Meaningful Use EMR

Want a quick way to meet Federal ARRA HITECH requirements so you can take advantage of the government incentive program without rushing into purchasing a meaningful use EMR? There are options!

DrFirst has a certified Meaningful Use solution that's ideal for offices that are not ready to go paperless!

When choosing an EMR/EHR, the $64,000 question is:

"What data points must be reported by a qualified meaningful use emr to meet the ARRA HITECH requirements?"

15 Mandatory Meaningful Use EMR Core Objectives

  1. Record Patient Demographics
  2. Record Vital Signs and Chart Changes
  3. Problem List of Current and Active Diagnoses
  4. Maintain Active Medication List
  5. Maintain Allergy List
  6. Record Smoking Status
  7. Clinical Summaries
  8. Electronic Copy of Health Information
  9. Electronic Prescribing
  10. Computer provider order entry (CPOE)
  11. Drug-drug and drug-allergy interaction checks
  12. Export Patient Summary (CCD/CCR)
  13. Clinical decision support and tracking
  14. Protect Privacy and Security of Patient Data
  15. Reporting to CMS/States

5 of 10 Meaningful Use Menu Objectives (Select 4 plus Immunization Data to Registries)

  1. Drug Formulary Checks
  2. Lab Integration
  3. Generate Lists by Condition
  4. Summary-of-Care Record
  5. Immunization Data to Registries (REQUIRED)
  6. Patient Reminders
  7. Patient Access
  8. Perform Medical Reconciliation Between Care Settings
Meaningful Use EMR Selection Data Points

Keep in mind that in 2011, CMS will not be prepared to accept feeds from certified meaningful use EMRs, so the primary means of demonstrating meaningful use will be via an attestation through a secure CMS website. An attestation is a legally binding representation of the accuracy of the statement. Making a false attestation could be considered fraud under the Medicare/Medicaid programs.

Providers will need to supply the results of each of the measures, as well as document which certified meaningful use EMR was used. Payments will be made on a per eligible provider basis, not by practice. This means each eligible provider will need to demonstrate the full requirements of meaningful use to qualify for the meaningful use EMR incentive payments. Eligible providers may participate in either the Medicare program or the Medicaid program, but not both.

CMS has not yet confirmed what form its attestation procedure will take. The most important take-away is that even small practices can take advantage of the meaningful use incentives CMS is offering by adopting cost-effective modular systems such as DrFirst's certified e-prescription software Rcopia-MU. By implementing a modular approach, practices can slowly and incrementally adopt the technology necessary to qualify for the EMR incentives. They can then introduce a complete EMR into their practice at their own pace and with the advantage of having experience with another system. There is no denying that office staff can be resistant to change when it comes to implementing new technology, making this method of 'baby steps' appealing to ease your staff into new technology – as opposed to the shock and awe technique of a full blown EMR.

If you are ready for a meaningful use EMR, check out our 200+ certified EMR/EHR partners to find the system that best meets the needs of your practice and your specialty.

There are any number of reasons why physicians don't plan to install an EMR/EHR. Cost is usually named as the major concern for not going with an EHR, followed closely by staff training time. However, remember that in 2015, physicians who do not meet the Federal requirements will be faced with fee schedule reductions from 3 to 5 percent.

For more details about Meaningful Use requirements and Rcopia-MU from DrFirst, complete the form above!

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