clinical workflow while achieving the broader goals and financial incentives associated with healthcare reform," said Deborah DiSanzo, executive vice president and general manager, Patient Care and Clinical Informatics, for Philips Healthcare. "We are proud to offer our current and future customers this option, and look forward to continuing to be ahead of the curve in meeting their needs."

OB TraceVue, an obstetrical information management system, is designed to ensure comprehensive coverage across the perinatal care continuum - from the first antepartum visit through delivery, postpartum, discharge, postpartum follow up, newborn nursery, and gynecological visits. The solution addresses the criteria for meaningful use related to interoperability and integration with hospital clinical workflow, and provides key benefits for caregivers and patients including:

• EHR interfaces, eliminating duplicate entries and allowing for improved patient safety and clinical efficiency;
• automated flags, reminders and checklists, facilitating greater compliance with professional care standards; and
• access to patient data from smartphones and other mobile devices through the hospital network, supporting the complex, multi-tasking workflow of clinicians on the move.

OB TraceVue Version G.00.20 has been certified as an EHR module and meets the following 2011/2012 criteria: 170.302 (d), (e), (g), (j), and (o)-(v), and 170.306 (b), (e), and (h). Additional software used in this testing included Philips CareVue Integration Engine, Microsoft FCIV, TrueCrypt and Microsoft Office.

ONC-ATCB 2011/2012 certification conferred by CCHIT does not represent an endorsement of the certified EHR technology by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services nor does it guarantee the receipt of incentive payments.

Related news articles:

• Philips Healthcare's Profile

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare.

About CCHIT
The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT®) is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the public mission of accelerating the adoption of robust, interoperable health information technology. The Commission has been certifying electronic health record technology since 2006 and is approved by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as an Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB).