EHR "Meaningful Use" Planning

People are responding to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the Economy in a similar fashion. Depending on the newspaper you are reading or TV channel you are watching, the Economy shows signs of recovery and then gloom. The uncertainty is causing people to freeze their assets and take less risk. Similarly, the definition of “meaningful use” seems to change as often. One thing is clear; it will require the use of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) to record and report on whatever elements are defined. We are starting to see two symptoms in the market. One is panic in those organizations that do not have an EHR in their five year vision. The other is demand for experienced resources to complete the work. It is not advisable to rush now as calculated decisions are necessary since time is no longer expendable. For organizations that are better prepared with an EHR, focusing on increasing adoption, scrubbing dictionaries, standardizing documentation, establishing firm clinical change management processes and refining reporting and business intelligence strategies will be key. While the definition of “meaningful use” is important it should not cause healthcare organizations to freeze but rather accelerate the organization's strategic plans. It will be a while before the Government and Software vendors have incorporated all the necessary elements for "meaningful use." In the mean time the time for action is upon us. A quote from Napoleon Hill sums up this state well, “Do not wait; the time will never be "just right." Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”

We will continue to follow the definition of “meaningful use” by the HIT Policy Committee as they refine the criteria. Download our "meaningful use" workbook to guide you through the recommendations and areas where your organization may need to focus. The current workbook includes the latest criteria published in July 09. Check back routinely for updates as the HIT Policy Committee progresses.

Right click on the link below and select "save as" to download the meaningful use planning workbook. Be sure to enable macros to assist with inpatient and outpatient measurement filter and read the instructions in the workbook. Meaningful_Use_Planning_Workbook_V2.xls