| ‘Meaningful Use’ Rules Create Challenges |
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| Written by Cynthia Atoji | ||||||||
| Saturday, 23 January 2010 00:00 | ||||||||
The long-awaited “meaningful use” guidelines delivered last month – which includes use of standard formats for prescriptions and clinical summaries and the ability to exchange health data among providers – outlines how providers can qualify for incentives using electronic medical records. And on Jan. 13, the clock started ticking on a 60-day meaningful-use public comment period, during which the Health and Human Services Department invites providers, hospitals, and other stakeholders to express their views about the proposed rules. Federal officials said this feedback will be seriously considered as the regulations for Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are finalized. Some healthcare organizations have already offered reaction to the meaningful use rules. The American Hospital Association warns that the rules impose too many EHR functionality requirements and impose too fast of a timeline for adoption; The Medical Group Management Association believe that the regulations call for unrealistic use of CPOE systems (Physician Order Entry Systems). The conclusion by many industry critics: While the proposed EHR regulations are well-intentioned, they’re too ambitious and need dialing down. But David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, said the NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) for the EHR Incentive Program for Medicare and Medicaid, is not a done deal. Let’s hope the comment process will help refine the measures. | ||||||||
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About the Author: Kurt Martin is a Founder and Group Publisher of The Progressive Media Group (PMG) and the Publisher of MedTech Journal. During his 4 years as Publisher of The NonProfit Times, he grew the imprint from a single newspaper to a community of websites, online job boards, email newsletters and digital editions. Prior to taking the role of Publisher he was the East Coast Sales Manager for Broad Daylight, Inc. a knowledgebase company. He also held management roles in advertising and ciruclation sales at American Banker/Bond Buyer (Thomson), Faulkner & Grey (Thomson) and SourceMedia (Investcorp.) Kurt graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration. |
