Reimbursement - Medical Practice Trends

CMS Meaningful Use Rules, Part 3

July 29, 2010 By Peter Polack 3 Comments

In part 1, we discussed just what is meant by a meaningful user and in part 2 we touched briefly on some of the changes made in the meaningful use rules from the proposed rules to the final rules. Whereas initially there was an 80% threshold that had to be met for pretty much every objective, after much discussion and consideration, CMS agreed that for some of these measures that was too high a bar to jump.

Here is a nice summary of the final rules thresholds for each of the meaningful use objectives and measures. Thanks to Robin Raiford, RN, from the HIMSS Legislation and Regulation Review Task Force, for providing us with this great resource.

It’s too detailed to see clearly on the website so….

RIGHT-CLICK HERE to download the PDF file

E-Book PDF: Download (165.8KB)

CMS Meaningful Use Rules, Part 2

July 22, 2010 By Peter Polack 2 Comments

In part 1, we introduced the different stages of meaningful use criteria as defined by CMS in their final rules, released July 13, 2010. Many practices and hospitals breathed a collective sigh of relief on the one hand, as several criteria had thresholds that were less onerous than were originally proposed. It seems that CMS has been listening.

Thresholds for CPOE and e-Prescribing

For example, as we mentioned earlier, the threshold for meeting criteria for CPOE (computerized physician order entry) is now set at 30%. This means that only 30% of unique patients (not total patient visits) need to have at least one order entered into the electronic medical record system to meet those goals.

Another example is electronically transmitted prescriptions or e-Prescribing. Originally set at 75% of “permissible prescriptions”, this has been dropped to “at least 40%”. This was due in part to objections that (1) some pharmacies are not quite ready to accept e-Prescribing and (2) some patients insist on getting a paper prescription.

Structured Data vs Unstructured Data

Along the subject of prescriptions, an active medication list must be maintained on patients (with the default threshold of at least 80% of unique patients) in the form of “structured data”. Structured data refers to data that can be identified by the EMR system. In other words, [Read more...]

ePrescribing and PQRI: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

March 15, 2010 By Peter Polack 2 Comments

As the time approaches when potential financial incentives for the widespread use of electronic medical records (EMR) finally kick in, there is increasing excitement and anxiety among medical practices. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of confusion.

What is the difference between the financial incentives from the Stimulus Bill and bonuses from ePrescribing or those from PQRI (Physicians Quality Reporting Initiative)?

And what do you need to do to qualify for and then claim these incentives and/or bonuses?
[Read more...]

Study: Current EMRs not good for care coordination

January 7, 2010 By Frank Polack Leave a Comment

One of the goals of meaningful use and all the related federal spending of health IT is for EMRs to improve care coordination. But the current reimbursement system that’s heavy on fee-for-service encourages software developers and users alike to focus on documentation of billable events rather than coordination of care, a new study finds.