In previous years, implementation of the Meaningful Use program has been difficult for health care providers. The lack of interoperability in EHR software hinders any steps toward progress. However, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology attributed that issue to EHR vendors in its new rule for health care information systems.
Unclear vendor practices cost doctors thousands
On March 20, the ONC released a new two-pronged certification rule to ease physicians' transition into the MU program. Part of that deals with the ways of some certified vendors sell their products, Modern Healthcare explained. The MU program faces changes and upgrades to allow for easy operation of health technology. However, some software providers use this as another way to increase revenue, costing hospitals and doctors' offices thousands of dollars in extra fees, according to the source.
The new rule would call for vendors to clearly state their prices and the services those costs include, Fierce Content Management states. If EHR software does not offer interoperability, vendors must state this outright. The lack of transparency from vendors creates problems for doctors committing to MU practices. This new legislation ensures health care providers know what their software package includes prior to purchasing.
Examinations ensure EHRs meet requirements
The ONC's recent regulation also requires new surveillance of EHRs from certifying agencies. While EHRs are currently only monitored while in use, the new goal is to ensure the programs perform as they did during testing since upgrades do not always combine smoothly with existing functions, Modern Healthcare explained.
Inspection of EHRs will not only come in the field, but at the request of client complaints and on a random basis. With or without user criticism, certifying bodies would be required to randomly select 10 percent of EHRs per year to ensure they are compatible with MU goals, according to the source. The ONC would also examine whether the software works with updates to MU incentives. Decertification could be a potential penalty for EHRs that are not compatible with clients' objectives. However, the ONC plans to research this further to discover how it will impact users of those EHRs.
The ONC's new rule is another rung on the ladder to EHR interoperability. By monitoring vendors, the agency will simplify the process of keeping with MU guidelines and ensure doctors receive the best deals on EHR software.
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Ronny Bachrach
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