Meaningful Use is a Verb!

UPDATED: 1/5/2010 -  For the latest information on being an EHR "Meaningful User" , check out this article!

As we inch closer to learning the final requirements of becoming an EHR “Meaningful User”, several strategies have emerged.  Some are employing the “wait and see” strategy; some have already implemented an EHR and believe they will qualify for the bonus funds; some are rejecting the idea of using EHR, and others are actively implementing systems that will enable Meaningful Use.  And I suppose it’s possible some people aren’t aware of the plan at all, but that’s not a strategy.

For those in the wait and see camp, the supplier market is pleading with you to move forward.  The pragmatic clinician is waiting for the final definition in order to purchase the right solution. Not a terrible strategy, but waiting too long could cause issues.  For one, there is a limited universe of resources available to implement EHR’s today, and sheer project backlog may cause you to miss potential bonus money. 

Sure, you can pay more for implementation services and maybe you’ll get some priority satisfaction, but why pay more than the next guy?  It is strongly recommended that you begin your implementation now in order to perfect your processes to meet the anticipated requirements.  We know enough to confidently advise people on the certain criteria that will be used to judge Meaningful Use in the early years of the program.

A fair number of large practices have implemented an EHR already.  Today, approximately 50% of the large physician practices (50 or more physicians) have implemented an EHR.  Less than 10% of small practices have implemented an EHR.  Depending on the study, roughly 15% of the entire physician community is leveraging an EHR.  Of those that have implemented, it is assumed that few are actually leveraging the technology in a way that would meet the 2011 Meaningful Use criteria.

A sampling of the basic criteria:

ePrescribing

Incorporating lab results into the EHR

Reporting ambulatory quality measures to CMS

Electronic insurance eligibility checking

And sending electronic reminders to patients

As most are aware, the reporting criteria can be difficult if the data is not captured correctly.  In nearly every instance, free text (keyboard typing or dictating into the record) is not reportable – it cannot be easily captured electronically.  The data must be codified in order to allow easy reporting; meaning, the values must be recorded in the proper fields, in addition to the data that may be used to describe the essence of the visit.

As a result, the physicians that are using an EHR today will likely benefit from an assessment of current state of usage, and most likely a review of processes and new training to ensure that the EHR is truly enabling Meaningful Use.  

There are some in the physician community that are adamantly opposed to automating their practice via EHR adoption.  To those people, my message is simple:  EHR is not bad for you.  I won’t bore you with the cliché comparisons (on-line banking, eCheck-In, GPS, etc.).  But I think I just did?  Forgive me.  If it provides any security in knowing it’s the thing to do, the private insurers are quickly adopting bonus policies for the establishment of the electronic medical home and electronic reporting of clinical data, etc...  The future is (almost) now.

The final group is currently implementing an EHR.  To all of you, I offer my congratulations.  As a patient, I’ve always been impressed by clinicians that have made/are making an investment in my well being.  As I’ve stated in previous notes, consumers have come to expect a certain level of automation, and the proliferation of the EHR has caused the general public to view it as a quality of care and convenience issue.

Surrounding all of the buyer-types listed above, there are thousands of suppliers, consultants and government bureaucrats encouraging you (maybe demanding you) to automate your practice as soon as possible.  But automating your practice only meets the minimum.  And this is why Meaningful Use is a verb!  Simply acquiring the tools does not make you a Meaningful User.  You must be an active user; there are no rubber stamps or sniff tests.  The proof will be in the reporting and the data will be only as rich as the input.

The good news is – you are not alone. Thousands have achieved efficiencies and thousands more are facing the prospect of implementing new technology.  As you take on the challenge of becoming a Meaningful User, SERGEMD is prepared to stand with you and to provide you the tools and expertise needed to ensure that you meet the future head on.

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