Well the time has come

As I sit here and write this, CMS in its infinite wisdom is probably going over the some 556 pages of the definition of meaningful use that they created. In speaking to people in the healthcare community as I do on a daily basis I have heard a mixed bag of reviews. The one that is by far the leader is that of the true definition of "Meaningful Use". When I ask the people I encounter how they define it I more often than not get the same reply.

“A provider must use their EMR system all of the time.” Well, aren't they shocked when I tell them that they don’t have to use it for all of their patients all of the time but just a small percentage of them. The information listed below is a summary of what is needed and how it is needed to meet the requirements for meaningful use. I feel that providers are coming to terms that the time has come for them to embrace the HIT era and stop fighting the transition to a paperless system. Some say that this is just the first step towards a "Nationalized System of Healthcare". When approached with this topic I respond with whatever the government chooses to do let’s not lose sight that the real focus is on the "Patients" you are serving?

I know there are a lot of thoughts out there so please let’s hear yours. If you know of anyone who can provide any more insight please feel free to pass this along. It is going to be a long road so let’s help each other understand how it helps all of us!

This topic will be broken up into 3 stages like that of Meaningful Use.

Please make note of the requirements listed below. If you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to reply.

The information collected below is that of multiple EMR companies and resources. I look forward to your comments.

There are sometimes reasons that an EHR product might not be functioning, or issues with broadband connectivity. What does this mean for the incentive program?

CMS has indicated that in order to be a meaningful EHR user, an EP must have 50 percent or more of their patient encounters during the EHR reporting period at one or more practices/locations equipped with certified EHR technology. This allows not only for the minimal levels of down-time expected from an EHR product, but additionally, for providers to participate who work in multiple locations with varying adoption levels.

Does a provider need to be using an EHR all of 2010 in order to be eligible for 2011 incentive payment? How long, and when, do you have to prove Meaningful Use to earn the incentives?

No. The EHR Reporting Period for purposes of the Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for the first year of demonstration will mean any continuous 90-day period within the payment year in which the EP successfully demonstrates Meaningful Use of certified EHR technology. The EHR reporting period therefore could be any continuous period beginning and ending within the relevant payment year.

                For example, for payment year 2011, an EHR reporting period of March 13, 2011 to June 11, 2011 would be just as valid as an EHR reporting period of January 1, 2011 to April 1, 2011.

                An example of an unallowable EHR reporting period would be for an EP to begin on November 1, 2011 and finish on January 31, 2012 because it crosses into the next payment year.

                Starting with the second payment year (and any subsequent payment years) for a given EP or eligible hospital, the EHR reporting period will mean the entire payment year.

This 90-day period allowed in the first year would allow an EP until October 1, 2011 to begin meaningful use of their certified EHR technology and receive an incentive for payment year 2011.