Stage 2 Guide for the EHR Incentive Programs Now Available
CMS has released a new resource, An Eligible Professional’s Guide to Stage 2 of the EHR Incentive Programs, which provides a comprehensive overview of Stage 2 of the EHR Incentive Programs to eligible professionals. The guide outlines criteria for Stage 2 meaningful use, 2014 clinical quality measure reporting, and 2014 EHR certification.
The guide is intended to provide eligible professionals (EPs) with an overview of Stage 2 of meaningful use. The guide discusses changes to meaningful use objectives and to Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs), and the overall goals of Stage 2 including:
- Measures focused on more rigorous health information exchange (HIE)
- Additional requirements for e-prescribing and incorporating lab results
- Electronic transmission of patient care summaries across multiple settings
- Increased patient and family engagement
As Stage 2 starts in January, 2014, CMS includes an important reminder – all providers must upgrade or adopt newly certified EHRs in 2014 and regardless of their stage of meaningful use, Â are only required to demonstrate meaningful use for a three-month (or 90-day) EHR reporting period in 2014
View or download a PDF of the guide here.
New Interactive Tool Helps Determine Potential Upcoming Payment Adjustments
CMS also provides an  interactive eHealth Payment Adjustment Tool. Providers can use the tool to determine if they may incur a future eHealth program payment adjustment. The tool shows what payment adjustments to expect based on past, current, and expected future participation in eHealth programs including 2013 Medicare EHR Incentive Program and 2013 e-prescribing.