Many Providers Replace EMR Software, CMS Finalizes MU Flexibility

Written by Ronny Bachrach on September 11, 2014. Posted in Digital Radiography and PACS, E.H.R., Software

Health providers around the country aiming to improve clinical performance have adopted electronic medical records in attempts to receive financial reimbursements, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The success of Meaningful Use has been shaky as practices struggle to meet the program’s stringent requirements on tasks such as information sharing.

Clinical Innovation and Technology explained that results from a KLAS report indicated that more than 25 percent of both large and small practices are considering replacing their existing EMR software. An additional 12 percent would like to adopt new platforms but lack the financial or organizational resources to transition.

“There are different reasons for this shift,” Jared Dowland, report author, said in a release. “Larger practices are seeking to consolidate from multiple EMRs and tighten their relationships with nearby hospitals, while smaller practices are seeking to resolve functionality, support and cost concerns.”

KLAS surveyed more than 400 practices of varying sizes across the U.S. about EMR solutions and their current states of satisfaction. Replacing systems, while a difficult decision, can benefit facilities that wish to enhance their services and continue participating in Meaningful Use. However, much of CMS’ rules have been confusing and difficult to achieve, especially health information exchange.

Many EMR vendors’ products lack the interoperability needed to successfully share health data among providers, leading to significant issues with Meaningful Use attestation.

CMS finalizes rulings
After a considerably lengthy delay, CMS has published the final rule for EMR flexibility under Meaningful Use. With stage 2 extended through 2016 and stage 3 scheduled to begin in 2017, the federal agency has announced new options for physicians to follow for successful attestation.

According to FierceEMR, providers will be allowed to use 2011 edition certified EMR technology, or a combination of 2011 and 2014 editions, to participate in the 2014 reporting period for the Medicare and Medicaid incentive programs. However, starting in 2015, all eligible doctors and hospitals must use the 2014 edition.

“We listened to stakeholder feedback and provided CEMRT flexibility for 2014 to help ensure providers can continue to participate in the EMR incentive programs forward,” CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner said in an announcement.

Given the announced flexibility, it is to be expected that providers will use different variations for attestation, based on their EMR software, the complexity of their systems and the implementation timeline for 2014 edition installations.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives expressed its disappointment with the ruling through a statement from Russell Branzell, president and CEO of the organization. CHIME feels that the rule requiring 365-days of EMR reporting in 2015 will only further struggles with Meaningful Use beyond 2014.

While many facilities avoided financial penalties for failing to attest this year, these punishments will still exist come 2015. The timelines could lead to potential losses worth millions of dollars as CMS shakes up Meaningful Use. With little more than a year left on the clock for meeting the requirements of stage 2, providers have to expedite their efforts to meet the deadline. For some, this might involve replacing their EMR software with a scalable platform that promotes interoperability and data sharing with ease.

Contact Viztek for more information.

Ronny Bachrach

Ronny Bachrach

Marketing Director at Viztek LLC
Responsible for all marketing activities including, press, advertising, trade show coordination, website management, dealer and customer communications.
Ronny Bachrach
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