The decision by CMS and ONC to extend Stage 2 timelines through 2016 was a positive and timely step that will help many providers.
“This certainly is good news for those who needed additional time,” said Robin Wiener, Get Real Health president and founding partner. “But we’re also glad they didn’t delay the start of attestation, since our customers are ready for January 2014, although those attesting to Stage 2 will no longer be able to start Stage 3 in 2016.”
Here are the highlights of the CMS/ONC announcement:
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Stage 2 timelines are extended through 2016 to give hospitals and eligible professionals more time to successfully implement meaningful technology that promotes patient engagement, data exchange and interoperability.
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For providers that have completed at least 2 years of Stage 2, Stage 3 will begin in 2017.
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The 2015 Edition certification is voluntary and is designed to give vendors more time to adapt to changes and increase overall interoperability.
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Hospitals and EPs will NOT be required to use 2015 Certified EHR Technology.
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As it stands, 2014 Edition Certified EHR Technology will be required to successfully attest to Stage 1 and Stage 2 Meaningful Use beginning in 2014 through 2016.
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Starting in 2017, hospitals and EPs will be required to use the 2017 Edition.
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Full text: http://www.cms.gov/eHealth/ListServ_Stage3Implementation.html
The extension gives more providers an opportunity to get on board with MU2. That’s a big plus, because the MU program emphasizes HIT implementation that will achieve the goals of improving healthcare, health outcomes, and efficiencies throughout the system through increased patient engagement and data sharing.
Get Real Health is developing new InstantPHR-powered solutions that will help providers of all sizes with their MU2 attestation. We’re excited to offer powerful patient engagement tools and resources to the community, and we are following MU regulatory changes very closely. Our project managers are prepared to field questions in consultation with other members of our team, so feel free to contact us for additional details.
