HOW IS MEANINGFUL USE, OR THE SUCCESS OF EHR, GOING TO BE MEASURED?
As stated, providers will have to demonstrate that their certified EHR systems are connected in a way that enables the electronic exchange of health data, and will have to submit measurement data to HHS using such an EHR system. The proposal sets up a phased approach for demonstrating the meaningful use of EHR technology. The Stage 1 meaningful use criteria, which must be in place by the end of 2011, include 25 specific objectives that physicians would have to meet and 23 objectives for hospitals. The qualification criteria would be based on technological capabilities currently available, as well as a practice’s experience.
