The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently released the Stage 3 notice of proposed rulemaking for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Incentive Programs and 2015 Edition Health IT Certification Criteria.
The Stage 3 Meaningful Use proposed rules, if enacted, would be effective beginning in 2018. They aim to give providers additional flexibility, simplify the program, drive interoperability among electronic health records, and increase the focus on patient outcomes to improve care.
The proposed rules are a part of a larger effort across HHS to deliver better care and spend health dollars more wisely. The over-arching goal remains the same; healthier people and communities by working in three core areas: to improve the way providers are paid; improve the way care is delivered; and improve the way information is shared. Together, these improvements can support better care and lower costs in the health care system.
The proposed rule specifies that the meaningful use reporting period will be a full calendar year for both physicians and hospitals from 2017 onward. The only exceptions will be Medicaid eligible professionals and hospitals that are attesting to meaningful use for the first time. These providers will have a 90-day period.
The proposal also asserts that future reporting will have a “simplified reporting structure,” in which its objectives and measures will replace all stage 1 and stage 2 criteria. However, a simpler structure does not mean that the measures for record sharing and care transition exchanges will be any less rigorous.
Our Healthcare Strategist, Christina Caraballo says, “The continued momentum around patient access to data and engagement in care planning and coordination is evident in the Stage 3 proposed rule. We are eager to dive into the details and align our product strategy to continue to stay ahead of the curve as it relates to industry standards and initiatives to not only engage, but activate patients to own their own health.”
Get Real Health applauds the continuing efforts of these agencies and stands ready to interpret these new rulings and guide you through their practical applications.
Read the full proposal here»