EHR Incentive Programs: What is Meaningful Use?

MediSYS EHR v1.0 has received the federal government’s “meaningful use” stamp of approval by earning Complete EHR certification. The designation officially deems the electronic health record (EHR) software capable of enabling providers to qualify for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 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 EHR software is 2011/2012 compliant in accordance with the criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

What is Meaningful Use?

There are three main parts of Meaningful Use of an EHR specified by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009:

• The use of a certified EHR in a meaningful manner, such as e-prescribing.
• The use of certified EHR technology for electronic exchange of health information to improve quality of health care.
• The use of certified EHR technology to submit clinical quality and other measures.

According to CMS, “meaningful use means providers need to show they’re using certified EHR technology in ways that can be measured significantly in quality and in quantity.”

How does this work each year?

During the next five years, there will be three stages:

• Stage 1 (Began 2011, Stage 1 -Provider Attestation for first two years) sets the baseline for electronic data capture and information sharing.
  • Stage 1 Changes 2013
• Stage 2 (2014)
• Stage 3 (expected to be implemented in 2016)

Payment adjustments will be applied beginning on January 1, 2015.  The payment adjustment is 1% per year and is cumulative for every year that an eligible provider is not a meaningful user.

Keeping You Informed

MediSYS is committed to keeping you informed on all of the changes with Meaningful Use and the Incentive Programs.  Please contact us at ehr@medisysinc.com with questions.