What Internists Need from their Health IT Software in 2015
Each medical specialty comes with a unique set of challenges that demand different software functionality. In this updated post, we’ll examine the field of internal medicine and highlight health IT solutions that can help internists thrive and succeed.
Don’t Let Meaningful Use Scare You Away From EHR Gains
Although CMS recently announced its intention to extend deadlines for both Meaningful Use Stages 2 and 3, industry analysts expect the number of practices opting out of the EHR program to continue rising. It seems the financial burden of MU attestation is too much for physicians to carry. Because the penalty for not meeting Stage […]
Weathering the “Perfect Storm” of ICD-10 and Meaningful Use Stage 2
Pundits are calling 2014 the year of the perfect storm when Stage 2 Meaningful Use and the switch to ICD-10 are supposed to combine to create some sort of healthcare industry apocalypse. And while it’s true that handling both regulations at the same time will be difficult, it’s definitely achievable. The following strategies will help ensure […]
How the ONC Takes On Problematic Meaningful Use Measures
The $44,000 incentive for attesting to Meaningful Use should have most practices licking their chops. Yet, current provider concerns indicate the golden carrot may be much harder to attain than originally thought. During an open forum at this year’s American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) Symposium, the ONC, EHR vendors and individual providers met to discuss […]
Don’t Let CPOE Keep You From Meaningful Use Incentives
Even though computerized provider order entry (CPOE) requirements are the first core objectives listed for both Meaningful Use Stages 1 and 2, only 14.6% of healthcare providers had a CPOE support system in place as of 2013. Perhaps the reasoning behind such low usage is the perceived difficulty of achieving CPOE core objectives. While Stage […]
What You Need to Know about CMS’ Reporting Requirements for EHRs
The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs are meant to provide incentive payments to eligible providers who adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate Meaningful Use of a certified EHR technology. However, many practices have demonstrated significant issues related to the EHR reporting criteria required for successful attestation. To answer provider’s concerns, the Centers for Medicare & […]
Don’t Be a Meaningful Use Dropout
According to data released by the American Academy of Family Physicians, 20% of physicians who attested to Meaningful Use in 2011 failed to attest in 2012. With a decline in incentive payments coinciding with increasing difficulty in achieving objectives as you progress through the program, it may be tempting to join the 20%. But frankly, […]
EHR Payment Adjustments: Q&A with CMS’ Rob Anthony
Medicare-eligible professionals (EPs) who do not demonstrate Meaningful Use for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program may be subject to a payment adjustment beginning Jan. 1, 2015. For EPs who entered the program between 2011 and 2013, this year’s participation will determine the 2015 payment adjustment. To ensure that Medicare EPs are aware of the adjustments […]
EHR Vendor Fees: A Meaningful [Use] Conversation – Part 2
In continuation of yesterday’s Meaningful Use chat, PYP editor, Salvador, and I kept the ball rolling with a discussion on the controversial, ONC proposed EHR vendor certification fee and its possible impact on health care providers. Here’s part deux of our email thread for your reading pleasure:
EHR Improvement Act: A Meaningful [Use] Conversation – Part 1
There’s been quite a bit of rumbling lately at the legislative level in the world of Meaningful Use. In short, there are some politicians trying to adjust the program, whether because the ONC is flooded with attestation requests or because doctors are having too hard a time reaching core measures. Any of these changes could […]