ONC releases new final rule for 2014 Edition of EHR certification

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology released a new final rule for the 2014 Edition electronic health record certification criteria.

CMS introduces final rule, delays meaningful use stage 3 to 2017

The CMS, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that a new ruling changes the meaningful use stage timeline and the definition of certified EHR technology in an effort that allows variety in the use of CEHRT for reporting in 2014.

2 ONC studies show EHR use growth, concerns over meaningful use

Two studies were recently published in the journal Health Affairs and conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology that detailed the increased use of EHRs.

Hospitals that do not attest to stage 2 may see reduced Medicare payments

A University of Michigan study published online in the journal Health Affairs found that the hospitals that do not meet the federally mandated EHR deadline could face millions of dollars in reduced Medicare payments between now and early 2015.

EHR problems prevent providers from attesting to stage 2 meaningful use

IT vendors and health care industry representatives told the Health IT Standards Committee's implementation workgroup that EHR systems certified for use in stage 2 are often incapable of exchanging patient health information with other EHR systems.

CMS timeline disrupted, new ruling proposed

Due to a recently proposed ruling and July statistics, it seems that providers are having difficulties with stage 2 meaningful use attestation.

CMS meaningful use audits are in full swing

Because so many hospitals and physicians are using EHRs and taking advantage of incentives, the CMS is performing audits to ensure that federal money is being spent properly, while independent sources are conducting studies regarding upcoding.

Study reveals lack of interoperability between certified EHR systems

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association indicates that some EHR systems that were certified under stage 2 of meaningful use are not compatible with other EHR software.

How can orthopedic EMR software improve productivity?

Any change in daily office routine can be difficult, but implementing electronic health records can be a challenge like no other.

How to improve human interfacing with EHR software

Despite near universal agreement among healthcare providers that electronic health records are a good idea, as well as the monetary incentive of the CMS' meaningful use program, many providers are having difficulty taking full advantage of EHR software.

ONC publishes EHR interoperability plan

As electronic health records continue to evolve alongside the health care industry's attempts at comprehensive reform, various federal agencies have attempted to codify regulations regarding the interoperability of EHR systems.

Providers could be getting more out of EHR software

For years, healthcare professionals have heard that electronic health records are the wave of the future, but to date, only some providers have realized the potential of EHR software.

First wave of hospitals achieve stage two of meaningful use

Attesting to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' requirements for meaningful use is a process that begins years in advance.

Scope of EHR certification could be narrowed following feedback

The day after the Certification Workshop, a public hearing held to gather feedback on the EHR meaningful use certification program, recommendations have been made that could result in huge changes to the program. 

Study finds EHRs can improve patient care

Electronic health records are more than just a sign of the times changing and technology following suit: EHRs could be key in improving patient care, especially in emergency situations, according to a recent study published in Health Affairs. 

Quality of care and patient privacy rights collide in EHR adoption

Modern Healthcare has reported that a work group assembled by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology's Health IT Policy Committee expects to release recommendations in June regarding how to include behavioral health providers in the industry wide implementation of electronic health records without compromising patient data protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. 

Meaningful use stage 2 still a struggle for hospitals, doctors

The implementation of meaningful use stage 2 at hospitals got off to a rough start, but a couple of hospitals have attested to meeting the requirements of the federal electronic health record incentive program. 

HIMSS group criticizes 2015 meaningful use proposal

After the delay of ICD-10, it seemed as if the health care industry had finally agreed on the usefulness of certain technologies in medical environments.