EHR “Meaningful Use” Alert—Final Rule
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the final set of Core and Menu Set Objectives to implement the electronic health record (EHR) incentive program. The program specifies how hospitals and eligible professionals (EPs), including physicians, can qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments, and it defines the “meaningful use” of the EHR that is required to receive the payments.
The rules are complex and lengthy, and physicians are advised to seek additional information and advice from their state and national medical societies. It is also important to be familiar with the criteria when selecting an EHR to ensure that the EHR you select is capable of meeting the CMS requirements.
The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each health care provider in light of all circumstances prevailing in the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.