Y2K? No problem, say medical groups
Most medical groups will be year 2000 (Y2K) compliant by Jan. 1, 2000, according to a survey of members of the Alexandria, VA-based American Medical Group Association (AMGA). The association asked its 230 group practice members, representing about 45,000 physicians in 40 states, when they thought their systems would be ready to handle any computer glitches caused by the so-called Millennium Bug. The survey questions focused on awareness and planning, computer systems, vendors and contractors, and overall assessment. Half of the groups responded.
While a few groups are already compliant, the average projected date for compliance is Aug. 11, 1999. Other findings of the survey:
• Virtually all responding groups had discussed Y2K issues with their staff and discussed liability and risk management issues with legal representatives.
• 38% have hired a contractor to assist with Y2K problems.
• 69% have reviewed insurance programs to determine how Y2K occurrences will be covered and/or excluded.
• More than 90% had a strategy for dealing with potential problems associated with billing and financial systems, clinical and medical records systems, biomedical equipment, and facility issues.
• 86% had a contingency plan in development, but only 6% had one completed.
• Renovation and replacement was the most common way practices dealt with Y2K problems — 79% renovated or replaced their billing/financial systems; 62% renovated or replaced clinical and medical records systems; 59% renovated or replaced biomedical equipment; and 55% renovated or replaced other facility infrastructure and equipment susceptible to Y2K problems.
For more on the survey or on the AMGA, contact the organization at (703) 838-0033.
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