Meaningful Use Ends In 2016? A data format standard for EHR, Consolidated Clinical Document Architecture
(C-CDA) has been used by most of the health information technology industry
however the methods of implementation and use of terminology are varied. Due
to this variation, the receiving provider's EHR may not be able to view the
information exchanged. Even more problematic are state regulations. Some states do not allow for
automatic sharing in the health information exchange. A patient must consent
to opt in or in some states patients are permitted to opt out. Additional
consent requirements that are state-specific for sensitive information such
as HIV or mental health records may not be adequately separated from the remainder
of the record to avoid disclosure. These state specific variations would be
difficult to navigate for complete EHR interoperability.
CMS administrator Andy Slavitt's following announcement at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare
Conference on January 12, 2016 gave some insight into the future of the program:
"Now that we effectively have technology into virtually every place care is
provided, we are now in the process of ending Meaningful Use and moving to a
new regime culminating with the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act
(MACRA) implementation. The Meaningful Use program as it has existed, will now
be effectively over and replaced with something better."
Details are to be announced over the next several months but the focus will
include:
•Customizing goals for provider's practice, user-centered and supporting not distracting physician;
•Requiring open API's to get data in and out of EHR securely; and
•Focusing on interoperability and engaging patients in their care.
While waiting for further details and a formal announcement from CMS, deadlines
will still need to be met for Meaningful Use.
What is EHR interoperability?
EHR interoperability is the ability to exchange medical and treatment information
from provider to provider with the receiving provider's EHR integrating the
exchanged information into their system. Specifically, providers should be
able to:
What are the obstacles preventing Meaningful Use from improving the quality
and efficiency of healthcare and patient safety? A study by the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) in September 2015 outlined the 5 biggest challenges
to the success of EHR interoperability:
Organizational policies on privacy, security, data use and technical standards
may vary between entities. Addressing these policy differences would be necessary
to facilitate information sharing between entities.
Jill Brooks, MD, CHCO
Dr. Brooks is a board certified radiologist and a Certified HIPAA Compliance
Officer. Her experience on utilization management and quality committees at
a rural hospital provides her with great insight into the challenges physicians
and other healthcare providers face in providing quality care, with increasing
regulatory demands and decreasing reimbursements. As Director of Education,
Dr. Brooks leads the company's teaching, educational and training initiatives
and programs in healthcare compliance. www.1sthcc.com