Meaningful Use

In health care news, particular attention is being paid to the HITECH provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 (ARRA). The ARRA signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009, includes $19.2 billion in provisions for healthcare information technology (health IT).

Key components include standards, certification, funding and incentives, research and development, education and outreach, and privacy and security.

In addition to grants and loans, it is vital for physicians to recognize the incentives (and penalties) through Medicare. Physicians, clinicians, and hospitals who can demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health record (EHR) technology in 2009 or 2010 are eligible for the incentive payments. (There is a “calculator” in the HIMSS website available to HIMSS members. [Medicare Incentive Payment Worksheet Calculator])

• Incentives offered 2011- 2015 for physicians and physicians will see a reduction in their Medicare reimbursements in 2015 if they are not meaningful users of certified EHR technology


• Incentives offered FY11-FY15 for hospitals and hospitals will see a reduction in their Medicare reimbursements in FY15 if they are not meaningful users of certified EHR technology

The race is on to define meaningful use. National Committee for Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS) Hearings on ‘Meaningful Use’ of Health Information Technology were held on April 28-29, 2009. Many organizations testified and/or are publishing recommendations. Here are a few:

• Alliance for Nursing Informatics Statement on ‘Meaningful Use’


• American Health Information Management Association on Determining the Definition of “Meaningful Use”


• American Hospital Association Statement on Meaningful Use


• American Medical Informatics Association Comments to NCVHS Hearings on Meaningful Use


• College of Health Information Management Executives Weighs in on Meaningful Use Definition


• HIMSS Publishes Its Definitions of 'Meaningful Use'