The Medicare EHR Incentive Program provides payments to Eligible Professionals (EPs) who demonstrate Meaningful Use with a certified EHR. In order for a provider to attest to being a meaningful user, they must meet 15 Core Objectives and 5 Menu Objectives chosen from a list of 10.
The Core Objectives include maintaining a current list of the patient’s medications, allergies, and problems. Computerized Physician Order Entry and E-Prescribing are also included in the Core. Menu Objectives vary and include generating lists of patients by condition, providing patients electronic access to their health information, and submitting data electronically to public health agencies.
All of these objectives will greatly impact patient care and the population’s health. MU allows us to enhance patient safety, improve outcomes, and empower the patient to take an active role in the management of their own health care. Additionally, the capability to share health information with all participants in a patient’s care is invaluable.
CMS is providing a financial incentive to EPs who will commit to being a meaningful user of their EHR. A total of $44,000 will be paid out over the next 5 years to any EP successfully attesting to Meaningful Use in 2012. There will be a reduced incentive for those providers who choose to adopt the program in 2013 or 2014. Any Medicare EP that does not attest to MU by January 1, 2015 will experience a 1% reduction in payment starting in 2016, which will grow by 1% for each subsequent year of noncompliance.
Making the transition to an EHR and Meaningful Use can present challenges. There quite possibly will be equipment needs and adjustments to workflow. However, the efficiencies that are to be gained from meaningful use of an electronic medical record will make the initial difficulties worthwhile. The financial incentive doesn’t hurt either.
Blog Written by Michele Young
EMR Training Specialist
www.medmgtservices.com