From the January/February 2011 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
For those objectives that you cannot exclude yourself from, you will need to identify the technology that exists in your practice today, discuss certification plans with your IT solution providers and ascertain which certified technology you will need to acquire or create in order to achieve meaningful use compliance.
When performing your analysis, be aware that despite the exclusion opportunities referenced above, your practice must possess certified technology that is capable of measuring all 25 objectives even though you may be able to exclude your practice from reporting their measures.
Developing your meaningful use strategy
At this point it should be clear how important it is for your group to examine your imaging practice, the financial implications, exclusion opportunities and the overall impact of CMS EHR incentive programs. Developing an organized approach coupled with thorough planning will ensure your practice’s success. Strategies will vary based on your specific practice scenarios, but below are five useful tips to help you in the planning process.
Register for the CMS EHR incentive programs now: It is important to register for the appropriate incentive program prior to enrolling and reporting data. Registration began earlier this year and can be completed on the CMS EHR website (https://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/).
Establish deadlines: The earlier your group registers for, and achieves, meaningful use, the larger the incentive payment opportunity. Incentive payments are reduced each year until 2015, when they convert into incremental penalties for every year meaningful use is not achieved. Plan ahead with deadlines in mind.
Analyze your existing IT environment early: In order to receive payments, your organization will need to use certified technology. As part of your strategy you will need to analyze your existing systems, discuss upgrade roadmaps with your vendors (including RIS, PACS, speech recognition, critical communication, decision support and image sharing providers) and conduct a GAP analysis to ensure you have the necessary certified technology in place to achieve meaningful use. Of those measures that you can not achieve with your existing technology, your group will need to (a) acquire certified technology from your existing providers, (b) acquire certified technology from new providers, or (c) create technology in-house that addresses your needs and apply for certification of the technology with an ONC Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). Despite technology certification by your vendor, you need to be aware that ONC certification is version dependent and you may be required to upgrade your existing solutions in order to comply with program requirements.
