It has become second nature for us to flock to the Internet to communicate with friends and family. With technology advancing at an unprecedented speed, patients are also demanding instant access to their medical data and healthcare providers… at any time and from any place, via laptops, tablets and smart phones. Meanwhile, on the healthcare regulatory front, things are about to change dramatically….
The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted Meaningful Use Stage 2. These rules require providers to adopt, implement, upgrade and demonstrate Meaningful Use of certified EHR technology. Eligible providers must meet these requirements to receive MU incentive payments from Medicare and Medicaid. Providers unable to meet them are subject to reimbursement penalties starting January 2025.This challenges healthcare providers to adopt EHR technology that patients will value and use as part of their healthcare process.
To meet the requirements of Meaningful Use Stage 2, providers need to actively engage patients by providing them with the capability to electronically view, download, and transmit health information from their electronic health record. This mandate also includes the use of connections to labs, imaging centers, and state registries, along with the Direct® secure messaging.
Stay posted for our next upcoming blog “Out With The Old, In with The New. Why You Need a Well Planned And Integrated Patient Portal”.