CMS Updates Resources for Changes to Stage 1 Meaningful Use
Stage 2 of the EHR Incentive Program begins in 2014. Eligible Professionals (EPs) and eligible hospitals will begin stage 2 after successfully attesting to two reporting periods of stage 1 meaningful use. The final rules for stage 2 were issued in August of 2012. Along with the the requirements for stage 2 several changes to Stage 1 were also outlined to begin in 2013. The changes took effect on October 1, 2012, for eligible hospitals and CAHs and on January 1, 2013, for EPs. Although some of the changes to meaningful use objectives, measures, and exclusions are optional, others are required.
CMS has recently updated their Tipsheet on Changes to Stage 1 Meaningful Use Objectives, Measures, and Exclusions. For details see the tipsheet. Here is the outline of changes for stage 1 in 2013:
- Required for all providers in 2013
- Clarification on testing of public health reporting objectives
- Removed for all providers in 2013
- Removal of the electronic exchange of key clinical information objective
- Optional for all providers in 2013
- Alternative measure for Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE)
- Age increase for recording and charting vital signs
- Optional for Eligible Professionals in 2013
- Additional exclusion for Electronic Prescribing
New exclusion for recording and charting vital signs
- Additional exclusion for Electronic Prescribing
Stage 1 Changes Resources
In order to help providers understand the changes to Stage 1 of meaningful use, CMS has released several resources with detailed information on the affected sections of the program.
- 2013 Stage 1 Changes Tip Sheet — Explains the changes for the 2013 program year and which providers are affected
- Updated Stage 1 Specification Sheet Table of Contents  for EPs and for eligible hospitals and CAHs — lists all the Stage 1 core and menu objectives, with direct links to each individual  measure specification sheet
- Updated Stage 1 Specification Sheet zip files for EPs and for eligible hospitals and CAHs —contain PDFs for download of all of the core and menu objectives for EPs and eligible  hospitals and CAHs
Need help with understanding the requirements for meeting Stage 1 and Stage 2 Meaningful Use? Explore Certified Meaningful Use Professional (CMUP). This course is designed as a learning platform for physicians, hospitals, vendors and health IT professionals. Get a 20% discount using coupon code HITECH when you check out. Learn More