Stage 3 EHR incentive meaningful use proposal will affect dentists
A recent proposal for certification requirements for Stage 3 Meaningful Use is meant to address the complexity of the program.
The Stage 3 requirements are just another indication where things are headed regarding EHRs. There are eight main objectives outlined in the proposal with an emphasis on increasing the exchange of patient information and patient safety. These objectives range from increased security for patient information to patient access to health information.
This proposal will have a direct affect on how dentists become certified for Stage 3 Meaningful Use funds. The eight objectives are as follows:
Objective 1: Protect patient health information
Objective 2: Electronic prescribing
Objective 3: Clinical decision support
Objective 4: Computerized provider order entry
Objective 5: Patient electronic access to health information
Objective 6: Coordination of care through patient engagement
Objective 7: Health information exchange
Objective 8: Clinical data registry reporting
This selection of requirements outlined by CMS will have a giant impact on how dentists and other health professionals will secure their Stage 3 Meaningful Use funds moving forward.
Some of these objectives are already covered by some of the more progressive dental software vendors and some with require vendors to enhance or change their programs. With the EHR incentive program it’s always a moving target.
For more about the federal EHR incentive program and how you can benefit, check out this article.
About the author
Mike Uretz is a nationally-recognized dental software and Electronic Health Records (EHR) expert. He is the founder of DentalSoftwareAdvisor.com as well as the Dental EHR Editor for Dental Products Report and conducts a popular podcast on dental software related topics. As a leading industry consultant and educator Uretz has helped both individual and group practices evaluate and select software vendors and solutions, structure and negotiate vendor contracts, and provide vendor management. He also has assisted practices with obtaining subsidy payments through the federal EHR Incentive Program. Mike can be reached at mikeu@dentalsoftwareadvisor.com or 425-434-7102
