Friday, August 24, 2012

New Meaningful Use Stage 2 Web Page on the EHR Incentive Programs Website

On August 23, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rule for Stage 2 of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. The rule provides new criteria that eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) must meet in order to successfully participate in the EHR Incentive Programs.

CMS recently updated the EHR Incentive Programs website with a new Stage 2 section, which provides helpful information on the Stage 2 final rule and how it affects the EHR Incentive Programs. The Stage 2 page includes an overview of the final rule and links to Stage 2 resources:

Stage 2 Overview Tipsheet – Provides an overview of the rule, including important dates, basic requirements, new audiences, and additional Stage 2 resources
Stage 1 vs. Stage 2 Comparison Tables – Compares basic requirements of Stage 1 versus Stage 2 for both EPs and eligible hospitals
Stage 1 Changes Tipsheet – Outlines major changes to Stage 1 included in the rule
Payment Adjustments & Hardship Exceptions Tipsheets – Details the schedule and percentages of the payment adjustments, as well as information about hardship exemptions for both EPs and eligible hospitals
2014 Clinical Quality Measures Tipsheet – An overview of the 2014 CQM requirements that will apply to all providers, regardless of their stage of meaningful use
CMS will continue to provide resources for providers on Stage 2 rule and the EHR Incentive Programs. Visit the Stage 2 page to view upcoming webinars and sessions discussing Stage 2 and the different changes occurring.

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?
Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

CMS Webinar Providing a Detailed Look at Stage 1 of the EHR Incentive Programs on August 14

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) are holding a free and open webinar on the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs on August 14, 2012, from 1:30 – 3:00 pm ET.

Description:
The webinar, CMS Presents: Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs - Stage 1 Meaningful Use, Deep Dive, will provide an overview of how the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs are structured and administered, and will provide key insights for providers regarding Stage 1 of meaningful use.

Presenter:
Robert Anthony, a Health Specialist in the Office of E-Health Standards and Services at CMS, will present on details about Stage 1 requirements. He contributes to policy development and implementation of the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs.

To Register:

Interested individuals can register online.

Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?

Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.


Monday, August 06, 2012

Massachusetts first in nation Medicaid funded statewide health information exchange with $16.9M


Connections improve communications which improves efficiency and patient safety. SV


$16.9M approved by Obama Administration to support health care information highway, paving the way for integrated care and cost containment
BOSTON -- The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced that Massachusetts is moving forward with its statewide Health Information Exchange, which will create a health care information highway, paving the way forward for integrated care and cost containment efforts. The Obama Administration approved $16.9 million for the project, which will allow providers, hospitals and others involved in patient care to exchange clinical data via a secure statewide network.