CMS has released the most recent numbers for the EHR Incentive programs. Here are some Program-to-date highlights from this latest CMS report in October. Active registrants total over a half a million.
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By D’Arcy Gue – On the face of it, the use of computers to order prescriptions seems like a no-brainer. Who, after all, is capable of reading a physician’s handwriting? But if we set aside clichés, there is still this question: Does e-prescribing provide distinct benefits over handwritten patient prescriptions? With acknowledgement of some drawbacks, it would seem the scales tip decidedly toward e-prescribing as a net positive.
To help EP, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals successfully participate in the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs in 2015, CMS has posted new resources on the CMS EHR Incentive Programs website.
By John Halamka MD – After my previous post about my suggested path forward for Meaningful Use, I received a large number of comments. I thought it would be useful to summarize them and clarify some of my opinions. In general, 95% of commenters agreed that CMS should pivot the concept of Meaningful Use functional requirements into pay for performance rewards for achieving outcomes via MACRA.
By William Hyman – Recently I addressed here the issue of physicians having to use certain functions of their EHR even if they didn’t need those functions to accomplish the desired outcome. Notably, it is required under Meaningful Use to have certain prompts occur whether or not those prompts are necessary.
By Jim Tate – Recently I participated in a web presentation and during the Q and A period it became apparent one of the greatest concerns was the need for clarification for both hospitals and EPs on the Public Health meaningful use measures.
By John Halamka MD – My assessment of the current Meaningful Use program and a proposal to better serve the needs of stakeholders. I’m likely going to violate many rules with this post. First, it’s over 1500 words, which is not ideal for social media. Second, there are many who will find my conclusions politically unpopular. I’m not criticizing people, I’m just commenting on ideas.
By William Hyman – A prevailing feature of Meaning Use (MU) is that certain things must be done by or with the EHR. Even if we assume that at least some of these dictated things are in fact important, the need to do them within or from the EHR has replaced the merit of simply doing them.
CMS is reporting these events, updates and deadlines for providers and hospitals. These items focus on the agency’s EHR Incentive programs as well as their eHealth and health IT programs and initiatives. All eyes still on ICD-10 claims this week.