Meaningful Use
Does anyone remember the Clapper? Y'know: "Clap on! (clap, clap) Clap Off! (clap, clap)." Our columnist points out that some electronic health records, unfortunately, have more in common with that old technology than one might think.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has handed the baton to the Office of Management and Budget, as the rules for Stage 3 meaningful use and the modifications to Stage 2 inch closer to finalization.
Epic, Cerner and athenahealth were the only EHR vendors to post a gain in market in 2014. Moreover, competitors Epic and athenahealth alone held fast to their market share in 2014.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT announced Wednesday that two pieces of EHR software have had their certifications revoked, meaning providers can no longer use them to attest to meaningful use.
With little news on Stage 2 meaningful use updates since the proposed rule in April, the Medical Group Management Association is calling on CMS to extend the 2015 reporting period.
As Washington looks eagerly toward Stage 3 meaningful use, many providers are still working toward Stage 2. Despite disappointing attestation numbers in 2014, and widespread complaints about its challenging criteria, more and more are getting close to the finish line.
Contrary to a spate of recent studies that show rising physician aggravation with EHR systems, another new poll shows majorities of large practices commending the "enhancements in functionality, service and innovation" of leading vendors.
Physicians are increasingly dissatisfied with their electronic health records. A recent poll found that just 34 percent of physicians said they were happy with their system. Our columnist asks: Should we be alarmed? Or should we even care?
As they grapple with meaningful use and grumble about usability, nearly 20 percent of community hospitals polled for a recent report are "actively looking to replace" their electronic health record vendors.
Stage 3 of meaningful use is shaping up to be the most challenging and detailed level yet for healthcare providers. Among the elements that warrant attention are quality reporting, clinical decision support and security risk analysis.