In the changing healthcare environment, hospitals and healthcare providers must manage various regulatory requirements to ensure compliance, improve revenue, and enhance patient care. A key aspect of this is the Meaningful Use (MU) program overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This program encourages the adoption of Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT), aiming to improve healthcare quality and efficiency. Not meeting these requirements may result in financial penalties that can negatively impact hospital operations.
Meaningful Use is divided into three stages, each with specific goals aimed at improving patient care through technology. In the initial stages, the emphasis was on the electronic collection of health information and starting quality reporting. These fundamental requirements laid the foundation for advanced data sharing and analytics in the following stages.
To qualify for financial incentives, providers must effectively use CEHRT, engage in electronic exchanges of health information, and submit clinical quality measures (CQMs). Eligible professionals and hospitals need to demonstrate meaningful use annually to avoid financial penalties, which can reach up to 5% reductions in Medicare reimbursements if not addressed.
The initial step for hospitals is to ensure they use CEHRT that meets CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) specifications. The CEHRT must support structured data entry and be easily accessible, enabling efficient capture and sharing of patient data. For instance, hospitals in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program can use the existing 2015 Edition certification criteria, the 2015 Edition Cures Update criteria, or a combination of both.
Providers must pay close attention to reporting timelines. They are required to report on necessary objectives for at least 90 consecutive days during the EHR reporting period. Key objectives include Electronic Prescribing, Health Information Exchange, Provider to Patient Exchange, and Public Health and Clinical Data Exchange. To qualify for incentives for fiscal year 2022, hospitals must also report on three electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs). For example, the Safe Use of Opioids – Concurrent Prescribing measure is one such eCQM.
Attestation for conducting a Security Risk Analysis is required and must be accompanied by commitment to the Safety Assurance Factors for EHR Resilience (SAFER) Guides. By completing these attestations and ensuring compliance with CEHRT requirements, hospitals can reduce the risk of financial penalties.
Beyond meeting specific objectives, hospitals should engage their staff in ongoing education about the MU program. This includes training sessions that help healthcare staff understand how to effectively document and retrieve patient data using the EHR system. Resources like the 2022 CEHRT Fact Sheet and ONC’s 21st Century Cures Act final rule can provide useful information about current requirements and changes.
Failing to demonstrate meaningful use has consequences that go beyond compliance; it impacts a hospital’s finances directly. Since the 2015 implementation, healthcare providers that do not show MU risk reductions in Medicare fees. Penalties for non-compliance can escalate, reaching significant percentages if less than 75% of eligible professionals successfully attest to MU.
For example, eligible professionals can earn up to $44,000 over five years under the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. On the other hand, hospitals that do not comply could experience decreased reimbursement rates, potentially leading to significant revenue losses over time.
One method for hospitals to improve their ability to demonstrate MU is by integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and workflow automation solutions. By using AI-driven tools, hospitals can optimize EHR-related processes, thus enhancing productivity and data accuracy.
Interoperability is vital for the successful implementation of CEHRT. It enables the exchange and integration of patient data among different electronic health record systems. Hospitals must ensure their CEHRT solutions meet interoperability standards to facilitate smooth communication among healthcare providers.
Neglecting interoperability can lead to negative effects on patient care quality and potential revenue loss, especially as hospitals aim to meet the requirements in the 21st Century Cures Act. All providers participating in the Promoting Interoperability Program must attest that they have not restricted the interoperability of their CEHRT, highlighting the significance of this requirement.
Healthcare providers may face several challenges while trying to demonstrate meaningful use effectively. Common concerns include usability issues, workforce capacity, and the financial costs of implementing comprehensive EHR systems.
Usability challenges often occur when EHR vendors focus more on meeting regulatory requirements instead of user needs, creating inefficiencies in healthcare settings. The American Medical Association (AMA) has long promoted user-centered design principles in EHR development to enhance usability and accessibility.
Another challenge is ensuring all staff members are trained and comfortable using CEHRT systems. Regular training sessions and workshops can help staff become adept at navigating the system, documenting data accurately, and reporting metrics as needed.
For many providers, a primary concern may be the initial financial investment necessary for compliant EHR systems. However, this should be seen as a long-term investment rather than a short-term expense. Over time, the incentives from meaningful use participation can exceed initial costs. Moreover, savings from improved workflows and reduced errors can show the advantages of adopting advanced technologies.
In summary, hospitals need to take a comprehensive approach to successfully demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology. By using compliant CEHRT, focusing on ongoing education, utilizing AI and automation, ensuring interoperability, and addressing usability challenges, healthcare providers can enhance their chances of compliance and avoid financial penalties. Involving stakeholders throughout the organization will be essential for creating a culture of quality and efficiency, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and the overall healthcare system.
Simbo is making doctors' and patients' lives better. Connect now to know more.
Schedule Demo Now© Since 2019, Simbo AI.
