By now everyone in the healthcare industry has heard about meaningful use. A lot of hospitals have met the requirements for Stage 1 and are well into planning Stage 2 and how they will meet those requirements. I will be writing a short series on my understanding and opinions of ARRA. It is hard to believe there are hospitals that still do not have an EMR system and have not started attestation, but since I know they exist, I will start at the beginning.

First let's start with learning terms you will be hearing in regards to Meaningful Use.
Attestation - you are saying you can demonstrate meaningful use with your certified EHR.
Certified EHR - a computer software that has been tested and meets standards set by ONC (Office of the National Coordinator) ATCB (Authorized Testing and Certification Body).
EHR - Also known as an EMR, this is an electronic system used to record patient information and stands for Electronic Health Record.

Eligible Provider (EP) - Medicaid states these healthcare providers are EP's:

• Physicians (primarily doctors of medicine and doctor of osteopathy)
• Nurse Practitioners
• Certified nurse - midwife
• Dentist
• Physician Assistant who works at a FQHC (Fully Qualified healthcare center) or RHC (Rural Health Clinic) that is led by a physician assistant

Exclusion - If something doesn't apply to an eligible provider because they don't provide those services to certain age groups or the number is insignificant, the provider can exclude that measure and still meet the MU requirements.

Meaningful Use (MU) - The standard used by providers to report quality measures used in an EHR to improve patient outcomes.

Reporting Period - The timeframe in which an EP demonstrates meaningful use that is comprised of a continuous 90 day period.

Stages: There are 3 stages of Meaningful Use:
Stage 1 focuses on data capturing and sharing
Stage 2 focuses on advanced clinical processes
Stage 3 focuses on improved outcomes

Please join me in my journey as I get up to speed on Meaningful Use...