Implementation of health information systems has been difficult due to a lack of interoperability. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to simplify the Meaningful Use program to ensure a smooth transition to collaborative technology, as well as making the requirements for its incentives easier to meet.
Planned changes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services first announced its plans to alter the MU program in late January. The proposed rule changes would ensure the long term goals of the CMS, while making it easier for health care providers to report information, Patrick Conway, M.D. explained on the CMS' blog.
While there have been no official plans announced, the CMS hopes to implement changes regarding expanding the calendar year to allow for more providers to install EHR software, reducing the program's complexity and shortening the 2015 reporting period to 90 days. As the medical industry changes and develops, the CMS wants to adapt the MU program to fit those needs, the source explained.
Stage 3 proposed rule
Separate from the alterations to the EHR Incentive Program, the HHS has entered a proposal to promote health information technology adoption, as well as simplify EHR submissions, explained AuntMinnie.com. Starting in 2017, Stage 3 would reduce the MU program to one stage, promote electronic submissions of clinical quality measures data and extend the reporting timeline to provide health care providers with a full calendar year.
The Stage 3 proposal also looks to both include and expand its computerized provider order entry system from Stage 2. The HHS is looking to add diagnostic imaging to its requirements for CPOE since it encompasses a wider range of testing than radiology does, the proposal explained. Under this addition, medical imaging from ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs would become part of CPOE reporting. This would expand the MU program to include previously excluded clinical orders from specialists. The HHS' proposal also includes implementing higher minimum performances for CPOEs from Stage 2 to Stage 3. Medication reporting would increase from 60 percent to 80 percent and diagnostic imaging and laboratory orders from 30 percent to 60 percent.
Rule proposals for the MU program and specifically Stage 3 aim to lessen the complexity of the system by allowing more time for EHR software implementation and expanding categories that require reporting for incentives. Not only do these changes target current regulations, but they also influence future protocol for 2017 and beyond.
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Ronny Bachrach
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